Patio Door Locks Repair
The security of your home is dependent on the locks that are installed on your patio door. If they don't work properly, you put your family and possessions at risk.
It's simple to fix problems with the patio door lock with a few simple steps. 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 away. Regular wear and wear, extreme temperatures and dust can cause door frames, hinges and locking mechanisms to fail. It's important to be on the lookout and regularly check your sliding doors for damage and make any repairs needed.
The most frequent issue that could affect your patio door locks is the difficulty locking or unlocking, a sticky latch, and a key that doesn't turn smoothly. You may have to adjust the lock mechanism or tighten screws based on the issue you're experiencing.
If the problem with the lock on your patio door is that it is stuck in the open position Try using a credit card or a screwdriver with a flat head to break it out. If these options don't work, you should think about hiring a professional locksmith to help you open the lock without damaging the door frame.
The mortise lock on sliding uPVC patio doors usually has comprised of a handle and a cylinder that is secured by the lock. These locks are secure, but can break or bend when a slammed patio door. It is a good idea to check the mortise lock and handle for signs of wear, for instance scratches or bends, before it is broken and you must replace it.
You could also take a photograph of the lock to determine its size and location. Then, you can provide these details to a supplier in the event that you're looking to purchase the right lock. This will ensure that you get a lock that fits the door and is compatible to the current mounting setup. If not, you'll face difficulties trying to install a lock that's not compatible with the current hardware. This could result in further problems in the future.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are a popular entrance point into homes and are a frequent target for burglars. Therefore, it is essential that your patio door lock is fully functional and conforms 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 ensure that your patio doors are functioning correctly and providing the security you require.
The first thing that you should do is give the lock a thorough clean with some hot soapy water and a damp towel. You should wipe off any dirt or stains that may have accumulated on the lock. After you've done this then you can use a dry cloth to get rid of any excess water and allow the lock to air-dry completely before attempting to insert it again.
The next step is to lubricate the lock. This is particularly crucial for patio doors made of uPVC because they can become extremely noisy with age. Make use of WD40 or petroleum jelly to grease keyways and internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant on your key, clean it off to prevent spreading any dirt that has built up.
Once your uPVC patio doors are cleaned and lubricated, then test them. Observe if the door slides smoothly into and out of its frame. Check that the hinges and the locking point are aligned properly with the frame. You should be able see the alignment marks on the edge of the door frame and you can easily fix them by re-aligning the doors to the frame.
It's also important to note that different types of uPVC door locks are available. You might need to replace the lock if it's damaged or broken. If you have E2011 patio doors locks, you'll have to replace them to ensure that you are secure with E2469 and E2487 lock assembly. The assemblies comprise three parts comprised of an E2014 mortise latch, an escutcheon plate and the lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
For the majority of patio doors, the lock mechanism is situated in the door, hidden from the view. You can buy an upgrade kit from most locksmiths and home improvement stores when your key cylinder is been damaged or if you want to upgrade your lock for greater security. The kits range from $10 to $20 and include a tool for opening the lock and an additional cylinder. Follow the instructions included in your kit for disassembling and cleaning the old lock, and then install the new one. You may need to adjust the cylinder of your key slightly to ensure it is operating properly, depending on how tightly it fits into the lock hole in the door frame.
Dry graphite powder is used to lubricate locks. It is a cheap and popular alternative to liquid lubricants which attract dust and gum the mechanism. It is available at hardware stores or model train shops as well as some office supply stores. If you decide to use it, make sure that the graphite chunk is devoid of any wood particles. You can also purchase commercial graphite spray. The solvent in the spray disperses when it is applied, leaving a dry layer of graphite to lubricate the lock.
You can also lubricate your lock by spraying WD-40 onto the keyway. Inject your key out several times to spread the lubricant across the lock. After a few seconds, turn the key to check if it is turning smoothly. If your key still sticks then try the lock again a few days later when the WD-40 has been allowed to dry.
Change the locks on your patio door is a simple project for the majority of homeowners, however the process may be more complicated if you have a sliding door that has an invisible latch and built-in deadbolt lock. If your patio door is fitted with an invisible latch, it is required to remove the decorative interior cover by removing the screws that secure it. If your patio door is fitted with a deadbolt it is required to remove the bolt. After you have removed the knob and the deadbolt assembly, you can put in the new lock.
Replace the Lock
It's not common for patio doors to malfunction. They are a crucial security feature of your home. The debris can get stuck inside the mechanism of the lock or it can simply get worn out by the passage of time and use. A damaged or broken patio door latch could pose an extremely dangerous security risk to your home. Regularly inspecting your patio door locks will keep them in good working order and let you easily solve any issues that occur.
If you can't solve the issue then you'll have to replace it. Many homeowners can handle this task themselves. However, it's crucial to carefully read the directions to ensure that your 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 so that a customer service representative can guide you towards an alternative.
To replace the handle on a patio door remove the handle. This can be accomplished by unscrewing the screws which hold the interior handle in place. After patio doors repair near me is removed, you are able to remove the screws that secure 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. Make sure you secure the latch lever with the help of a graphite pencil because it will be thrown into the frame and get lost if not secured. The next step is to remove the door strike. This will reveal the hole the lock hook fits into when the patio door is closed. After you have removed the old door strike, you can screw in the new one.
It is essential to use longer screws when re-screwing the door strike. They are used to secure it to the frame. You should also check that the new strike is aligned correctly with the opening in the door frame. Then ensure that the two are secured.
There are various types of patio door locks The most popular is a central rail lock that is operated by a key. These bolt the doors into the frame at several points, and once the key is inserted, all of the points should lock at once. These locks offer a greater level of security than the standard locking mechanisms, and often result in lower homeowner's insurance premiums.