Patio Door Locks Repair
The locks on your patio doors are an crucial to your home's security. If they're not working correctly, you could put your family and belongings at risk.
It's simple to fix problems with the patio door lock with a few simple steps. This fast fix involves lubricating and cleaning the lock.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are a vital security feature. They should be able to withstand the elements and keep burglars out. Regular wear and tear, extreme temperatures, and dust can cause frame, hinges, and locking mechanisms to fail. It is crucial to be proactive and regularly inspect your sliding doors for damage and then make any repairs that are required.
Some of the most common problems with patio door locks include difficulty locking or unlocking them, a latch that is stuck and keys that don't move smoothly. It is possible to adjust the mechanism of your lock or tighten screws based on the problem you are experiencing.
If the problem with your patio door lock is that it is stuck in the open position You can try using credit card or a screwdriver with a flat-head to get it out. If neither of these methods work, you should consider hiring a professional locksmith to help you open the lock without causing damage to the door frame.
Sliding uPVC patio doors usually come with a mortise lock which utilizes a handle and cylinder to secure the lock. These locks are fairly secure, but they can be susceptible to breaking or breaking due to the weight of a slammed door. You should inspect the mortise locks and handles for indications of wear like bends or scratches before they break and you need to replace them.
You can also snap a picture of the lock to determine its size and location. This will help you communicate these details to a vendor when you're seeking a replacement lock. This will ensure that you're getting an appropriate lock that will fit your door and is compatible with your current mounting setup. Otherwise, you'll have a difficult time installing a new lock that's not compatible with the existing hardware. This could lead to more complications in the future.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are an incredibly common entry point into your home which makes them a prime target for burglars. It is therefore vital that your patio door lock is functional and complies with Police & Insurance Standards.
There are a few simple things you can do 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 the lock, these four steps will ensure that your doors are functioning correctly and provide the level of security that you expect.
It is recommended to first clean the lock using hot soapy water using a damp cloth. You want to wipe away any stains or dirt that might have built up on the lock. After this, you can use a dry cloth to remove any excess water and let the lock dry completely before trying to re-insert it.
Next, you should lubricate your lock. This is especially important for patio doors made of uPVC, as they can get extremely squeaky with the passage of time. You can apply a spray oil lubricant, such as WD40 or petroleum jelly to smooth the keyways and internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant on your key, clean it off to avoid spreading any dirt that may have built up.
After cleaning and lubricating your uPVC patio door, you must test it. Examine whether the door is moving through the frame smoothly. Also, ensure that the hinges and locking points are properly aligned with the frame of the door. You can see alignment marks along the edge of the frame. It is easy to fix the problem by re-aligning the doors with the frame.
Also, it's important to note that there are different types of uPVC patio door locks that are available, and you may have to replace the lock if it is damaged or broken. For patio door replacement cost Repair My Windows And Doors , if your have E2011 patio door locks, you'll have to replace them with E2469 or E2487 lock assemblies to be safe. The assemblies comprise three components comprised of an E2014 mortise latch, an escutcheon plate and the lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
The mechanism of the lock for the majority of patio doors is concealed inside the door. If your key cylinder is worn out or you wish to upgrade the lock to ensure greater security, you can buy an upgrade kit from many home improvement stores or locksmiths. These kits range from $10 to $20 and include a tool for opening the lock, as well as an extra cylinder. Follow the instructions in your kit to disassemble and clean your old lock, then install the new one. Depending on how securely the key cylinder fits into the hole in the lock, you may need to adjust it slightly to ensure it is operating properly.
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. You can purchase it at hardware stores, model trains shops, and a few office supply stores. If you decide to purchase 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 evaporates when it is applied, leaving a dry layer of graphite that lubricates the lock.
You can also lubricate the lock by spraying WD-40 onto the keyway. Then, push your key in and out several times to spread the lubricant across the lock. After a couple of minutes you can turn the key and check if it is turning smoothly. If your key remains 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 built in the door, the process may be more complex. If your patio door has an invisible latch, you'll need to remove the interior decorative cover by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place with the help of a screwdriver. If your patio door is fitted with a deadbolt, it is necessary to remove the bolt from the edge of the door. After you have removed the deadbolt and knob assembly, you are able to install the new lock.
Replace the Lock
Patio doors are an important element of your home's security and it's normal for them to occasionally malfunction. Debris can get lodged inside the mechanism of the lock or it can simply wear out with the use and age. In either case, a damaged patio door latch poses an extremely risk to the security of your home. Regularly checking your patio door locks can help keep them in good condition and allow you to easily fix any issues that may arise.
If the lubrication of your lock doesn't solve the problem then it's time to replace it. Most homeowners can perform this task on their own. However, it's crucial to carefully read the instructions in order to ensure that your new lock is compatible. You can also bring your old lock to the store to help find an alternative.
To replace the handle on a patio door take off the handle. It is done by removing the screws that hold the interior handle in place. Once the handle is removed, you can then access the screws that hold the lock body to the jamb of the door.
After the screws have been removed and the screws are removed, you can slide the latch body out of the door frame. Secure the lever with a graphite pen. It will fall into the frame if not secured. The next step is to remove the door strike from the jamb. This will reveal the hole that the lock hook is inserted into when the patio door is closed. After removing the door strike, it is possible to install the new one.
When you are re-screwing the door strike, it is important to use screws that are longer as these will be used to attach the frame to the strike. Check that the new strike is aligned with the opening of the door frame, and tighten both together.
There are a variety of locks for patio doors. The most common is the central rail lock with key operated. They bolt the door into the frame at multiple points and, once the key is inserted, all the points must be locked. These locks provide a higher level of security than basic locking systems and may provide discounts on your homeowner's insurance.