Patio Door Locks Repair
Your home's security is dependent on the locks on your patio door. If they're not functioning correctly, it could compromise the safety of your family and possessions.
sliding door repair will usually solve patio door lock problems and keep your home secure. This quick fix involves cleaning and lubricating the lock.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are a vital security feature and require a lot of effort to keep burglars and the elements at away. However, the wear and tear, cold and hot weather, and dust can take their toll on the door frames, hinges, and locking mechanisms and eventually cause them to cease to function as they ought to. It is best to be proactive in fixing these issues and to regularly check your sliding door locks for signs of damage and to repair the damage if needed.
Among the most common problems that could affect your patio door locks is the difficulty locking or unlocking, a stuck latch, and keys that don't move smoothly. Depending on the particular problem you're experiencing, you may need to tighten screws or adjust the lock mechanism in order to get it working again.
If the issue with the lock on your patio door is that it is stuck in the open position Try using credit card or a flat-head screwdriver to pry it loose. If these methods don't work, consider hiring a professional locksmith to assist you in opening the lock without causing damage to the frame of the door.
Sliding uPVC patio doors usually come with a mortise lock that utilizes a handle and locking cylinder to secure the lock. The locks are safe, but can be damaged or bent in the force of a slammed patio door. It is important to check the mortise locks and handles for signs of wear, such as bends or scratches prior to when they break and you need to replace them.
It's also a good idea to know the dimensions and position of the current lock by taking a photograph with your digital camera. You can then provide these details to a vendor when you're looking for a new lock. This will ensure that you get a lock that fits your door and is compatible with the current mounting configuration. It will be difficult to install the lock that's not compatible with the hardware you have already. This could lead to more complications down the line.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are a popular entry point into your home, making them a prime target for burglars. It is therefore essential to ensure that your patio door lock is fully functional and conforms to Police & Insurance Standards.
There are a few easy ways to repair a lock that is refusing to cooperate. It doesn't matter if you want to adjust the patio door, clean the lock or even replace the lock, these four steps will ensure that your doors are operating correctly and provide the level of security that you'd like to have.
The first thing that you must do is give the lock a good clean with some hot soapy water and a damp cloth. You'll want to get rid of any dirt or stains that may have been accumulating on the lock. After this you can use a dry, clean cloth to get rid of any excess water and let the lock dry completely before attempting to re-insert it.
Then, you must ensure that the lock is properly lubricated. This is especially important for patio doors made of uPVC, as they can get very squeaky as they age. Spray lubricant like 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 accumulated.
Once your uPVC patio doors are cleaned and lubricated, you should then test them. Examine whether the door is moving through the frame smoothly. Check that the hinges and the locking point are aligned properly with the frame. You can see the alignment marks along the edge of the frame. You can easily correct these by re-aligning your doors with the frame.
It's also important to note that different types of uPVC door locks are available. You may need to replace your lock if it's 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 that they are secure. These assemblies consist of three components comprised of an E2014 mortise latch, an escutcheon plate and the lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
The lock mechanism for the majority of patio doors is concealed within the door. If your key cylinder is wearing out or you simply want to upgrade your lock for greater security, you can buy an upgrade kit from many 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 tell you how to take apart and clean the old lock. Install the new lock. Depending on how securely the key cylinder fits in the lock hole, you may need to adjust it a bit for proper operation.
Dry graphite powder can be used to lubricate locks. It is a cheap and widely used alternative to liquid lubricants, which attract dust and clog the mechanism. You can purchase it at hardware stores, model trains shops, and a few offices supply stores. If you choose to use it, make sure the graphite chunks are free of wood particles. You can also purchase commercial graphite spray. The solvent in the spray disperses when it is applied, leaving an uninspiring layer of graphite which lubricates the lock.
You can also apply lubrication to your lock by applying a few sprays of WD-40 directly into the keyway. Push your key in and out several times to spread the lubricant throughout the lock. After a few minutes, try the key again and check whether it turns easily. If your key remains stuck, try again a few days after the WD-40 has dried.
Changing your patio door locks is a simple project for most homeowners, however the process may be more complicated if you have a sliding door that has an invisible latch and a deadbolt lock that is built-in. If your patio door is equipped with an invisible latch, it is necessary to remove the decorative interior cover by unscrewing screws that secure it. If your patio door comes with a deadbolt it will be required to remove the bolt. Install the new lock after removing the deadbolt and knob.
Replace the Lock
It's not unusual for patio doors to malfunction. They are a crucial security feature for your home. Debris may get stuck in the mechanism of the lock, or it may get worn out over time. In either case, a broken patio door latch can pose an extremely risk to the security of your home. Regularly checking your patio door locks will help to keep them in good condition and let you easily solve any issues that occur.
If lubricating the lock does not solve the issue, you'll need to replace it. This is a task that most homeowners can handle by themselves, but it is important to follow the directions to ensure that the new lock will work with your current system. It's also an excellent idea to bring the lock you have previously used to the store to ensure that a customer service representative can help you find a replacement.
To replace the handle on a patio door remove the handle. This can be done by removing screws that secure the handle. After the handle is removed, you will be able to gain access to the screws that hold the lock body in place.
After the screws have been removed and the screws are removed, you can lift the latch lever out of the door frame. Secure the latch lever using a graphite pen. It will fall into the frame if not secured. The next step is to take the door strike from the jamb. This will reveal the hole the lock hook fits into when the patio door is closed. Once the door strike has been removed, you can install the new one in.
When re-screwing the door strike, it is important to use screws that are longer as these will be used to attach the strike to the frame. Check that the new strike is aligned with the opening of the door frame, and then tighten them both.
There are various types of patio door locks, but the most common is the central rail key-operated lock. They lock the door into the frame at multiple points and, when the key is inserted, all the points must be locked. These locks offer a greater level security than basic locking mechanisms, and often result in a reduction on homeowner's insurance.
