15 Reasons You Shouldn't Ignore Patio Door Locks Repair
Patio Door Locks Repair
The security of your home is dependent on the locks that are installed on your patio door. If they don't work properly, you put your family and possessions at risk.
Fortunately, a few easy steps will usually solve problems with patio door locks and help keep your home safe. This easy fix is to lubricate and cleaning the lock.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are a vital security element and must function effectively to keep burglars and the elements at bay. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk and wear, extreme temperatures and dust can cause frame, hinges, and locking mechanisms to fail. It is recommended to be proactive in addressing these issues and to regularly inspect your sliding door locks for signs of damage and to make necessary repairs.
The most frequent issue that can cause problems for your patio door locks is difficulty locking or unlocking, a stuck latch, or keys that don't rotate smoothly. It is possible to adjust the mechanism of your lock or tighten screws according to the problem you are experiencing.
If your patio door lock is stuck in the open position and you cannot get it out, try using a flat-head or credit card. If these methods don't work, you should think about hiring a professional locksmith to assist you in opening the lock without causing damage to the door frame.
Sliding uPVC patio doors typically come with a mortise lock that includes a handle as well as a cylinder to secure the lock. The locks are safe, but can bend or break in the force of a open patio door that is slammed. You should inspect the mortise locks and handles for signs of wear such as bends or scratches prior to when they break, and you'll need to replace them.
You could also take a photograph of the lock to determine its size and position. Then, you can provide the details to a dealer if you are looking for the right lock. This will ensure that you get an appropriate lock that will fit your door and is compatible with the current mounting configuration. If not, you'll face a difficult time installing a new lock that isn't compatible with the existing hardware. This could lead to further problems in the future.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are a popular entry point into the home and are a frequent target for burglars. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your patio door lock is fully functional and meets Police & Insurance Standards.
There are fortunately simple steps you can follow to handle the lock that is refusing to cooperate. These four steps will allow you make sure that your patio doors are functioning properly and are providing the security you require.
It is recommended to first clean the lock with hot soapy water and a damp cloth. You'll want to get rid of any dirt or stains that have built up on the lock. After this then you can use a dry cloth to wipe away any excess water and allow the lock to air-dry completely before attempting to re-insert it.
The next step is to make sure that your lock is lubricated. This is particularly important for uPVC doors that can become extremely squeaky over time. You can apply a spray lubricant like WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate keyways and internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant make sure you wipe your key afterward to avoid spreading any grime that might have accumulated on it.
After cleaning and lubricating your uPVC patio door, you must test it. Check to see if the door is moving through the frame with ease. Make sure the hinges and locking point are aligned properly with the frame. You should be able to see the alignment marks on the edges of your door frame, and you can easily fix them by aligning the doors to the frame.
It's also worth noting that there are different types of uPVC patio door locks available, and you may have to replace the lock if yours is damaged or broken. If you own E2011 patio door locks, you will need to replace them to ensure that you are secure with E2469 and E2487 lock assembly. These assemblies are made up of three components, including an E2014 mortise lock, an escutcheon and a lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
For most patio doors, the lock mechanism is located in the door, hidden from view. You can buy replacement kits at many locksmiths and home improvement stores when your key cylinder is 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, as well as an additional cylinder. Follow the directions in the kit for disassembling and cleaning your old lock. Then install the new one. Depending on how tight the key cylinder fits into the hole in the lock it is possible to adjust it a bit to ensure it is operating properly.
If you're looking to lubricate your lock dry graphite powder is a common and cheap alternative to liquid lubricants that can attract dust and gum up the mechanism. It is available at hardware stores, model trains shops, and even some offices supply stores. If you decide to use it, ensure that the chunk of dry graphite is free from tiny bits of wood stuck to it. You can also purchase commercial graphite spray. The solvent in the spray evaporates when it is applied, leaving behind a dry layer of graphite which lubricates the lock.
You can also apply lubrication to your lock by applying some WD-40 sprays directly into the keyway. You can push your key in and out several times to spread the grease. After a few moments then turn the key to check if it is turning smoothly. If the key does not turn then try the lock again after a few days, when the WD-40 has dried.
Most homeowners can easily change their patio door locks but if your sliding door is equipped with an invisible latch or deadbolt lock the door, the process might be more complex. If your patio door is fitted with an invisible latch, it will be necessary to take off the decorative interior cover by unscrewing screws that secure it. If your patio door is fitted with a deadbolt it will be necessary to take off the bolt. After removing both the knob and the deadbolt assembly, you are able to install the new lock.
Replace the Lock
It's not common for patio doors to fail. They are a crucial security feature of your home. Debris may get stuck in the mechanism of the lock, or it may wear out over time. A damaged patio door latch can be an extremely dangerous security risk to your home. Regularly checking the locks on your patio doors can help keep them in good shape and let you swiftly fix any problems.
If the lubrication of your lock doesn't solve the problem it's time to replace it. Most homeowners can perform this task themselves. However, it is crucial to carefully read the directions to ensure that your new lock is compatible with the old lock. It's also recommended to bring the lock you have previously used to the store so that a customer service representative can assist you in locating the right replacement.
The first step to replace a patio door lock is to take off the handle. This can be accomplished by unscrewing screws that hold the handle in place. After the handle is removed, you can then access the screws that hold the lock body to the jamb of the door.
Once the screws are removed, you can lift the latch lever out of the door frame. Make sure you secure the latch lever with a graphite pencil as it will slide into the frame and be lost if it is not secured. The next step is to remove the door strike from the jamb. This will reveal the hole that the lock hook goes into when the patio door is closed. After removing the door strike, you are able to put the new one in.
When re-screwing the door strike, it's important to use larger screws since they will be used to attach the frame to the strike. You should also check that the new strike is properly aligned 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 commonly used is the central rail lock that is operated by a key. These bolt the doors into the frame at several points, and once a key is inserted all points must lock simultaneously. These locks offer a higher level of security than the standard locking systems, and often result in discounts on your homeowner's insurance.