Patio Door Locks Repair
The locks on your patio doors are essential to your home's security. If they don't work properly, you put your family's and possessions at risk.
It's simple to fix patio door lock issues by following a few easy steps. This easy fix is to lubricate and cleaning the lock.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are a vital security feature. They need to be capable of surviving the elements and keep burglars away. However, regular wear and wear, cold and hot weather dust, and other elements can affect the door's frames, hinges, and locking mechanisms. This can eventually, they cease to function as they should. It is best to be proactive in dealing with these issues and regularly inspect your sliding door locks for signs of damage and to repair the damage if needed.
The most frequent problems with patio door locks is difficulty locking or unlocking them, a stuck latch and keys that do not rotate smoothly. Depending on the particular problem you're experiencing, you may need to tighten screws or adjust the mechanism of the lock to get it working again.
If the problem with the lock on your patio door is that it is stuck in the open position, you can try using credit card or a screwdriver with a flat-head to get it open. If neither of these solutions are working, you should contact an expert locksmith who will assist you in opening the patio door lock without causing damage to the frame.
The mortise lock on sliding uPVC patio doors usually has a handle and a cylinder that secures the lock. These locks are fairly secure, but they can be prone to bending or breaking due to the weight of a door that is slammed. It's a good idea to examine the mortise lock and handle for signs of wear, for instance bends or scratches, before it breaks and you have to replace it.
It's also a good idea to know the dimensions and location of the existing lock by taking a photograph using your digital camera. This will enable you to communicate these details to the supplier when you're looking for a replacement lock. This will ensure you're getting a lock that fits your door and is compatible with your current mounting setup. Otherwise, you'll have difficulties installing a new lock that isn't compatible with the existing hardware. This could cause further issues later on.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are a common entry point into the home, making them a prime target for burglars. Therefore, it is essential that your patio door lock is functional and complies with Police & Insurance Standards.
Fortunately, there are some simple steps that you can take to resolve a lock that is refusing to cooperate. It doesn't matter if you want to adjust the patio door and clean the lock or even replace it, these four simple steps will ensure that your doors are functioning properly and providing the level of security you'd like to have.
First, you should clean the lock with hot soapy water and a damp cloth. You will want to remove any dirt or stains that have accumulated on the lock. Once you've done this then you can use a dry cloth to remove any excess water and let the lock dry completely before attempting to insert it again.
The next step is to be sure to lubricate your lock. This is especially important for patio doors made of uPVC because they can become very squeaky as they age. You can apply a spray oil lubricant, such as WD40 or petroleum jelly to smooth the keyways and internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant on your key, clean it off to prevent spreading any dirt that may have accumulated.
After cleaning and lubricating your uPVC patio door, make sure you test it. Check if the door slides effortlessly into and out of its frame. Make sure that the hinges and locking point are properly aligned with the frame. You should be able to see the alignment marks on the edge of the door frame and you can fix them by re-aligning the doors to the frame.
It's also worth noting that there are various types of uPVC patio door locks and you may need to replace the lock if it is damaged or broken. For example, if you have E2011 patio door locks, you'll need to replace them with E2469 or E2487 lock assemblies to be secure. The assemblies consist of three components, which include an E2014 mortise lock, an escutcheon and a lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
The mechanism that locks most patio doors is hidden inside the door. If your key cylinder is wearing out or you want to upgrade your lock to ensure greater security, you can buy the replacement kit at most home improvement stores or locksmiths. These kits cost $10 to $20 and include tools for opening the lock as well as a spare cylinder. Follow the instructions included in your kit for disassembling and cleaning the old lock, and then put in the new one. Depending on how tight the key cylinder fits into the hole in the lock, you may need to adjust it a bit to ensure proper operation.
Dry graphite powder is used to lubricate locks. It is a low-cost and widely used alternative to liquid lubricants which draw dust and clog the mechanism. It is available at hardware stores, model train shops, and some office supply shops. If you decide to purchase it, make sure the graphite chunk is devoid of any wood particles. You can also buy a commercial graphite lubricant in spray form. The solvent in the spray disperses when it is applied, leaving behind a dry layer of graphite which lubricates the lock.
You can also lubricate the lock by spraying WD-40 in the keyway. Push your key in-and-out several times to distribute the grease. After some time, try the key again and check whether it turns effortlessly. If the key is stuck, try it again a few days after the WD-40 has dried.
Many homeowners can easily alter their patio door locks but if your sliding door has an invisible latch or deadbolt lock that is built-in the door, the process might be more complicated. If your patio door is equipped with an invisible latch, it's required to remove the decorative interior cover by unscrewing screws that hold it in place. If your patio door comes with deadbolts, it will be required to remove the bolt. After removing the deadbolt and the knob assembly, you can install the new lock.
Replace the Lock
It's not unusual for patio doors to fail. They are a crucial security feature for your home. Debris may get stuck within the lock mechanism or it could simply wear out over the course of time. A damaged patio door latch could pose an extremely dangerous security risk to your home. Conducting regular inspections of your patio door locks will help to keep them in good shape and will allow you to correct any issues that arise.
If you find that lubricating the lock doesn't solve the issue it's time to replace it. The majority of homeowners can complete this task by themselves. However, it's crucial to carefully go through the directions to ensure that your new lock is compatible with the old lock. You can also bring your old lock to the store to help you locate an alternative.
patio doors repair near me RepairMyWindowsAndDoors to replace the patio door lock is to remove the handle. This can be done by unscrewing screws that keep the handle in place. After the handle is removed, you are able to access the screws that hold the lock body to the jamb of the door.
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 not secured. The next step is to remove the door strike from the jamb. This will reveal the hole the lock hook goes into when the patio door is closed. After removing the old door strike, you are able to put the new one in.
When re-screwing a door strike, you must be sure to use longer screws as they'll be used to attach the frame to the strike. Also, make sure that the new strike is aligned properly with the opening in the door frame, and ensure that the two are secured.
There are various types of locks for patio doors The most popular is the central rail key-operated lock. These locks bolt the doors into the frame at multiple points, and once a key is inserted all points must lock simultaneously. These locks offer a higher level of security than standard locking systems, and often earn you discounts on your homeowner's insurance.