Patio Door Locks Repair
The locks on your patio doors are essential to your home's security. When they aren't working properly, it can compromise the safety of your family and possessions.
It's easy to solve the problem of a patio door lock with just a few steps. This quick fix involves cleaning and lubricating the lock.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are a vital security feature. They should be able to withstand the elements and keep burglars away. Regular wear and tear, extreme temperatures, and dust can cause the 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.
The most frequent issue that may cause problems for your patio door locks is difficulty locking or unlocking, a stuck latch, and a key that doesn't turn smoothly. It is possible to adjust the lock mechanism or tighten screws based on the problem you are experiencing.
If the issue with your patio door lock is that it's stuck in the open position You can try using credit card or a flat-head screwdriver to pry it out. If these options don't work, consider calling a professional locksmith help you open the lock without damaging the door frame.
Sliding uPVC patio doors usually come with a mortise lock that includes a handle as well as a cylindrical lock to secure the lock. The locks are safe however they can be damaged or bent under the weight of an slammed patio door. It is important to check the mortise locks and handles for signs of wear, such as scratches or bends before they break, and you'll need to replace them.
It's also a good idea to determine the size and location of the existing lock by taking a photograph with your digital camera. You can then provide the details to a dealer if you are looking for the right lock. This will ensure you get a lock that fits the door and is compatible with the existing mounting setup. patio door repair near me to install locks that aren't compatible with your existing hardware. This could cause further complications down the line.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are the most common entry point into a home, making 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 some simple ways to repair a lock that is refusing to cooperate. These four steps will assist you to ensure that your patio doors are working correctly and providing the security you require.
First, you should clean the lock using hot soapy water and a damp cloth. You'll want to get rid of any dirt or stains which have been accumulating on the lock. After you've done 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 ensure that the lock is properly lubricated. This is particularly important for doors made of uPVC, which tend to become very squeaky over time. Make use of WD40 or petroleum jelly to grease keyways and internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant on your key, wipe it off to avoid redistributing any dirt that may have been accumulated.
After cleaning and lubricating your uPVC patio door, you should test it. Check to see if the door is moving in and out of the frame with ease. Also, make sure that the hinges and locking points are aligned properly with the frame of the door. You can see alignment marks along the edges of the door frame. You can easily fix the alignment issues by re-aligning your doors with the frame.
It's also important to note that different types of uPVC door locks are available. It is possible to replace your lock if it's 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 be safe. These assemblies are made up of three components, including an E2014 mortise lock, escutcheon and a lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
For most patio doors the lock mechanism is situated in the door, hidden from the view. You can buy a replacement kit at most locksmiths and home improvement stores when your key cylinder is been damaged or if you want to upgrade your lock for better security. These kits cost between $10 and $20, and include tools for opening the lock and an additional key cylinder. The instructions in the kit will explain how to disassemble and clean your old lock. Install the new lock. Depending on how securely the key cylinder fits into the hole of the lock, you may need to adjust it a bit to ensure proper operation.
Dry graphite powder is used to lubricate locks. It is a low-cost and popular alternative to liquid lubricants which attract dust and clog the mechanism. It can be purchased from hardware stores or model train shops as well as some office supply stores. If you decide to use it, make sure that the graphite chunk is devoid of wood particles. You can also purchase commercial graphite spray. The solvent in the spray evaporates when applied, leaving an uninspiring layer of graphite that lubricates the lock.
You can also add lubrication to your lock by putting several sprays of WD-40 directly into the keyway. Then, push your key in and out several times to spread the lubricant throughout the lock. After some time, try the key again and see if it turns effortlessly. If the key does not turn then try the lock again within a few days after the WD-40 has been allowed to dry.
Most homeowners can easily change their patio door locks, but if your sliding door has an invisible latch or a deadbolt lock the door, the process may be more difficult. If your patio door has an invisible latch, you'll have to remove the decorative cover by removing the screws holding the cover in place using the aid of a screwdriver. If your patio door is fitted with deadbolts, it will be necessary to take off the bolt. After removing the deadbolt and knob assembly, you are able to install the new lock.
Replace the Lock
Patio doors are a crucial component of the security of your home and it's common for them to malfunction from time to time. There are times when debris can get caught in the lock mechanism or it can simply wear out due to the use and age. A broken patio door latch could pose a serious security threat to your home. Regularly checking the locks on your patio doors will help ensure they are in good shape and allow you to quickly solve any issues.
If you find that lubricating the lock doesn't fix the problem it's time to replace it. Many homeowners can handle this task by themselves. However, it is important to carefully read the instructions in order to ensure that the new lock is compatible with the old lock. It's also an excellent idea to bring the old lock with you to the store to ensure that a customer service representative can help you find an alternative.
To replace the handle on a patio door remove the handle. This can be done by unscrewing screws that keep the handle in place. After the handle has been removed, you are able to gain access to the screws that connect the lock body to the jamb of the door.
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 remove the door strike from the jamb. The hole in which the lock hook is located when the patio door closes will be exposed. Once the old door strike is removed you can put the new one in place.
It is essential to use screws with longer lengths when re-screwing the door strike. They will be used to attach it to the frame. Check that the new strike is aligned with opening of the door frame, and tighten both together.
There are various types of locks for patio doors The most popular is a central rail key-operated lock. They bolt the doors to the frame at multiple points, and once the key is inserted, all points must lock simultaneously. These locks provide a greater level of security than the standard locking systems and may earn you discounts on homeowner's insurance.