Patio Door Locks Repair
The locks on your patio doors are an an integral part of your home's security. When they aren't working properly, it can affect the security of your family and possessions.
It's simple to fix problems with the patio door lock with a few simple steps. This simple fix involves cleaning and lubricating the lock.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are a crucial security feature and they need to work efficiently to keep burglars and the elements at away. Regular wear and wear, extreme temperatures and dust can cause door frames, hinges and locking mechanisms to fail. It is recommended to be proactive in dealing with these issues and regularly check your sliding door locks for signs of damage and to make necessary repairs.
The most frequent problems with patio door locks are difficulties locking or unlocking them, a latch that is stuck, and keys that don't turn smoothly. You may need to adjust the lock mechanism or tighten screws according to the issue you're experiencing.
If your patio door lock is stuck in the open position and you cannot get it out try using a flat-head or credit card. If these methods don't work, you should think about calling a professional locksmith to help you open the lock without damaging the door frame.
The mortise lock for sliding uPVC patio doors is typically comprised of a handle and a cylinder that secures the lock. The locks are safe but they may bend or break when a open patio door that is slammed. It is recommended to examine the mortise lock and handle for signs of wear, for instance bends or scratches, before it breaks and you must replace it.
You could also take a photograph of the lock to determine its size and position. You can then give the details to a dealer if you are looking for an alternative lock. This will ensure you're getting an appropriate lock that will fit your door and is compatible with your current mounting configuration. If not, you'll face difficulties trying to install a lock that isn't compatible with the current hardware. This could lead to more problems later on.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are the most common entry point into a home and therefore 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 you can follow to deal with a lock that is refusing to cooperate. Whether you need to realign the patio door and clean the lock or even replace it, these four simple steps will ensure that your doors are operating correctly and offering the security you'd like to have.
You should first clean the lock with hot soapy water using a damp cloth. You'll want to clean away any dirt or stains that may have accumulated on the lock. After this you can use a dry cloth to get rid of any excess water and allow the lock to dry completely before attempting to re-insert it.
Next, you should be sure to lubricate your lock. This is particularly important for uPVC doors that tend to become very squeaky in time. You can apply a spray lubricant such as WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate keyways and internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant to your key, wipe it off to avoid spreading any dirt that has built up.
After cleaning and lubricating your uPVC patio door, make sure you test it. Check to see if the door is moving into and out of the frame with ease. Also, ensure that the hinges and locking points are aligned correctly with the frame of the door. You should be able to see the alignment marks on the edge of your door's frame, and you can easily correct them by re-aligning your doors to the frame.
It's also worth noting that different types of uPVC door locks are available. It is possible to replace your lock if it's damaged or broken. If you own E2011 patio door locks, you will need to replace them to ensure that you are safe by using the E2469 and E2487 lock assembly. The assemblies comprise three parts: an E2014 mortise latch, an escutcheon plates and the lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
For most patio doors the lock mechanism is in the door, hidden from view. You can purchase an upgrade kit from most home improvement stores and locksmiths when your key cylinder is worn out 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 extra key cylinder. Follow the instructions in your kit to disassemble and clean your old lock. Then install the new lock. Depending on how tightly the key cylinder fits into the lock hole it is possible to adjust it slightly for proper operation.
Dry graphite powder can be used to lubricate locks. It is a cheap and widely used alternative to liquid lubricants which attract dust and gum the mechanism. It is available at hardware stores, model train shops, and some office supply shops. If you decide to use it, make sure that the graphite chunk is devoid of wood particles. You can also purchase commercial graphite spray. The solvent in the spray evaporates once it is applied, leaving a dry layer of graphite to lubricate the lock.
You can also add lubrication to your lock by putting a few sprays of WD-40 directly into the keyway. The key should be pushed in and out repeatedly to spread the lubricant. After a few minutes, try the key again and check whether it turns easily. 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 is equipped with an invisible latch or deadbolt lock the door, the process might be more complicated. If your patio door is fitted with an invisible latch, it's necessary to take off the decorative interior cover by unscrewing screws that secure it. If your patio door is equipped with deadbolts, it will be necessary to take off the bolt. After you have removed the deadbolt and the knob assembly, you can put in the new lock.
Replace the Lock
Patio doors are a crucial part of your home's security and it's common for them to malfunction from time to time. 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 a serious security threat to your home. A regular inspection of the patio door locks can help keep them in good shape and let you swiftly fix any problems.
If the lubrication of your lock doesn't solve the issue then it's time to replace it. This is an easy task that most homeowners can complete themselves, however, it is important to follow the instructions to ensure that the new lock will work with your current system. You can also bring your old lock to the store to help you locate the right replacement.
The first step to replace the patio door lock is to take off the handle. This can be done by removing screws that secure the handle. After the handle is removed, you will be able to access the screws that hold the lock body to the door jamb.
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 frame if not secured. The next step is to take the door strike from the jamb. The hole in which the lock hook is when the patio door is closed will be revealed. Once the door strike is removed, you can install the new one into place.
When RepairMyWindowsAndDoors -screwing the door strike, you must be sure to use screws that are longer as they'll be used to fix the strike to the frame. Check that the new strike is aligned with opening of the door frame, and then tighten both of them.
There are different types of locks for patio doors, but the most common is a central rail key-operated lock. They secure the door to the frame at multiple points, and when the key is inserted, all points must be locked. These locks offer a greater level of security than standard locking mechanisms and can often result in lower homeowner's insurance premiums.