Patio Door Locks Repair
Your home's security depends on the locks you have on your patio door. If they're not working properly, you can put your family and belongings at risk.
It's simple to fix patio door lock issues with just a few steps. This simple fix involves cleaning and lubricating the lock.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are a vital security feature. They must be strong enough to withstand the elements and keep burglars out. Wear and tear, extreme temperatures and dust can cause the door frames, hinges and locking mechanisms to fail. It is crucial to be on the lookout and regularly check your sliding doors for damage and then make any repairs needed.
Some of the most common problems with patio door locks is difficulty locking or unlocking them, a latch that is stuck and keys that don't move smoothly. Depending on the particular issue you're having it may be necessary to tighten screws or adjust the lock mechanism to get it functioning properly again.
If your patio door lock is stuck in an open position and you cannot get it out, try using a flat-head or credit card. If neither of these solutions work, contact a professional locksmith who can assist you in opening the patio door lock without causing damage to the frame.
Sliding uPVC patio doors are usually fitted with a mortise lock which includes a handle as well as a locking cylinder to secure the lock. These locks are secure, but can break or bend when a closed patio door. It is recommended to inspect the mortise lock and handle for signs of wear, for instance bends or scratches, before it is broken and you have to replace it.
You could also take a photograph of the lock to determine its size and location. Then, you can provide the details to a dealer in the event that you're looking to purchase a new lock. This will ensure you're getting an appropriate lock that will fit your door and is compatible with the current mounting setup. Otherwise, you'll have difficulties trying to install a new lock that isn't compatible with the existing hardware. This could cause further issues later on.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are a popular entry point into your home and are a frequent target for burglars. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your patio door lock is functional and complies with Police & Insurance Standards.
There are a few easy steps you can take to solve a lock that doesn't cooperate. If you have to re-align the patio door, clean the lock or even replace the lock, these four steps will ensure that your doors are functioning properly and providing the level of security that you'd like to have.
The first thing you should do is give the lock a good clean with some hot soapy water and a damp cloth. You should wipe off any stains or dirt that might have built up on the lock. After this, you can use a dry, clean cloth to wipe away any excess water and allow the lock to dry completely before trying to insert it again.
Next, you need to make sure that the lock is lubricated. This is especially important for doors made of uPVC, which tend to become very squeaky as time passes. You can use a spray oil lubricant, such as WD40 or petroleum jelly to smooth the keyways and internal mechanisms. When applying the lubricant, ensure that you clean your key afterwards to avoid redistributing any grime that may have gathered on it.
After cleaning and lubricating your uPVC patio door, make sure you test it. Check to see if the door is sliding through the frame with ease. Make sure that the hinges and the locking point are properly aligned with the frame. You should be able see the alignment marks on the edge of the door frame and you can fix them by re-aligning your doors with the frame.
Also, it's important to note that there are different types of uPVC patio door locks and you may need to replace the lock if the one you have is damaged or broken. If you have E2011 patio doors locks, you'll have to replace them to be secure with E2469 and E2487 lock assemblies. The assemblies comprise three parts: an E2014 mortise latch as well as an escutcheon plate. the lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
The mechanism of the lock for most patio doors is hidden inside the door. If your key cylinder is wearing out or you simply want to upgrade the lock for greater security, you can purchase an upgrade kit from many home improvement stores or locksmiths. These kits range from $10 to $20 and include a tool to open the lock, as well as an extra cylinder. Follow the instructions in your kit for disassembling and cleaning the old lock, and then install the new lock. Depending on how tightly 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 is used to lubricate locks. It is a low-cost and popular alternative to liquid lubricants, which can attract dust and gum 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 dry graphite chunk is free of tiny bits of wood sticking to it. You can also buy a commercial graphite lubricant in spray form. The solvent in the spray evaporates once it is applied, leaving a dry layer of graphite which lubricates the lock.
You can also grease the lock by spraying WD-40 in the keyway. You can push your key in and out several times to distribute the grease. After a couple of minutes then turn the key to see if it moves smoothly. If the key is still stuck then try the lock again after a few days, when the WD-40 has had time to dry.
Most homeowners can change their patio door locks, but if the sliding door has an invisible latch or deadbolt lock built in, the process could be more complicated. If your patio door has an invisible latch, you'll have to take off the interior decorative cover by removing the screws that hold it in place with a screwdriver. If your patio door is fitted with deadbolts it will be necessary to take off the bolt. After removing both the knob and the deadbolt assembly, you are able to install the new lock.
Replace the Lock
It's not uncommon for patio doors to malfunction. They are an essential security element for your home. The debris can get stuck inside the lock mechanism or it can simply wear out with age and use. In either case, a broken patio door latch poses an extremely risk to the security of your home. Conducting regular inspections of your patio door locks will help to keep them in good condition and let you easily fix any issues that may arise.
If lubricating the lock does not fix the problem then you'll have to replace it. The majority of homeowners can complete this task on their own. However, it's essential to read the directions to ensure that the new lock is compatible with your existing lock. You can also bring your old lock to the store to assist you to find the right replacement.
The first step in replacing a patio door lock is to remove the handle. It is done by removing the screws that hold the handle in place. After the handle is removed you will be able to gain access to the screws that hold the lock body in place.
After removing the screws, you can slide out the latch body from the door frame. Be sure to fix the lever using a graphite pencil since it will slide into the frame and get lost if not secured. patio door repairs near me Repair My Windows And Doors is to remove the door strike from the jamb. This will reveal the hole that the lock hook fits into when the patio door is closed. After you have removed the old door strike, you are able to install the new one.
It is important to use screws with longer lengths when re-screwing the door strike. These will be used to attach it to the frame. Also, make sure that the new strike is aligned properly with the opening in the door frame, and ensure that the two are secured.
There are many different locks for patio doors. The most popular is the central rail key-operated locking system. They bolt the doors to the frame at several points, and once a key is inserted all points should lock simultaneously. These locks provide a higher level of security than standard locking mechanisms, and often result in a reduction on homeowner's insurance.