Patio Door Locks Repair
The security of your home is dependent on the locks on your patio door. If they're not functioning properly, you put your family and belongings at risk.
A few simple steps can usually fix patio door lock problems and ensure your home is secure. This quick fix involves cleaning and lubricating the lock.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are a vital security feature. They should be capable of surviving the elements and keep burglars out. However, wear and wear, cold and hot weather and dust can take their toll on the door's frames hinges, hinges and locking mechanisms and eventually, they cease to function as they should. It's important to be proactive and regularly inspect your sliding doors for damage and make any repairs needed.
Among the most common problems that may cause problems for your patio door locks is the difficulty in locking or unlocking, a sluggish latch, and keys that don't rotate smoothly. Depending on the specific problem you're experiencing, you may need to tighten screws or adjust the lock mechanism in order to get it functioning 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 credit card or a screwdriver with a flat head to break it loose. If none of these options work, call an expert locksmith who will help you open the lock on your patio door without damaging the frame.
The mortise lock that is used on sliding uPVC patio door is usually an cylinder and handle that secures the lock. They are quite secure, but they could be susceptible to breaking or breaking due to the weight of a slammed door. It's a good idea to examine the mortise lock and handle for indications of wear, such as bends or scratches, before it is broken and you need to replace it.
It's also a good idea to identify the size and position of the current lock by taking a photograph using your digital camera. This will enable you to provide these details to a supplier when you're looking for a replacement lock. This will ensure that you're getting the right lock for your door and is compatible with the current mounting configuration. It will be difficult to install a lock that isn't compatible with the hardware you have already. This could lead to more problems later on.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are the most common entry point into a home, and are therefore a prime target for burglars. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your patio door lock is fully functional and conforms to Police & Insurance Standards.
There are a few easy things you can do to repair a lock that is refusing to cooperate. These four steps will assist you make sure that your patio doors are functioning properly and are providing the security you expect.
You should first clean the lock using hot soapy water and a damp cloth. You will want to remove any dirt or stains that have accumulated on the lock. After that you can use dry cloths to get rid of any moisture and let the lock air-dry before you try to re-insert.
The next step is to lubricate your lock. This is especially crucial for patio doors made of uPVC as they can become extremely noisy with the passage of time. Make use of WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate keyways and internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant ensure that you clean your key afterwards to avoid spreading any dirt that may have gathered on it.
After your uPVC patio doors have been cleaned and lubricated, you should then test them. patio door repair near me if the door slides effortlessly into and out of its frame. Make sure that the hinges and the locking point are properly aligned with the frame. You can see the alignment marks along the edge of the door frame. You can easily correct the alignment issues by re-aligning your doors to the frame.
It's also worth noting that various types of uPVC door locks are available. You may need to replace your lock if it is damaged or broken. For example, if you have E2011 patio door locks, you'll have to replace them with E2469 or E2487 lock assemblies to ensure safe. The assemblies consist of three components, including an E2014 mortise lock, an escutcheon and a lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
For most patio doors, the lock mechanism is located in the door, hidden from view. You can buy replacement kits at many home improvement stores and locksmiths if your key cylinder has been damaged or you want to upgrade your lock to provide better security. These kits cost $10 to $20, and include a tool for opening the lock as well as an extra key cylinder. Follow the directions in your kit for disassembling and cleaning your old lock. Then put in the new one. You may need to adjust the key cylinder slightly to ensure it is operating properly depending on how tight it fits into the lock hole of the door frame.
Dry graphite powder is used to lubricate locks. It is a low-cost and popular alternative to liquid lubricants, which attract dust and clog the mechanism. It is available at hardware stores, model train shops, and some office supply shops. If you choose to use it, make sure the piece of dry graphite is free of tiny bits of wood sticking to it. You can also purchase the commercial graphite lubricant available in spray form. The solvent in the spray disperses when applied, leaving a dry layer of graphite that lubricates the lock.
You can also grease the lock by spraying WD-40 into the keyway. The key should be pushed in and out repeatedly to spread the grease. After a couple of minutes you can turn the key and check if it is turning smoothly. If the key does not turn you can try it again within a few days after the WD-40 has been allowed to dry.
Changing your patio door locks is a simple task for most homeowners, but the process may be more difficult if you have a sliding door with an invisible latch and a deadbolt lock that is built-in. If your patio door comes with an invisible latch, it is necessary to take off the decorative interior cover by unscrewing screws that hold it in place. If your patio door is equipped with deadbolts, it will be necessary 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 unusual for patio doors to fail. They are a crucial security feature of your home. Debris can get lodged inside the mechanism of the lock or it can simply get worn out by the use and age. In either case, a broken patio door latch presents an extremely risk to the security of your property. Regularly inspecting your patio door locks will help to keep them in good working order and let you easily fix any issues that may arise.
If you find that lubricating your lock fails to solve the issue it's time to replace it. Many homeowners can handle this task by themselves. However, it is important to carefully read the instructions in order to ensure that the new lock is compatible. You can also bring your old lock to the store to help find a replacement.
The first step in replacing a patio door lock is to take off the handle. This can be accomplished by unscrewing the screws that hold the handle in place. Once the handle has been removed you will be able to gain access to the screws that hold the lock body in place.
After removing the screws you can remove the latch body from the door frame. Be sure to secure the latch lever with a graphite pencil since it will fall into the frame and get lost if it is not secured. The next step is to remove the door strike. This will reveal the hole the lock hook goes into when the patio door is closed. Once the old door strike has been removed, you can install the new one into place.
When re-screwing a door strike, you must be sure to use longer screws as these will be used to secure the strike to the frame. Verify that the new strike is in alignment with the opening of the door frame and tighten both together.
There are various types of patio door locks, but the most common is a central rail key-operated lock. They bolt the door into the frame in multiple points and, when the key is inserted, all points will be locked. These locks offer a greater level security than basic locking mechanisms and can often result in lower homeowner's insurance premiums.