Patio Door Locks Repair
Your home's security is dependent on the locks you have on your patio door. When they aren't working correctly, it could compromise the security of your family and belongings.
A few simple steps can usually fix patio door lock problems and ensure your home is secure. This easy fix is to lubricate and cleaning the lock.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are a vital security feature and they must function effectively to keep burglars and elements at away. However, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dust, and other elements can cause damage to the door's frames, hinges, and locking mechanisms. This can eventually cause them to cease to function as they should. It is essential to be proactive and regularly check your sliding doors for damage and make any necessary repairs.
One of the most frequent issues that could cause problems for your patio door locks is difficulty locking or unlocking, a sluggish latch, and a key that doesn't turn smoothly. You may have to adjust the mechanism of your lock or tighten screws depending on 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 none of these methods are working, you should contact an expert locksmith who will assist you in opening the door lock without damaging the frame.
The mortise lock that is used on sliding uPVC patio doors is typically comprised of a handle and a cylinder that is secured by the lock. They are secure however they can bend or break under the weight of an slammed patio door. It is recommended to examine the mortise lock and handle for signs of wear, like scratches or bends, before it breaks and you have to replace it.
It's also a good idea to identify the size and positioning of the existing lock by taking a picture using your digital camera. Then, DIY patio door repair can provide these details to a vendor in the event that you're looking to purchase the right lock. This will ensure that you get a lock that fits the door and is compatible to the current mounting setup. In the event that it isn't, you'll have an issue trying to install a lock that's not compatible with the existing hardware. This could cause additional problems in the future.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are the most common point of entry into the home, and are therefore a prime target for burglars. It is therefore vital that your patio door lock is fully functional and conforms to Police & Insurance Standards.
There are some simple things you can do to fix a lock that won't cooperate. These four steps will help you make sure that your patio doors are functioning in the right way and provide the security you expect.
The first thing you should do is give the lock a thorough clean using hot soapy water and a damp, clean cloth. You want to wipe away any stains or dirt that may have accumulated on the lock. After that, you can use dry, clean cloths to remove any excess moisture and let the lock air dry before attempting to re-insert it.
Next, you should make sure that your lock is lubricated. This is especially important for uPVC doors that tend to become very squeaky over time. You can apply a spray lubricant like WD40 or petroleum jelly to smooth the keyways and internal mechanisms. When applying the lubricant make sure you wipe your key afterward to avoid spreading any grime that may have accumulated on it.
After your uPVC patio doors have been cleaned and lubricated, you should then test them. Observe if the door slides effortlessly into and out of its frame. Make sure the hinges and the locking point are aligned properly with the frame. You should be able see the alignment marks on the edge of your door frame, and you can fix them by re-aligning your doors to the frame.
Lastly, it's worth noting that there are a variety of uPVC patio door locks that are available, and you may have to replace the lock if the one you have is damaged or broken. For instance, if your have E2011 patio door locks, you'll need to replace them with E2469 or E2487 lock assemblies to ensure that they are safe. The assemblies consist of three components, including an E2014 mortise lock, an escutcheon, and a lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
For the majority of patio doors, the lock mechanism is within the door, away from the view. If the key cylinder wears out or you want to upgrade the lock to increase security, you can purchase the replacement kit at most locksmiths or home improvement stores. These kits cost between $10 and $20, and come with an opening tool for the lock as well as an extra key cylinder. The instructions in the kit will explain how to disassemble and clean the old lock. Install the new lock. You may need to adjust the cylinder slightly for proper operation, depending on how tightly it fits in the lock hole of the door frame.
If you're looking to grease your lock, dry graphite powder is a common and inexpensive alternative to liquid-based lubricants that can attract dust and gum up the mechanism. It is available at hardware stores, model trains shops, and a few office supply shops. If you choose to use it, make sure the dry graphite chunk is free from tiny bits of wood stuck to it. You can also purchase a commercial graphite lubricant in spray form. When applied to the lock, the solvent present in the spray evaporates and leaves a layer of dry graphite which lubricates the lock without attracting dust or collecting moisture.
You can also lubricate the lock by spraying WD-40 in the keyway. You can push your key in and out several times to spread the fluid. After a couple of minutes, turn the key to see if it moves smoothly. If the key is still stuck then try the lock again after a few days, when the WD-40 has dried.
Most homeowners can change their patio door locks however, if your sliding door is equipped with an invisible latch or a deadbolt lock that is built-in the door, the process may be more difficult. If your patio door has an invisible latch, you'll need to remove the interior decorative cover by removing the screws that hold it in place using the aid of 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 you have removed the deadbolt assembly and the knob.
Replace the Lock
It's not uncommon for patio doors to malfunction. They are an essential security element for your home. There are times when debris can get stuck within the lock mechanism or it could wear out over the course of time. A broken patio door latch could pose a serious security threat to your home. Regularly checking your patio door locks can help keep them in good shape and let you easily correct any issues that arise.
If you can't fix the problem then you'll have to replace it. This is a job that most homeowners can complete by themselves, but it is important to follow the instructions to ensure that the new lock is compatible with your current system. It's also an excellent idea to bring the old lock to the store so that a customer service representative can guide you towards the right replacement.
To replace a patio door handle, remove the handle. This can be done by unscrewing screws that keep the handle in place. After the handle is removed, you will be able to gain access to the screws that connect the lock body to the door jamb.
Once the screws are removed and the screws are removed, you can remove the latch body of the door frame. Make sure you fix the lever using the help of a graphite pencil because it will slide into the frame and get lost if it's not secured. The next step is to remove the door strike. This will reveal the hole that the lock hook goes into when the patio door is closed. After the old door strike is removed you can screw the new one into place.
When re-screwing a door strike, you must be sure to use longer screws as these will be used to attach the strike to the frame. Make sure that the new strike is aligned with opening of the door frame, and tighten both together.
There are different types of locks for patio doors The most popular is a central rail lock that is operated by a key. They bolt the doors to the frame at several points, and when a key is inserted all points must lock simultaneously. These locks offer a higher level of security than the standard locking systems, and often provide discounts on your homeowner's insurance.