Patio Door Locks Repair
The locks on your patio doors are crucial to your home's security. If they're not functioning properly, you put your family's and possessions at risk.
It's easy to solve the problem of a patio door lock with just a few steps. This quick fix is lubricating and cleaning the lock.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are an essential security feature. They need to be capable of surviving the elements and keep burglars out. Wear and tear, extreme temperatures and dust can cause frame, hinges, and locking mechanisms to fail. It is essential to be proactive and regularly inspect your sliding doors for damage and then make any repairs needed.
One of the most frequent issues that may affect your patio door locks is the difficulty locking or unlocking, a sluggish latch, and a key that doesn't turn smoothly. Based on the specific 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 your patio door lock is stuck in an open position and you are unable to pry it out, try using a flat-head or credit card. If these methods don't work, you should think about calling a professional locksmith help you open the lock without causing damage to the door frame.
The mortise lock that is used on sliding uPVC patio doors is typically a handle and a cylinder that secures the lock. These locks are secure but they may break or bend under the weight of an closed patio door. It's a good idea to examine the mortise lock and handle for indications of wear, such as bends or scratches, before it is broken and you must replace it.
It's an excellent idea to determine the size and positioning of the existing lock by taking a photo with your digital camera. You can then provide the details to a dealer when you're looking for an alternative lock. This will ensure that you receive the right lock for your door and is compatible to the existing mounting setup. It will be difficult to install locks that aren't compatible with the hardware you have already. This could cause further issues later on.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are a popular entrance point into homes, making them a prime target for burglars. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your patio door lock is fully functional and conforms to Police & Insurance Standards.
There are a few easy things you can do to repair a lock that is refusing to cooperate. These four steps will help you to make sure that your patio doors are operating properly and are providing the security you require.
You should first clean the lock with hot soapy water and a damp cloth. You should wipe off any dirt or stains that might have built up on the lock. After that, you can use dry cloths to eliminate any excess moisture and let the lock air-dry before you attempt to re-insert.
Next, you should lubricate your lock. This is particularly crucial for patio doors made of uPVC as they can become very squeaky as they the passage of time. You can use a spray oil lubricant, such as WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate the keyways and internal mechanisms. When applying the lubricant, make sure to wipe off your key afterward to avoid spreading any dirt that might have accumulated on it.
After cleaning and lubricating your uPVC patio door, you should test it. Check if the door slides effortlessly into and out of its frame. Also, ensure that the hinges and locking points are properly aligned with the frame of the door. You should be able see the alignment marks on the edges of your door's frame, and you can fix them by aligning the doors with the frame.
It's also important to note that various types of uPVC door locks are available. You may need to replace your lock if it's damaged or broken. If you have E2011 patio door locks, you'll have to replace them to ensure that you are safe by using the E2469 and E2487 lock assembly. These assemblies consist of three parts comprising an E2014 mortise latch, an escutcheon plate and the lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
For the majority of patio doors, the lock mechanism is inside the door, hidden from the view. If the key cylinder wears out or you want to upgrade your lock for greater security, you can purchase a replacement kit from most home improvement stores or locksmiths. These kits cost $10 to $20 and include a tool for opening the lock as well as a spare key cylinder. Follow the instructions in the kit to disassemble and clean the old lock, and then install the new lock. You may need to adjust the cylinder slightly to ensure proper operation based on how tightly it fits into the lock hole of the door frame.
Dry graphite powder is used to lubricate locks. It is a cheap and common alternative to liquid lubricants, which attract dust and gum the mechanism. You can buy it at hardware stores, model trains shops, and even some office supply shops. If you decide to use it, ensure that the chunk of dry graphite is free of tiny pieces of wood that have stuck to it. You can also purchase an industrial graphite lubricant that is available in spray form. The solvent in the spray evaporates once it is applied, leaving a dry layer of graphite to lubricate the lock.
You can also lubricate 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 grease. After a couple of minutes then turn the key to check if it is turning smoothly. If your key still sticks you can try it again within a few days after 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, the process could be more complicated. If your patio door comes with an invisible latch, it will be necessary to take off the decorative interior cover by removing the screws that secure it. If your patio door is equipped with deadbolts, it will be required to remove the bolt. After you have removed the deadbolt and the knob assembly, you are able to install the new lock.
Replace the Lock
It's not unusual for patio doors to malfunction. They are a crucial security element for your home. Debris can get lodged inside the lock mechanism or it may just get worn out by the passage of time and use. A damaged patio door latch could pose a major security risk to your home. Regularly inspecting patio door locks can keep them in good shape and let you swiftly fix any problems.
If you find that lubricating the lock doesn't solve the issue it's time to replace it. This is a task that most homeowners can handle at home, however, it is important to follow 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 help you to find the right replacement.
The first step in replacing the lock on a patio door is to take off the handle. It is done by removing the screws that hold the interior handle in place. After the handle has been removed, you can then remove the screws that secure the lock body to the door jamb.
After the screws have been removed and the screws are removed, you can slide the latch body out of the door frame. Make sure you fix the lever using a graphite pencil since it could be thrown into the frame and become lost if it's not secured. Next, remove the door strike. This will reveal the hole that the lock hook is inserted into when the patio door is closed. Once the old door strike is removed, you can put the new one into place.
When RepairMyWindowsAndDoors -screwing the door strike, it's important to use longer screws as these will be used to fix the strike to the frame. Also, make sure that the new strike is properly aligned with the opening in the door frame. Then ensure that the two are secured.
There are a variety of locks for patio doors. The most common is the central rail key-operated locking system. These locks bolt the doors into the frame at various points, and once a key is inserted all of the points should lock at once. These locks offer a higher level of security than basic locking systems and may earn you discounts on your homeowner's insurance.