Patio Door Locks Repair
Your home's security depends on the locks on your patio door. If they're not functioning properly, you can put your family and possessions at risk.
It's easy to fix patio door lock issues by following a few easy steps. This fast fix involves lubricating and cleaning the lock.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are a vital security feature. They need to be strong enough to withstand the elements and keep burglars at bay. Regular wear and wear, extreme temperatures and dust can cause the frames, hinges and locking mechanisms to fail. It is best to be proactive in addressing 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 can affect your patio door locks is difficulty locking or unlocking, a sticky latch, or a key that doesn't turn smoothly. Based on the specific issue you're having, you may need to tighten screws or adjust the mechanism of the lock to get it working properly again.
If the issue with the lock on your patio door is that it is stuck in the open position You can try using the credit card or screwdriver with a flat-head to get it open. If none of these methods work, call a professional locksmith who can help you open the door lock without damaging the frame.
Sliding uPVC patio doors usually come with a mortise lock that utilizes a handle and cylindrical lock to secure the lock. These locks are secure however they can be damaged or bent in the force of a slammed patio door. 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 location. You can then provide these details to a vendor in the event that you're looking to purchase an alternative lock. This will ensure you're getting an appropriate lock that will fit your door and is compatible with the current mounting setup. Otherwise, you'll have an issue trying to install a lock that isn't compatible with the existing hardware. That could lead to further problems later on.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are the most common point of entry into the home, and are therefore the most frequent target for burglars. It is therefore essential that your patio door locks are secure and up to Police & Insurance standards.
There are a few simple steps you can take to fix a lock that won't cooperate. Whether you need to realign the patio door or clean the lock, or even replace it, these four simple steps will ensure that your doors are functioning correctly and provide the level of security that you expect.
The first thing that you should do is give the lock a good clean using hot soapy water and a damp cloth. You'll want to clean away any stains or dirt that might have built up 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.
Next, you need to lubricate the lock. This is particularly important for doors made of uPVC, which tend to become very squeaky in time. Make use of WD40 or petroleum jelly to grease keyways and internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant to your key, clean it off to avoid spreading any dirt that might have been accumulated.
Once sliding patio door repair have been cleaned and lubricated, then test them. Examine if the door moves smoothly inside and out of its frame. Also, ensure that the hinges and locking points are aligned properly with the frame of the door. You will notice alignment marks along the edges of the door frame. You can easily correct the problem by re-aligning the doors with the frame.
It's also important to note that there are different kinds of uPVC door locks are available. It is possible to replace the lock if it's 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, including an E2014 mortise lock, an escutcheon and a lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
The lock mechanism for the majority of patio doors is concealed within the door. If your key cylinder is worn out or you simply want to upgrade the lock for greater security, you can purchase the replacement kit at most locksmiths or home improvement stores. These kits cost between $10 and $20 and include a tool for opening the lock as well as a spare cylinder. The instructions included in the kit will explain how to disassemble and clean your old lock. Install the new lock. Depending on how tightly the key cylinder fits into the lock hole, you may need to adjust it slightly to ensure proper operation.
Dry graphite powder is used to lubricate locks. It is a cheap and widely used alternative to liquid lubricants which draw dust and clog the mechanism. It can be purchased from hardware stores or model train shops as well as some office supply stores. If you decide to use it, make sure the graphite chunk is free of any wood particles. You can also purchase an industrial graphite lubricant that is available in spray form. The solvent in the spray evaporates when it is applied, leaving an uninspiring layer of graphite that lubricates the lock.
You can also apply lubrication to your lock by applying a few sprays of WD-40 directly into the keyway. Push your key in and out several times to spread the lubricant over the lock. After some time, try the key again and check if it turns effortlessly. If the key is stuck, try 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 built in, the process could be more difficult. If your patio door is equipped with an invisible latch, it will be necessary to remove the decorative interior cover by removing the 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 put in the new lock.
Replace the Lock
It's not unusual for patio doors to malfunction. They are a crucial security feature for your home. Debris can get lodged inside the lock mechanism, or it could simply wear out with the passage of time and use. A broken patio door latch can pose an extremely dangerous security risk to your home. Regularly checking the locks on your patio doors will help ensure they are in good condition and allow you to quickly fix any problems.
If you find that lubricating the lock doesn't solve the issue then you'll have to replace it. This is an easy task that most homeowners can handle themselves, however, it's important to carefully follow the directions to ensure that the new lock will work with your existing system. It's also a good idea to take the lock you have previously used to the store to ensure that a customer service representative can guide you towards an alternative.
The first step to replace the lock on a patio door is to remove the handle. You can do this by unscrewing the screws which keep the handle's interior in place. After the handle is removed, you can then gain access to the screws that connect the lock body to the door jamb.
After the screws have been removed after which you can lift the latch lever out of the door frame. Be sure to fix the lever using the help of a graphite pencil because it will slide into the frame and become lost if it is 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 closes will be exposed. After removing the door strike, you are able to install the new one.
It is important to use longer screws when replacing the door strike. These will be used to secure it to the frame. Verify that the new strike is in alignment with the opening of the door frame and tighten both together.
There are different types of patio door locks The most popular is a central rail key-operated lock. These bolt the doors into the frame at several points, and once a key is inserted all points must lock simultaneously. These locks offer a higher level of security than basic locking systems and can often result in discounts on homeowner's insurance.