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 compromise the safety of your household and belongings.
A few simple steps can usually fix issues with your patio door lock and ensure your home is secure. This simple fix involves cleaning and lubricating the lock.
Check the lock
Patio doors are an important security feature and they require a lot of effort to keep burglars and the elements at bay. Regular wear and tear, extreme temperatures, and dust can cause door frames, hinges and locking mechanisms to fail. It is essential to be proactive and regularly check your sliding doors for damage and make any repairs that are required.
Among the most common problems that could affect your patio door locks is the difficulty in locking or unlocking, a sluggish latch, and keys that don't move smoothly. It is possible to adjust the lock mechanism or tighten screws based on the issue you're experiencing.
If your patio door lock is stuck in the open position and you're unable to pry it out Try using a flat head or credit card. If none of these methods are working, you should contact a professional locksmith who can assist you in opening the lock on your patio door without causing damage to the frame.
The mortise lock on sliding uPVC patio door is usually comprised of a handle and a cylinder that secures the lock. They are secure but they may break or bend under the weight of an closed patio door. It's a good idea to check the mortise lock and handle for indications of wear, such as bends or scratches, before it breaks and you must replace it.
It's also a good idea to know the dimensions and positioning of the existing lock by taking a photograph with your digital camera. Then, you can provide these details to a supplier if you are looking for an alternative lock. This will ensure that you get a lock that fits your door and is compatible with the current mounting configuration. You'll have trouble installing a lock that isn't compatible with your existing hardware. This could lead to more complications down the line.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are an incredibly common entry point into your home which makes them a prime target for burglars. Therefore, it's essential that your patio door locks are secure and up to Police & Insurance standards.
There are a few simple things you can do to repair a lock that is refusing to cooperate. patio door glass replacement price uk will help you ensure that your patio doors are functioning properly and are providing the security you require.
First, you should clean the lock with hot soapy water and a damp cloth. You'll need to get rid of any dirt or stains that have accumulated on the lock. After that you can use dry, clean cloths to eliminate any excess moisture and let the lock air-dry before attempting to re-insert it.
Then, you must lubricate your lock. This is particularly important for patio doors made of uPVC, as they can get extremely squeaky with the passage of time. Make use of WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate keyways and internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant to your key, clean it off to avoid redistributing any dirt that might have been accumulated.
After cleaning and lubricating your uPVC patio door, make sure you test it. Examine whether the door is moving through the frame smoothly. Make sure the hinges and locking point are aligned properly 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 with the frame.
It's also worth noting that there are a variety of uPVC patio door locks that are available and you may need to replace the lock if yours is damaged or broken. If you own E2011 patio doors locks, you'll need to replace them to ensure that you are safe with E2469 and E2487 lock assemblies. These assemblies consist of three parts comprised of an E2014 mortise latch, an escutcheon plate and the lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
For most patio doors, the lock mechanism is located inside the door, hidden from view. If your key cylinder is worn out or you simply want to upgrade your lock to ensure greater security, you can buy an upgrade kit from many locksmiths or home improvement stores. The kits range from $10 to $20 and include tools for opening the lock as well as a spare key cylinder. The instructions included in the kit will tell you how to take apart and clean the old lock. Install the new lock. You may need to adjust the cylinder slightly for proper operation, depending on how tightly it fits in the lock hole in the door frame.
If you're looking to grease your lock, dry graphite powder is an easy and cheap alternative to liquid-based lubricants that can draw dust and clog the mechanism. You can buy it at hardware stores, model train shops, and a few offices supply stores. If you choose to use it, ensure that the graphite chunk is free of any wood particles. You can also purchase an industrial graphite lubricant that is available in spray form. The solvent in the spray disperses when it is applied, leaving an uninspiring layer of graphite which lubricates the lock.
You can also lubricate your lock by applying some WD-40 sprays directly into the keyway. Then, push your key in and out several times to spread the lubricant over the lock. After some time, try the key again and see whether it turns easily. If your key is still stuck, try it again a few days after the WD-40 has dried.
Changing your patio door locks is a simple project for the majority of homeowners, however the process can be more complicated if have a sliding door with an invisible latch and deadbolt lock that is built-in. If your patio door comes with an invisible latch, it's required to remove the decorative interior cover by unscrewing screws that secure it. If your patio door is equipped with deadbolts it will be required to remove the bolt. Install the new lock after taking out the deadbolt assembly as well as the knob.
Replace the Lock
Patio doors are a crucial part of your home's security and it's common for them to occasionally malfunction. The debris could get caught within the lock mechanism or it could wear out over time. A damaged patio door latch could pose a serious security threat to your home. 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 lubricating your lock does not solve the issue then it's time to replace it. The majority of homeowners can complete this task by themselves. However, it's important to carefully read the directions to ensure that your new lock is compatible with the old lock. It's also a good idea to take the old lock to the store to ensure that a customer support representative can help you find an alternative.
To replace a patio door handle remove the handle. This can be accomplished by removing the screws that hold the handle in place. Once the handle has been removed you will be able to remove the screws that hold the lock body in place.
After removing the screws you can slide out the latch body from the door frame. Secure the lever with a graphite pen. It will fall into the frame if it is not secured. The next step is to remove the door strike from the jamb. The hole in which the lock hook is located when the patio door is closed will be exposed. After you have removed the old door strike, you can put the new one in.
When re-screwing a door strike, it is important to use longer screws as they'll be used to attach the strike to the frame. Check that the new strike is in alignment with the opening of the door frame, and then tighten both of them.
There are various types of patio door locks The most popular is the central rail key-operated lock. They bolt the doors to the frame at various points and when the key is inserted, all points must lock simultaneously. These locks offer a higher level of security than standard locking systems and can often provide discounts on homeowner's insurance.