The Advanced Guide To Patio Door Locks Repair
Patio Door Locks Repair
Your home's security depends on the locks that are installed on your patio door. If they're not functioning properly, you put your family's and possessions at risk.
A few simple steps can fix patio door lock problems and ensure your home is secure. This quick fix involves cleaning and lubricating the lock.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are an essential security feature. They should be able to withstand the elements and keep burglars away. However, regular wear and tear, hot and cold weather, and dust can affect the door frames, hinges, and locking mechanisms. This can eventually cause them to stop functioning as they should. It is crucial to be on the lookout and regularly check your sliding doors for damage and then make any repairs that are required.
The most frequent issue that could affect your patio door locks is the difficulty locking or unlocking, a sticky latch, or a key that doesn't turn smoothly. Depending on the particular issue, you may need to tighten screws or adjust the lock mechanism to get it working properly again.
If the problem with the lock on your patio door is that it's stuck in the open position You can try using the credit card or screwdriver with a flat-head to get it loose. If neither of these solutions work, contact a professional locksmith who can help you open the patio door lock without causing damage to the frame.
The mortise lock that is used on sliding uPVC patio doors usually has comprised of a handle and a cylinder that secures the lock. These locks are secure however they can break or bend in the force of a open patio door that is slammed. It is a good idea to inspect the mortise lock and handle for indications of wear, such as scratches or bends before it breaks and you must replace it.
You can also snap a picture of the lock to determine its size and position. This will allow you to communicate these details to the supplier when you're seeking a replacement lock. This will ensure that you receive the right lock for your door and is compatible to the mounting configuration that's currently in place. Otherwise, you'll have a difficult time trying to install a lock that's not compatible with the hardware you have. This could cause further problems later on.
Clean the Lock
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Patio doors are an incredibly common entry point into the home and are a frequent target for burglars. It is therefore vital to ensure that your patio door lock is functional and complies with Police & Insurance Standards.
Fortunately, there are easy steps you can follow to handle locks that are refusing to cooperate. These four steps will help you ensure that your patio doors are operating correctly and providing the security you need.
It is recommended to first clean the lock using hot soapy water using a damp cloth. You'll need to get rid of any dirt or stains which have been accumulating on the lock. After you've done that you can use dry, clean cloths to remove any excess moisture and let the lock air dry before attempting to re-insert it.
The next step is to make sure that your lock is lubricated. This is particularly crucial for doors made of uPVC that can become extremely squeaky over time. You can apply a spray lubricant such as WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate the keyways and internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant on your key, wipe it off to avoid redistributing any dirt that may have accumulated.
Once your uPVC patio doors have been cleaned and lubricated, you should then test them. Observe if the door slides smoothly inside and out of its frame. Make sure that the hinges and locking points are aligned properly with the frame. You will notice alignment marks along the edge of the door frame. It is easy to fix the alignment issues by re-aligning your doors to the frame.
It's also worth noting that different types of uPVC door locks are available. You may need to replace your lock if it's damaged or broken. If you have E2011 patio doors locks, you'll have to replace them to be safe with E2469 and E2487 lock assembly. These assemblies consist of three components, including an E2014 mortise lock, escutcheon and a lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
The lock mechanism for most patio doors is hidden within the door. If the key cylinder wears out or you wish to upgrade your lock to ensure greater security, you can purchase an upgrade kit from many home improvement stores or locksmiths. These kits cost between $10 and $20, and include a tool for opening the lock as well as an extra key cylinder. The instructions in the kit will tell you how to disassemble and clean the old lock. Install the new lock. Depending on how tightly top article fits in the hole of the lock it is possible to adjust it a bit to ensure proper operation.
If you want to grease your lock, dry graphite powder is a popular and affordable alternative to liquid lubricants that can cause dust to build up and damage the mechanism. It is available at hardware stores, model trains shops, and a few offices supply stores. If you decide to purchase it, make sure that the graphite chunk is devoid of wood particles. You can also buy a commercial graphite lubricant in spray form. When applied, the solvent in the spray evaporates, leaving a layer of dry graphite that locks without attracting dust or collecting moisture.
You can also lubricate your lock by applying a few sprays of WD-40 directly into the keyway. Inject your key out several times to spread the lubricant across the lock. After a few moments, turn the key to see if it turns smoothly. If your key is still stuck, try it again a few days after the WD-40 has dried.
Many homeowners can easily alter their patio door locks, but if the sliding door is equipped with an invisible latch or a deadbolt lock the door, the process may be more complex. If your patio door comes with an invisible latch, it will be required to remove the decorative interior cover by taking off the screws that secure it. If your patio door is fitted with deadbolts, it will be necessary to remove the bolt. Install the new lock after taking out the deadbolt and knob.
Replace the Lock
Patio doors are a crucial component of the security of your home and it's normal for them to occasionally malfunction. There are times when debris can get stuck in the mechanism of the lock, or it could simply wear out over the course of time. A damaged patio door latch can be a serious security threat to your home. Regularly inspecting your patio door locks can help keep them in good condition and will allow you to solve any issues that occur.
If you can't fix the problem then you'll have to replace it. The majority of homeowners can complete this task on their own. However, it is essential to read the instructions in order to ensure that the new lock is compatible with the old lock. It's also an excellent idea to bring the old lock with you to the store to ensure that a customer support representative can help you find a replacement.
The first step in replacing the patio door lock is to take off the handle. This can be accomplished by unscrewing screws that secure the handle. After the handle is removed it will be possible to access the screws holding the lock body in place.
Once the screws are removed after which you can slide the latch body out of the door frame. Make sure you secure the latch lever with a graphite pencil as it could fall into the frame and get lost if not secured. The next step is to take the door strike from the jamb. The hole in which the lock hook is located when the patio door is closed will be revealed. After the old door strike has been removed, you can put the new one in.
When you are re-screwing the door strike, it is important to use longer screws as they'll be used to fix the strike to the frame. Check that the new strike is in alignment with the opening of the door frame, and tighten both together.
There are a variety of locks for patio doors. The most commonly used is the central rail lock with key operated. They bolt the door into the frame in multiple places and, once the key is inserted, all of the points will be locked. These locks provide a higher level of security than the standard locking systems and may earn you discounts on your homeowner's insurance.