Patio Door Locks Repair
Your home's security depends on the locks that are installed on your patio door. When they aren't working properly, it can compromise the safety of your household and belongings.
Fortunately, a few easy steps can usually fix patio door lock problems and help keep your home safe. This quick fix involves cleaning and lubricating the lock.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are a crucial security element and require a lot of effort to keep burglars and elements at bay. Regular wear and tear, extreme temperatures, and dust can cause frame, hinges, and locking mechanisms to fail. It is best to be proactive in addressing these issues and to regularly check your sliding door locks for signs of damage and repair the damage if needed.
One of the most frequent issues that can cause problems for your patio door locks is the difficulty locking or unlocking, a sticky latch, and keys that don't rotate smoothly. It is possible to adjust the lock mechanism or tighten screws based on the problem you are experiencing.
If the problem with the lock on your patio door is that it is stuck in the open position, you can try using the credit card or flat-head screwdriver to pry it loose. If neither of these solutions work, contact a professional locksmith who can help you open the patio door lock without causing damage to the frame.
The mortise lock for sliding uPVC patio doors usually has comprised of a handle and a cylinder that is secured by the lock. These locks are secure however they can bend or break under the weight of an closed patio door. It's a good idea to check the mortise lock and handle for signs of wear, like scratches or bends, before it is broken and you must replace it.
You can also snap a picture of the lock to determine its size and location. This will help you provide these details to the supplier when you're seeking a replacement lock. This will ensure you're getting an appropriate lock that will fit your door and is compatible with your current mounting configuration. In the event that it isn't, you'll have an issue trying to install a lock that isn't compatible with the hardware you have. This could lead to additional problems in the future.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are the most popular entrance point into the home, and are therefore the most frequent target for burglars. As such, it's crucial that your patio door locks are fully functional and up to Police & Insurance standards.
There are a few simple things you can do to fix a lock that won't cooperate. These four steps will help you to make sure that your patio doors are working properly and are providing the security you expect.
The first thing that you should do is give the lock a good clean with some hot soapy water and a damp cloth. You will want to remove any dirt or stains that have been accumulating 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 make sure that your lock is lubricated. This is particularly important for doors made of uPVC, which are prone to becoming extremely noisy as time passes. Use WD40 or petroleum jelly to grease keyways and internal mechanisms. When applying the lubricant make sure you wipe your keys afterward to avoid spreading any grime that might have accumulated on it.
After cleaning and lubricating your uPVC patio door, you should test it. Observe whether the door is moving into and out of the frame with ease. Also, ensure that the hinges and locking points are aligned properly with the frame of the door. You can see the alignment marks along the edges of the frame. It is easy to fix the problem by re-aligning the doors with the frame.
It's also worth noting that there are different types of uPVC patio door locks and you might need to replace the lock if yours is damaged or broken. For example, if you have E2011 patio door locks, you'll need to replace them with E2469 or E2487 lock assemblies to ensure secure. The assemblies comprise three components comprising an E2014 mortise latch as well as an escutcheon plate. the lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
The mechanism that locks the majority of patio doors is concealed inside the door. You can purchase a replacement kit at most home improvement stores and locksmiths in the event that your key cylinder has worn out or if you want to upgrade your lock for better security. The kits cost between $10 and $20 and include a tool for opening the lock as well as a spare cylinder. Follow the instructions in the kit for disassembling and cleaning your old lock. Then put in the new one. Depending on how tightly the key cylinder fits in the hole in the lock it is possible to adjust it slightly to ensure it is operating properly.
Dry graphite powder can be used to lubricate locks. It is an inexpensive and common alternative to liquid lubricants which can attract dust and gum the mechanism. You can buy it at hardware stores, model train shops, and a few office supply shops. If you choose to use it, ensure that the graphite chunks are free of any wood particles. You can also purchase commercial graphite spray. When the spray is applied, the solvent in the spray evaporates and leaves a layer of dry graphite which locks without attracting dust or accumulating moisture.
You can also lubricate your lock by spraying WD-40 onto the keyway. Push your key in-and-out several times to spread the fluid. After a few minutes, try the key once more and see whether it turns effortlessly. If the key is stuck, try it again a few days after the WD-40 has dried.
Most homeowners can change their patio door locks, but if your sliding door has an invisible latch or a deadbolt lock that is built-in the door, the process may be more complicated. If your patio door has an invisible latch, you'll have to remove the decorative cover by removing the screws that hold the cover in place using the help of a screwdriver. If your patio door is fitted with a deadbolt, it will be necessary to remove the bolt. After you have removed the deadbolt and knob assembly, you are able to install the new lock.
Replace the Lock
Patio doors are an essential component of the security of your home and it's not uncommon for them to malfunction from time to time. The debris could get caught in the mechanism of the lock, or it may get worn out over time. A damaged or broken patio door latch can pose a major security risk to your home. Regularly checking your patio door locks will keep them in good working order and let you easily solve any issues that occur.
If lubricating your lock does not solve the issue then it's time to replace it. The majority of homeowners can complete this task themselves. However, it is crucial to carefully read the instructions in order to ensure that your new lock is compatible with the old lock. You can also bring your old lock to the store to help to find a replacement.
To replace a patio door handle remove the handle. This can be done by unscrewing screws that keep the handle in place. Once the handle has been removed, you will be able to access the screws holding the lock body in place.
Once the screws are removed, you can remove the latch body of the door frame. Make sure you secure the latch lever with a graphite pencil since it will be thrown into the frame and be lost if it is not secured. Next, remove the door strike. This will reveal the hole that the lock hook fits into when the patio door is closed. After removing the door strike, you are able to screw in the new one.
It is important to use larger screws when replacing the door strike. These will be used to fix it to the frame. Also, make upvc patio door repairs that the new strike is aligned properly with the opening in the door frame, and make sure you tighten the two parts.
There are a variety of locks for patio doors. The most common is the central rail key-operated locking system. They lock the door into the frame in multiple points and, once the key is inserted, all of the points should lock. These locks provide a greater level of security than standard locking systems and may provide discounts on your homeowner's insurance.