Patio Door Locks Repair
Your home's security depends on the locks on your patio door. If they're not functioning properly, it can affect the security of your household and belongings.
Fortunately, a few easy steps can fix issues with your patio door lock and help keep your home safe. This quick fix involves cleaning and lubricating the lock.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are a vital security feature and require a lot of effort to keep burglars and the elements at the door. Regular wear and wear, extreme temperatures and dust can cause the frames, hinges and locking mechanisms to fail. It's important to be proactive and regularly inspect your sliding doors for damage and then make any repairs that are required.
Among the most common problems that may cause problems for your patio door locks is the difficulty locking or unlocking, a sticky latch, or keys that don't move smoothly. Based on the specific issue you're having it may be necessary to tighten screws or adjust the mechanism of the lock in order to get it functioning properly again.
If the issue with your patio door lock is that it is stuck in the open position, you can try using credit card or a flat-head screwdriver to pry it loose. If these options don't work, consider hiring a professional locksmith to help you open the lock without causing damage to the door frame.
Sliding uPVC patio doors usually come with a mortise lock which uses a handle and a cylindrical lock to secure the lock. They are secure but they may break or bend when a closed patio door. It's a good idea to check the mortise lock and handle for signs of wear, like scratches or bends, before it breaks and you must replace it.
It's also a good idea to know the dimensions and position of the current lock by taking a photo with your digital camera. This will enable you to communicate these details to a supplier when you're seeking a replacement lock. This will ensure you're getting a lock that fits your door and is compatible with your current mounting configuration. It's difficult to install a lock that isn't compatible with your existing hardware. That could lead to further issues later on.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are a common entry point into the home which makes them a prime target for burglars. It is therefore vital that your patio door lock is fully functional and meets Police & Insurance Standards.
There are a few easy things you can do to fix a lock that won't cooperate. These four steps will help you to ensure that your patio doors are operating properly and are providing the security you expect.
First, you should clean the lock with hot soapy water using a damp cloth. You'll want to clean away any stains or dirt that may have accumulated on the lock. Once you've done this, you can use a dry cloth to get rid of any excess water and let the lock dry completely before trying to insert it again.
Next, you need to lubricate the lock. This is especially important for doors made of uPVC, which can become extremely squeaky in time. You can apply a spray lubricant like WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate the keyways and internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant to your key, clean it off to avoid spreading any dirt that might have been accumulated.
After cleaning and lubricating your uPVC patio door, make sure you test it. Examine whether the door is sliding into and out of the frame smoothly. Make sure that the hinges and locking points are properly aligned with the frame. You will notice alignment marks along the edges of the door frame. You can easily fix these by re-aligning your doors to the frame.
It's also worth noting that there are different types of uPVC patio door locks available and you might need to replace the lock if the one you have is damaged or broken. If you have E2011 patio doors locks, you will need to replace them to ensure that you are safe by using the E2469 and E2487 lock assemblies. These assemblies consist of three components, including an E2014 mortise lock, an escutcheon, and a lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
For the majority of patio doors, the lock mechanism is in the door, hidden from the view. You can buy an upgrade kit from most locksmiths and home improvement stores if your key cylinder has been damaged or if you're looking to upgrade your lock to provide better security. The kits range from $10 to $20 and include a tool for opening the lock as well as an additional key cylinder. The instructions in the kit will show you how to take apart and clean the old lock. Install the new lock. You may have to adjust the cylinder slightly to ensure proper operation, depending on how tightly it fits into the lock hole in the door frame.
Dry graphite powder is used to lubricate locks. It is an inexpensive and common alternative to liquid lubricants which can draw dust and clog the mechanism. You can purchase it from hardware stores or model train shops, as well as some office supply stores. If you choose to use it, ensure that the chunk of dry graphite is free from tiny bits of wood stuck to it. You can also buy the commercial graphite lubricant available in spray form. The solvent in the spray evaporates once applied, leaving a dry layer of graphite which lubricates the lock.
You can also lubricate your lock by spraying WD-40 in the keyway. Inject your key out several times to spread the lubricant over the lock. After a few moments then turn the key to see if it turns smoothly. If the key is stuck, try again a few days after the WD-40 has dried.
The replacement of your patio door locks is a simple task for most homeowners, however the process could be more complicated if have a sliding door that has an invisible latch and a built-in deadbolt lock. If your patio door is fitted with an invisible latch, it is necessary to remove the decorative interior cover by removing the screws that hold it in place. If your patio door is fitted with deadbolts it will be necessary to take off the bolt. Install the new lock after taking out the deadbolt assembly as well as the knob.
Replace the Lock
It's not common for patio doors to malfunction. They are an important security feature of your home. The debris can get stuck inside the lock mechanism, or it could simply get worn out by age and use. patio door repairs Repair My Windows And Doors broken patio door latch can be a major security risk to your home. Regularly inspecting patio door locks can help keep them in good condition and allow you to quickly solve any issues.
If you find that lubricating the lock doesn't fix the problem, you'll need to replace it. Many homeowners can handle this task themselves. However, it is important to carefully go through the directions to ensure that the new lock is compatible with your existing lock. It's also an excellent idea to bring the old lock to the store so that a customer service representative can help you find an alternative.
The first step in replacing a patio door lock is to remove the handle. This can be accomplished by unscrewing the screws which hold the interior handle in place. Once the handle has been removed, you will be able to remove the screws that hold the lock body in place.
After removing the screws, you can remove the latch body from the door frame. Secure the latch lever using a graphite pen. It will fall into the frame if it isn't secured. The next step is to take the door strike from the jamb. This will reveal the hole the lock hook is inserted into when the patio door is closed. After removing the old door strike, you can screw in the new one.
When re-screwing the door strike, you must be sure to use larger screws since they'll be used to attach the strike to the frame. It is also important to ensure that the new strike is properly aligned with the opening in the door frame. Then ensure that the two are secured.
There are a variety of locks for patio doors. The most commonly used is the central rail key-operated locking system. They lock the door into the frame in multiple points, and when the key is inserted, all of the points must be locked. These locks provide a greater level of security than basic locking systems and can often provide discounts on homeowner's insurance.