Patio Door Locks RepairYour home's security is dependent on the locks that are installed on your patio door. If they're not working properly, it can compromise the security of your household and belongings.
Fortunately, a few simple steps can fix issues with your patio door lock and help keep your home safe. This fast fix involves lubricating and cleaning the lock.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are a crucial security feature and they must function effectively to keep burglars and elements at bay. 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.
One of the most frequent issues that could cause problems for your patio door locks is the difficulty in locking or unlocking, a sticky latch, and a key that doesn't turn smoothly. It is possible to adjust the lock mechanism or tighten screws according to the problem you are experiencing.
If your patio door lock is stuck in the open position and you're unable to pry it out, try using a flat-head or credit card. If neither of these methods work, you should think about calling a professional locksmith to assist you in opening the lock without causing damage to the frame of the door.
The mortise lock on sliding uPVC patio doors usually has a handle and a cylinder that is secured by the lock. They are quite secure, but they can be susceptible to breaking or breaking due to the weight of a slammed door. You should check the mortise locks and handles for indications of wear like scratches or bends before they break and you have to replace them.
You can also snap a picture of the lock to determine its dimensions and location. Then, you can provide the details to a dealer if you are looking for a new lock. This will ensure you get an appropriate lock that is compatible with the door and is compatible to the current mounting setup. If not, you'll face a difficult time installing a new lock that's not compatible with the hardware you have. This could lead to more complications down the line.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are a common 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 conforms to Police & Insurance Standards.
Fortunately, there are some simple steps that you can follow to handle a lock that is refusing to cooperate. These four steps will allow you ensure that your patio doors are working properly and are providing the security you require.
First, you should clean the lock using hot soapy water and a damp cloth. You'll need to get rid of any dirt or stains that have accumulated on the lock. Once you've done this then you can use a dry cloth to get rid of any excess water and let the lock air-dry completely before attempting to re-insert it.
Next, you should be sure to lubricate your lock. This is particularly important for uPVC patio doors, as they can get extremely squeaky with the passage of time. Make use of WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate keyways as well as internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant make sure you wipe your keys afterward to avoid spreading any grime that may have accumulated on it.
Once your uPVC patio doors have been cleaned and lubricated, then test them. Examine if the door moves smoothly into and out of its frame. Make sure the hinges and locking point are properly aligned with the frame. You should be able see the alignment marks on the edges of the door frame and you can easily fix them by aligning the doors to the frame.
Also, it's important to note that there are different types of uPVC patio door locks that are available and you may need to replace the lock if yours is damaged or broken. For instance, if you have E2011 patio door repair door locks, you'll have to replace them with E2469 or E2487 lock assemblies to ensure safe. The assemblies consist of three components, which include an E2014 mortise lock, an escutcheon, and a lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
For most patio doors the lock mechanism is within the door, away from the view. If your key cylinder is worn out or you wish to upgrade the lock to increase security, you can buy an upgrade kit from many home improvement stores or locksmiths. The kits cost from $10 to $20 and include a tool for opening the lock as well as an additional cylinder. The instructions in the kit will tell you how to disassemble and clean your old lock. Install the new lock. Depending on how securely 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 a cheap and widely used alternative to liquid lubricants which can attract dust and gum 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 the chunk of dry graphite is free from tiny bits of wood sticking to it. You can also purchase commercial graphite spray. When the spray is applied, the solvent in the spray evaporates, leaving a layer of dry graphite that locks without attracting 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 several times to spread the lubricant throughout the lock. After a few moments you can turn the key and see if it moves smoothly. If your key still sticks then try the lock again within a few days after the WD-40 has dried.
Most homeowners can easily change their patio door locks however, if your sliding door has an invisible latch or deadbolt lock that is built-in, the process could be more complicated. If your patio door is fitted with an invisible latch, it is necessary to take off the decorative interior cover by taking off the screws that secure it. If your patio door is fitted with a deadbolt it will be required to remove the bolt. After removing the deadbolt and knob assembly, you can install the new lock.
Replace the Lock
Patio doors are an important part of your home's security 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 could simply wear out with age and use. A damaged or broken patio door latch could pose a serious security threat to your home. Regularly checking the locks on your patio doors can help keep them in good shape and allow you to quickly fix any problems.
If you find that lubricating the lock doesn't solve the issue, you'll need to replace it. Most homeowners can perform this task themselves. However, it is essential to go through the directions to ensure that the new lock is compatible. It's also a good idea to take the old lock with you to the store to ensure that a customer support representative can assist you in locating an alternative.
To replace the handle on a patio door take off the handle. This can be accomplished by removing the screws that hold the interior handle in place. After the handle is removed, you will be able to gain access to the screws that hold the lock body in place.
After removing the screws you can remove the latch body from the door frame. Be sure to secure the latch lever with a graphite pencil since it could be thrown into the frame and become lost if it is not secured. Next, remove the door strike. This will reveal the hole the lock hook goes into when the patio door is closed. After you have removed the old door strike, you are able to put the new one in.
When re-screwing the door strike, it's important to use longer screws as they'll be used to attach the strike to the frame. Also, make sure that the new strike is aligned correctly with the opening in the door frame, and make sure you tighten the two parts.
There are many different locks for patio doors. The most commonly used is the central rail lock with key operated. These locks bolt the doors into the frame at various points and when the key is inserted, all of the points should lock at once. These locks provide a greater level of security than standard locking systems and may result in discounts on homeowner's insurance.