Patio Door Locks Repair
The locks on your patio doors are an an integral part of your home's security. If they're not functioning correctly, it could compromise the security of your family and possessions.
It's easy 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 an important security feature and they must function effectively to keep burglars and the elements at away. However, regular wear and tear, cold and hot weather and dust can take their toll on the door frames hinges, hinges and locking mechanisms, and eventually, they cease to function as they should. It is best to be proactive in addressing these issues and to regularly check your sliding door locks for signs of damage and to make the necessary repairs.
Some of the most common problems with patio door locks are difficulty locking or unlocking them, a latch that is stuck, and keys that don't rotate smoothly. Based on the specific issue you may have to tighten screws or adjust the mechanism of the lock in order to get it functioning properly again.
If your patio door lock is stuck in an open position and you're unable to open it try using a flat-head or credit card. If these methods don't work, you should consider calling a professional locksmith to help you open the lock without damaging the door frame.
Sliding uPVC patio doors are usually fitted with a mortise lock that includes a handle as well as a cylindrical lock to secure the lock. The locks are relatively secure, but they could be susceptible to bend or breaking under the weight of a slammed door. It is a good idea to examine the mortise lock and handle for signs of wear, such as scratches or bends before it is broken and you need to replace it.
It's an excellent idea to identify the size and positioning of the existing lock by taking a picture using your digital camera. Then, you can provide the details to a dealer in the event that you're looking to purchase the right lock. This will ensure that you're getting the right lock for your door and is compatible with the current mounting setup. It will be difficult to install a lock that isn't compatible with the hardware you have already. This could lead to more issues later on.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are a popular entry point into your home and are a frequent target for burglars. It is therefore vital that the lock on your patio door is fully functional and meets Police & Insurance Standards.
Fortunately, there are easy steps you can take to handle locks that are 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 security you expect.
The first thing you must do is give the lock a thorough clean with some hot soapy water and a damp cloth. You want to wipe away any stains or dirt that might have built up on the lock. After you've done this you can use a dry cloth to remove any excess water and let the lock air-dry completely before attempting to insert it again.
The next step is to make sure that the lock is lubricated. This is particularly important for uPVC doors that tend to become very squeaky as time passes. Use WD40 or petroleum jelly to grease keyways and internal mechanisms. After applying patio door replacement cost uk on your key, clean it off to prevent spreading any dirt that might have built up.
After cleaning and lubricating your uPVC patio door, you must test it. Check if the door slides smoothly into and out of its frame. Also, ensure that the hinges and locking points are aligned correctly with the frame of the door. You should be able to see the alignment marks on the edge of the door frame and you can easily correct them by aligning the doors to the frame.
Also, it's important to note that there are a variety of uPVC patio door locks that are available and you may need to replace the lock if the one you have is 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 be secure. The assemblies comprise three components comprised of an E2014 mortise latch, an escutcheon plates and the lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
The lock mechanism for the majority of patio doors is concealed inside the door. You can purchase replacement kits at many locksmiths and home improvement stores when your key cylinder is worn out or if you're looking to upgrade your lock for better security. These kits cost between $10 and $20, and include tools for opening the lock and an additional cylinder. The instructions included in the kit will show you how to take apart and clean the old lock. 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.
If you are looking to lubricate your lock dry graphite powder is a common and inexpensive alternative to liquid lubricants that can attract dust and gum up the mechanism. You can purchase it at hardware stores, model train shops, and even some office supply stores. If you decide to use it, make sure that the graphite chunk is devoid of any wood particles. You can also purchase an industrial graphite lubricant that is available in spray form. The solvent in the spray evaporates once applied, leaving a dry layer of graphite to lubricate the lock.
You can also lubricate the lock by spraying WD-40 into the keyway. The key should be pushed in and out several times to distribute the lubricant. After a couple of minutes then turn the key to see if it turns smoothly. If the key is still stuck you can try it again a few days later when 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 deadbolt lock the door, the process might be more complicated. If your patio door has an invisible latch, you will need to remove the interior decorative cover by unscrewing the screws holding the cover in place using a screwdriver. If your patio door is fitted with a deadbolt, you'll need to remove the bolt from the edge of the door. Install the new lock after taking out the deadbolt assembly and the knob.
Replace the Lock
Patio doors are a crucial component of the security of your home and it's normal for them to occasionally malfunction. There are times when debris can get caught in the mechanism of the lock or it can simply get worn out by the passage of time and use. A damaged or broken patio door latch can pose an extremely dangerous security risk to your home. Regularly inspecting your patio door locks will keep them in good working order and allow you to easily solve any issues that occur.
If you find that lubricating your lock fails to solve the issue, it's time to replace it. The majority of homeowners can complete this task themselves. However, it is essential to go through the directions to ensure that your new lock is compatible with your existing lock. It's also recommended to bring the old lock to the store so that a customer service representative can assist you in locating a replacement.
To replace a patio door handle remove the handle. It is done by unscrewing the screws that hold the handle in place. Once the handle is removed, you are able to access the screws that hold the lock body to the jamb of the door.
After the screws have been removed, you can remove the latch body of the door frame. Be sure to fix the lever using a graphite pencil as it will slide into the frame and be lost if not secured. The next step 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. Once the old door strike is removed you can screw the new one in place.
It is essential to use longer screws when replacing the door strike. They will be used to attach it to the frame. Make sure that the new strike is aligned with opening of the door frame, and then tighten them both.
There are a variety of patio door locks The most popular is a central rail lock that is operated by a key. These bolt the doors into the frame at several points and when keys are inserted all of the points should lock at once. These locks offer a higher level of security than basic locking systems and may provide discounts on your homeowner's insurance.