Patio Door Locks Repair
The security of your home is dependent on the locks that are installed on your patio door. When they aren't working correctly, it could compromise the safety of your family and possessions.
It's simple to solve the problem of a patio door lock with a few simple steps. This quick fix is lubricating and cleaning the lock.
Check the lock
Patio doors are an essential security feature. They must be able to withstand the elements and keep burglars out. However, wear and tear, cold and hot weather and dust can cause damage to the door frames, hinges, and locking mechanisms. This can eventually, they stop functioning as they ought to. It is best to take a proactive approach in fixing these issues and to regularly inspect your sliding door locks for indications of damage and make necessary repairs.
One of the most frequent issues that could affect your patio door locks is the difficulty in locking or unlocking, a stuck latch, or keys that don't rotate smoothly. Depending on the particular issue you're having it may be necessary to tighten screws or adjust the mechanism of the lock to get it functioning properly again.
If the issue with your patio door lock is that it is stuck in the open position Try using a credit card or a screwdriver with a flat head to break it loose. If these options don't work, you should think about hiring a professional locksmith to assist you in opening the lock without damaging the door frame.
The mortise lock that is used on sliding uPVC patio doors is typically a handle and a cylinder that is secured by the lock. They are quite safe, but they may be susceptible to breaking or breaking under the pressure of a slammed door. You should inspect the mortise locks and handles for signs of wear such as scratches or bends before they break and you need to replace them.
You could also take a photograph of the lock to determine its size and location. This will allow you to convey these details to a supplier when you're searching for a new lock. This will ensure you get a lock that fits the door and is compatible to the mounting configuration that's currently in place. If not, you'll face a difficult time installing a new lock that isn't compatible with the hardware you have. That could lead to further complications down the line.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are an incredibly common entry point into the home and are a frequent target for burglars. As such, it's crucial that the locks on your patio doors are fully functional and up to Police & Insurance standards.
There are fortunately simple steps you can follow to deal with locks that are refusing to cooperate. These four steps will allow you make sure that your patio doors are working correctly and providing the security you require.
The first thing you should do is give the lock a good clean with some hot soapy water and a damp towel. You want to wipe away any stains or dirt that may have accumulated 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.
Then, you must lubricate the lock. This is particularly important for uPVC doors that can become extremely squeaky over time. You can use a spray lubricant like WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate keyways and internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant to your key, clean it off to avoid spreading any dirt that has built up.
After cleaning and lubricating your uPVC patio door, you should test it. Observe if the door slides smoothly inside and out of its frame. Make sure the hinges and locking points are aligned properly with the frame. You should be able see the alignment marks on the edges of the door frame and you can easily correct them by re-aligning your doors with the frame.
It's also important to note that there are different kinds of uPVC door locks are available. You might need to replace the lock if it's damaged or broken. For instance, if your have E2011 patio door locks, you'll have to replace them with E2469 or E2487 lock assemblies to ensure that they are secure. The assemblies consist of three parts, including an E2014 mortise lock, an escutcheon and a lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
The mechanism of the lock for most patio doors is hidden within the door. If your key cylinder is worn out or you want to upgrade the lock to ensure greater security, you can purchase the replacement kit at most home improvement stores or locksmiths. The kits cost from $10 to $20 and include a tool to open the lock as well as an additional cylinder. The instructions in the kit will explain how to disassemble and clean the old lock. Install the new lock. Depending on how tight the key cylinder fits in the lock hole, you may need to adjust it a bit to ensure proper operation.
If you are looking to lubricate your lock, dry graphite powder is an easy and affordable alternative to liquid-based lubricants that can draw dust and clog 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, ensure that the piece of dry graphite is free of tiny bits of wood stuck to it. You can also buy a commercial graphite lubricant in spray form. The solvent in the spray evaporates when applied, leaving a dry layer of graphite that lubricates the lock.
You can also lubricate your lock by applying several sprays of WD-40 directly into the keyway. Then, push your key in and out several times to spread the lubricant throughout the lock. After some time, try the key again and see whether it turns easily. If your key still sticks then try the lock again a few days later when the WD-40 has been allowed to dry.
Many homeowners can easily alter their patio door locks, however, if your sliding door is equipped with an invisible latch or deadbolt lock that is built-in the door, the process may be more complicated. If your patio door has an invisible latch, you'll have to remove the decorative cover by unscrewing the screws holding it in place with the help of a screwdriver. If your patio door comes with a deadbolt it will be necessary to remove the bolt. After removing both the deadbolt and the knob assembly, you can install the new lock.
Replace the Lock
It's not unusual for patio doors to fail. They are an essential security feature for your home. The debris can get stuck inside the mechanism of the lock or it could simply wear out with age and use. In either case, a damaged patio door latch can pose an immediate security risk to your property. Regularly checking your patio door locks will keep them in good working order and will allow you to fix any issues that may arise.
If sliding glass door repairs find that lubricating the lock doesn't fix the problem, you'll need to replace it. This is an easy task that most homeowners can handle by themselves, but it's important to carefully follow the instructions to ensure that the new lock will work with your current system. It's also recommended to bring the old lock to the store to ensure that a customer service representative can guide you towards an alternative.
The first step in replacing the patio door lock is to take off the handle. This can be accomplished by unscrewing the screws which hold the handle in place. After the handle has been removed, you are able to gain access to the screws that connect the lock body to the jamb of the door.
After removing the screws, you can remove the latch body from the door frame. Be sure to fix the lever using a graphite pencil as it could be thrown into the frame and become lost if it is not secured. The next step is to remove the door strike. The hole in which the lock hook is located when the patio door closes will be exposed. Once the door strike is removed you can install the new one in.
When re-screwing a door strike, it's important to use screws that are longer as they will be used to secure the frame to the strike. Make sure that the new strike is in alignment with the opening of the door frame and tighten both together.
There are a variety of locks for patio doors however the most commonly used is a central rail lock that is operated by a key. They bolt the doors to the frame at several points, and when keys are inserted all points must lock simultaneously. These locks provide a higher level of security than standard locking mechanisms, and often result in discounts on homeowner's insurance.