Patio Door Locks Repair
Your home's security is dependent on the locks on your patio door. If they're not working properly, it can compromise the safety of your family and possessions.
Fortunately, a few easy steps can usually fix patio door lock problems and help keep your home safe. This easy fix is cleaning and lubricating the lock.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are a vital security element and require a lot of effort to keep burglars and the elements at bay. Regular wear and tear, extreme temperatures and dust can cause 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.
Some of the most common problems with patio door locks include difficulties locking or unlocking them, a stuck latch and keys that don't move smoothly. Depending on the particular issue, you may need 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 cannot get it out try using a flat-head or credit card. If neither of these methods work, you should consider calling a professional locksmith assist you in opening the lock without damaging the frame of the door.
Sliding uPVC patio doors are usually fitted with a mortise lock that utilizes a handle and cylindrical lock to secure the lock. The locks are safe however they can bend or break in the force of a closed patio door. It is important to check the mortise locks and handles for signs of wear such as bends or scratches before they break and you have to replace them.
It's also a good idea to determine the size and position of the current lock by taking a picture with your digital camera. You can then give the details to a dealer in the event that you're looking to purchase an alternative lock. This will ensure you get an appropriate lock that is compatible with the door and is compatible to the current mounting setup. In the event that it isn't, you'll have an issue installing a new lock that isn't compatible with the hardware you have. patio door lock repair RepairMyWindowsAndDoors could lead to more issues later on.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are a popular entry point into the home and are a frequent target for burglars. It is therefore vital that the lock on your patio door is fully functional and conforms to Police & Insurance Standards.
There are a few easy ways to solve a lock that doesn't cooperate. If you have to re-align the patio door, clean the lock or even replace it, these four simple steps will ensure that your doors function properly and providing the level of security you expect.
The first thing you must do is give the lock a good clean using hot soapy water and a damp towel. You'll want to clean away any dirt or stains that might have built up on the lock. After that you can use dry, clean cloths to get rid of any moisture and let the lock air dry before you try to re-insert.
Then, you must lubricate the lock. This is especially important for doors made of uPVC, which are prone to becoming extremely noisy as time passes. Use WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate keyways and internal mechanisms. When applying the lubricant, make sure to wipe off your key afterward to avoid spreading any grime that may have accumulated on it.
Once your uPVC patio doors are cleaned and lubricated, then test them. Examine whether the door is sliding in and out of the frame with ease. Also, make sure 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 edge of the door frame and you can easily correct them by re-aligning the doors with the frame.
Also, it's important to note that there are various types of uPVC patio door locks and you might need to replace the lock if the one you have is 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. The assemblies comprise three components: an E2014 mortise latch, an escutcheon plate and the lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
The mechanism of the lock for the majority of patio doors is concealed within the door. You can purchase an upgrade kit from most home improvement stores and locksmiths if your key cylinder has been damaged or you're looking to upgrade your lock for greater security. The kits cost from $10 to $20 and include a tool to open the lock and an additional cylinder. Follow the directions in your kit to disassemble and clean your old lock. Then install the new one. Depending on how tight the key cylinder fits in the lock hole, you may need to adjust it a bit to ensure it is operating properly.
Dry graphite powder is used to lubricate locks. It is an inexpensive and widely used alternative to liquid lubricants which can draw dust and gum the mechanism. It is available at hardware stores, model train shops and some office supply stores. If you decide to purchase 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. After application to the lock, the solvent present in the spray evaporates, leaving a layer of dry graphite that helps to lubricate the lock without drawing dust or collecting moisture.
You can also apply lubrication to your lock by applying several sprays of WD-40 directly into the keyway. Push your key in-and-out repeatedly to spread the lubricant. After a couple of minutes you can turn the key and see if it moves smoothly. If your key is still stuck, try again a few days after the WD-40 has dried.
The replacement of your patio door locks is a simple task for most homeowners, but the process can be more complicated if you have a sliding door with an invisible latch and a built-in deadbolt lock. If your patio door has an invisible latch, you will need to remove the interior decorative cover by unscrewing the screws holding it in place using the aid of a screwdriver. If your patio door has a built-in deadbolt, it is necessary to remove the bolt from the edge of the door. After you have removed the deadbolt and knob assembly, you are able to install the new lock.
Replace the Lock
It's not common for patio doors to fail. They are an important security feature of your home. Debris can get lodged inside the mechanism of the lock or it may just wear out due to the passage of time and use. A damaged or broken patio door latch can pose a serious security threat to your home. A regular inspection of the patio door locks can keep them in good condition and allow you to quickly solve any issues.
If lubricating your lock does not solve the problem it's time to replace it. Many homeowners can handle this task themselves. However, it's essential to read the directions to ensure that the new lock is compatible. You can also bring your old lock to the store to assist you find the right replacement.
The first step to replace the lock on a patio door is to take off the handle. This can be accomplished by removing screws that keep the 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 removing the screws, you can remove the latch body from the door frame. Secure the latch lever using a graphite pen. It will fall into the frame if it is not secured. The next step is to take the door strike from the jamb. The hole where the lock hook is located when the patio door closes will be revealed. Once the old door strike has been removed, you can screw the new one in.
It is crucial to use larger screws when re-screwing the door strike. These will be used to fix it to the frame. You should also check that the new strike is aligned correctly with the opening in the door frame, and tighten the two together.
There are a variety of locks for patio doors. The most popular is the central rail key-operated locking system. They bolt the doors to the frame at multiple points, and once a key is inserted all points must lock simultaneously. These locks provide a higher level of security than standard locking mechanisms and may result in discounts on homeowner's insurance.