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 easy to fix patio door lock issues by following a few easy steps. This easy fix is cleaning and lubricating the lock.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are an essential security feature. They need to be strong enough to withstand the elements and keep burglars away. Regular wear and wear, extreme temperatures and dust can cause the door frames, hinges and locking mechanisms to fail. It's important to be proactive and regularly inspect your sliding doors for damage, and make any repairs needed.
The most frequent issue that could affect your patio door locks is the difficulty in locking or unlocking, a stuck latch, and a key that doesn't turn smoothly. Based on the specific issue you're having it may be necessary to tighten screws or adjust the lock mechanism to get it functioning properly again.
If the problem with your patio door lock is that it's stuck in the open position, you can try using a credit card or a screwdriver with a flat head to break it loose. If none of these methods are working, you should contact a professional locksmith who can help you open the lock on your patio door without damaging the frame.
Sliding uPVC patio doors typically come with a mortise lock which includes a handle as well as a cylinder to secure the lock. They are secure, but can bend or break when a slammed patio door. It's a good idea to check the mortise lock and handle for indications of wear, like scratches or bends, before it breaks and you must replace it.
It's an excellent idea to identify the size and position of the current lock by taking a picture using your digital camera. This will help you communicate these details to a vendor when you're looking for a replacement lock. This will ensure that you get the right lock for your door and is compatible with the current mounting setup. You'll have trouble installing a lock that isn't compatible with the hardware you have already. This could lead to more complications in the future.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are the most popular point of entry into the home, making them the most frequent target for burglars. It is therefore essential that the locks on your patio doors are fully functional and up to Police & Insurance standards.
There are a few simple steps you can take to repair a lock that is refusing to cooperate. If you have to re-align the patio door and clean the lock or even replace it, these four basic steps will ensure that your doors are operating properly and providing the security you're looking for.
The first thing you should do is give the lock a thorough clean with some hot soapy water and a damp, clean cloth. You should wipe off any stains or dirt that might have built up on the lock. After you've done that, you can use dry, clean cloths to eliminate any excess moisture and let the lock air-dry before you try to re-insert.
The next step is to make sure that the lock is lubricated. This is particularly important for doors made of uPVC, which can become extremely squeaky over time. Use WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate keyways and internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant ensure that you clean your keys afterward to avoid spreading any grime that might have accumulated on it.
After cleaning and lubricating patio door lock repair , you should test it. Examine if the door moves smoothly inside and out of its frame. Check that the hinges and locking point are properly aligned with the frame. You can see the 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 there are various types of uPVC patio door locks and you may need to replace the lock if it is damaged or broken. For instance, if you have E2011 patio door locks, you'll need to replace them with E2469 or E2487 lock assemblies to ensure that they are safe. These assemblies consist of three parts comprised of an E2014 mortise latch, an escutcheon plates and the lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
For most patio doors, the lock mechanism is situated inside the door, hidden from view. If your key cylinder is wearing out or you simply want to upgrade your lock to increase security, you can purchase a replacement kit from most locksmiths or home improvement stores. The kits range from $10 to $20, and include a tool for opening the lock as well as an additional key cylinder. Follow the instructions included in the kit to disassemble and clean your old lock. Then install the new lock. Depending on how securely the key cylinder fits in the hole in the lock, you may need to adjust it a bit to ensure it is operating properly.
If you want to lubricate your lock, dry graphite powder is a popular and cheap alternative to liquid lubricants that can attract dust and gum up the mechanism. You can purchase it at hardware stores, model train shops, and a few office supply stores. If you choose to use it, make sure the chunk of dry graphite is free of tiny bits of wood stuck to it. You can also purchase a commercial graphite lubricant in spray form. The solvent in the spray disperses when it is applied, leaving behind an uninspiring layer of graphite to lubricate the lock.
You can also lubricate your lock by spraying WD-40 onto the keyway. Push your key in and out several times to spread the lubricant throughout the lock. After some time, try the key once more and see if it turns effortlessly. 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, however, if your sliding door is equipped with an invisible latch or a deadbolt lock the door, the process may be more complex. 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 equipped with a deadbolt, you will need to remove the bolt from the door's edge. Install the new lock after taking out the deadbolt and knob.
Replace the Lock
It's not uncommon for patio doors to fail. They are an important security feature of your home. Debris may get stuck in the mechanism of the lock, or it could simply get worn out over time. A damaged patio door latch can be a major security risk to your home. Regularly checking the locks on your patio doors can help keep them in good condition and allow you to quickly fix any problems.
If you can't fix the problem it's time to replace it. The majority of homeowners can complete this task by themselves. However, it is essential to read the instructions in order to ensure that the new lock is compatible. It's also recommended to bring the old lock with you to the store so that a customer service representative can help you find an alternative.
The first step in replacing a patio door lock is to remove the handle. This can be accomplished by unscrewing the screws which hold the interior handle in place. After the handle has been removed, you can then access the screws that hold the lock body to the jamb of the door.
After removing the screws you can slide out the latch body from the door frame. Secure the latch lever using a graphite pen. It will fall into the frame if it is not secured. The next step is to take the door strike from the jamb. The hole where the lock hook is when the patio door is closed will be revealed. After removing the door strike, you are able to install the new one.
When re-screwing the door strike, it is important to use longer screws as they will be used to fix the frame to the strike. Verify that the new strike is aligned with the opening of the door frame and then tighten them both.
There are a variety of locks for patio doors. The most common is the central rail lock with key operated. These bolt the doors into the frame at various points and when the key is inserted, all points should lock simultaneously. These locks provide a greater level of security than the standard locking systems, and often provide discounts on homeowner's insurance.