Patio Door Locks Repair
Your home's security depends on the locks you have on your patio door. If they're not working properly, you put your family and possessions at risk.
A few simple steps will usually solve patio door lock problems and keep your home secure. This quick fix is lubricating and cleaning the lock.
Check the lock
Patio doors are a vital security feature. They need to be able to withstand the elements and keep burglars out. Wear and wear, extreme temperatures and dust can cause door frames, hinges and locking mechanisms to fail. It's best to be proactive in fixing these issues and to regularly check your sliding door locks for signs of damage and to make the necessary repairs.
The most frequent issue that could affect your patio door locks is the difficulty locking or unlocking, a sluggish latch, or a key that doesn't turn smoothly. You may need to adjust the mechanism of your lock or tighten screws depending on the issue you are experiencing.
If your patio door lock is stuck in an open position and you're unable to get it out Try using a flat head or credit card. If none of these options are working, you should contact a professional locksmith who will help you open the lock on your patio door without causing damage to the frame.
Sliding uPVC patio doors are usually fitted with a mortise lock that uses a handle and a locking cylinder to secure the lock. The locks are relatively secure, but they could be susceptible to bend or breaking under the weight of a door that has been slammed. It is important to check the mortise locks and handles for signs of wear such as scratches or bends before they break and you have to replace them.
You can also take a photo of the lock to determine its size and position. Then, you can provide these details to a supplier in the event that you're looking to purchase the right lock. This will ensure you get an appropriate lock that is compatible with the door and is compatible to the existing mounting setup. If not, you'll face difficulties trying to install a new lock that isn't compatible with the current hardware. This could cause additional problems in the future.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are a common entrance point into homes and are a frequent target for burglars. Therefore, it's essential that the locks on your patio doors are secure and up to Police & Insurance standards.
There are some simple steps you can take to fix a lock that won't cooperate. These four steps will assist you to make sure that your patio doors are working correctly and providing the security you require.
It is recommended to first clean the lock using hot soapy water and a damp cloth. You want to wipe away any stains or dirt that may have accumulated on the lock. After this then you can use a dry, clean cloth to remove any excess water and let the lock dry completely before attempting to insert it again.
The next step is to make sure that the lock is lubricated. This is especially important for patio doors made of uPVC, as they can get extremely noisy with age. Spray lubricant such as WD40 or petroleum jelly to smooth the keyways and internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant on your key, wipe it off to avoid spreading any dirt that might have accumulated.
After cleaning and lubricating your uPVC patio door, make sure you test it. Check to see if the door is moving in and out of the frame without a hitch. Also, make sure that the hinges and locking points are aligned properly with the frame of the door. You will notice alignment marks along the edge of the frame. You can easily fix these by re-aligning your doors with the frame.
It's also worth noting that various types of uPVC door locks are available. You might need to replace the lock if it's damaged or broken. For instance, if you have E2011 patio door locks, you'll need to replace them with E2469 or E2487 lock assemblies to ensure that they are safe. These assemblies consist of three parts comprising an E2014 mortise latch, an escutcheon plates and the lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
For most patio doors the lock mechanism is inside the door, hidden from view. If your key cylinder is wearing out or you want to upgrade the lock to increase security, you can purchase a replacement kit from most home improvement stores or locksmiths. These kits cost $10 to $20 and include a tool for opening the lock as well as an additional cylinder. The instructions included in the kit will show you how to take apart and clean your old lock. Install the new lock. Depending on how securely the key cylinder fits in the hole of the lock it is possible to adjust it a bit to ensure it is operating properly.
If you want to lubricate your lock dry graphite powder is an easy and affordable alternative to liquid lubricants that can attract dust and gum up the mechanism. sliding patio door repair can purchase it at hardware stores, model trains shops, and a few offices supply stores. If you choose to use it, make sure the graphite chunk is devoid of any wood particles. You can also buy a commercial graphite lubricant in spray form. After application, the solvent in the spray evaporates, leaving behind a layer of dry graphite that lubricates the lock without attracting dust or accumulating moisture.
You can also grease the lock by spraying WD-40 into the keyway. Then, push your key in and out several times to spread the lubricant over the lock. After a few minutes, try the key again and see if it turns easily. If your key still sticks, try the lock again after a few days, when the WD-40 has had time to dry.
Many homeowners can easily alter their patio door locks, but if the sliding door is equipped with an invisible latch or a deadbolt lock built in the door, the process might be more complex. If your patio door is equipped with an invisible latch, it's necessary to remove the decorative interior cover by unscrewing screws that secure it. If your patio door is equipped with a deadbolt, you'll need to remove the bolt from the edge of the door. Install the new lock after taking out the deadbolt assembly as well as the knob.
Replace the Lock
Patio doors are an important part of your home's security and it's common for them to malfunction from time to time. There are times when debris can get stuck in the lock mechanism, or it may get worn out over time. A damaged patio door latch can pose an extremely dangerous security risk to your home. Regularly inspecting your patio door locks can help keep them in good condition and let you easily correct any issues that arise.
If you find that lubricating your lock fails to solve the problem then it's time to replace it. The majority of homeowners can complete this task themselves. However, it is important to carefully go through the directions to ensure that the new lock is compatible with the old lock. It's also a good idea to take the lock you have previously used to the store to ensure that a customer support representative can guide you towards the right replacement.
To replace a patio door handle remove the handle. This can be accomplished by unscrewing screws that keep the handle in place. Once the handle has been removed, you will be able to remove the screws that hold the lock body in place.
Once the screws are removed, you can lift the latch lever out of the door frame. Be sure to secure the latch lever with the help of a graphite pencil because it will slide into the frame and be lost if not secured. The next step is to remove the door strike. This will reveal the hole the lock hook is inserted into when the patio door is closed. After you have removed the old door strike, it is possible to screw in the new one.
It is crucial to use larger screws when replacing the door strike. They are used to attach it to the frame. Make sure that the new strike is aligned with the opening of the door frame and then tighten both of them.
There are a variety of locks for patio doors The most popular is a central rail lock that is operated by a key. They bolt the door into the frame in multiple points and, when the key is inserted, all of the points should lock. These locks provide a higher level of security than standard locking systems and can often provide discounts on your homeowner's insurance.