The locks on your patio doors are an an integral part of your home's security. If they're not functioning correctly, you could put your family and possessions at risk.
A few simple steps can fix problems with patio door locks and help keep your home safe. This quick fix is lubricating and cleaning the lock.
Inspect the Lock
patio door frame repair doors are a vital security feature. They need to be strong enough to withstand the elements and keep burglars at bay. Wear and wear, extreme temperatures and dust can cause the frames, hinges and locking mechanisms to fail. It is essential to be proactive and regularly inspect your sliding patio door repair service doors for damage and make any necessary repairs.
The most frequent problems with patio door locks include difficulty locking or unlocking them, a latch that is stuck, and keys that don't rotate smoothly. It is possible to adjust the lock mechanism or tighten screws based on the issue you are experiencing.
If the issue with the lock on your patio door is that it is stuck in the open position Try using the credit card or flat-head screwdriver to pry it loose. If none of these options work, call a professional locksmith who can help you open the lock on your patio door without causing damage to the frame.
The mortise lock on sliding uPVC patio doors usually has comprised of a handle and a cylinder that is secured by the lock. They are quite secure, but they could be susceptible to bend or breaking under the weight of a door that has been slammed. It's a good idea to check 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 also a good idea to know the dimensions and location of the existing lock by taking a picture with your digital camera. You can then provide these details to a vendor when you're looking for an alternative lock. This will ensure that you get an appropriate lock that is compatible with the door and is compatible to the current mounting setup. Otherwise, you'll have difficulties installing a new lock that's not compatible with the current hardware. This could cause additional problems in the future.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are an incredibly common entry point into your home, making them a prime target for burglars. It is therefore essential that your patio door lock is fully functional and conforms to Police & Insurance Standards.
There are some simple ways to fix a lock that won't cooperate. These four steps will allow you ensure that your patio doors are operating correctly and providing the security you expect.
It is recommended to first clean the lock with hot soapy water using a damp cloth. You'll need to get rid of any dirt or stains that have been accumulating on the lock. After that you can use dry, clean cloths to remove any excess moisture and let the lock air-dry before you try to re-insert.
The next step is to make sure that the lock is lubricated. This is particularly crucial for doors made of uPVC that tend to become very squeaky in time. Use WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate keyways and internal mechanisms. When applying the lubricant, make sure to wipe off your keys afterward to avoid redistributing any grime that may have accumulated on it.
Once your uPVC patio doors are cleaned and lubricated, then test them. Examine if the door moves smoothly inside and out of its frame. Also, make sure that the hinges and locking points are aligned properly with the frame of the door. You can see the alignment marks along the edge of the door frame. You can easily correct these by re-aligning your doors to the frame.
Also, it's important to note that there are different types of uPVC patio door locks available and you might 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 ensure that they are secure. These assemblies consist of three components comprised of an E2014 mortise latch as well as an escutcheon plate. the lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
For most patio doors, the lock mechanism is located in the door, hidden from the view. You can purchase an upgrade kit from most home improvement stores and locksmiths when your key cylinder is worn out or if you want to upgrade your lock to provide better security. These kits range from $10 to $20 and include a tool for opening the lock as well as an additional cylinder. The instructions included in the kit will explain how to remove and clean the old lock. Install the new lock. You may have to adjust the cylinder slightly for proper operation depending on how tight it fits in the lock hole within the door frame.
Dry graphite powder can be used to lubricate locks. It is an inexpensive and common alternative to liquid lubricants which draw dust and clog the mechanism. You can purchase it at hardware stores, model train shops, and some offices supply stores. If you decide to use it, make sure the piece of dry graphite is free from tiny bits of wood that have stuck to it. You can also buy an industrial graphite lubricant that is available in spray form. After application to the lock, the solvent present in the spray evaporates, leaving behind a layer of dry graphite which locks without attracting dust or accumulating moisture.
You can also lubricate your lock by applying a few sprays of WD-40 directly into the keyway. Inject your key out several times to spread the lubricant throughout the lock. After a few minutes, try the key again and check if it turns effortlessly. If your key is still stuck, try it again few days after the WD-40 has dried.
The replacement of your patio door locks is a simple task for most homeowners, however the process could be more difficult if you have a sliding patio door repair near me door that has an invisible latch and built-in deadbolt lock. If your patio door lock repair door is equipped with an invisible latch, it is necessary to remove the decorative interior cover by removing the screws that secure it. If your patio door is fitted with a deadbolt it is necessary to remove the bolt. Install the new lock after removing the deadbolt assembly and the knob.
Replace the Lock
Patio doors are an essential element of your home's security and it's normal for them to malfunction from time to time. The debris could get caught in the mechanism of the lock, or it could simply wear out over time. A damaged patio door latch can be a major security risk to your home. Regularly inspecting your patio door locks will keep them in good shape and let you easily solve any issues that occur.
If lubricating your lock does not solve the problem it's time to replace it. Most homeowners can perform this task by themselves. However, it is crucial to carefully read the instructions in order to ensure that the new lock is compatible. You can also bring your old lock to the store to assist you to find the right replacement.
To replace the handle on a patio door remove the handle. You can do this by removing the screws that keep the handle's interior in place. Once the handle is removed, you will be able to gain access to the screws that connect the lock body to the jamb of the door.
After removing the screws, you can remove the latch body from the door frame. Secure the lever with a graphite pen. It will fall into the frame if it isn't secured. The next step is to remove the door strike from the jamb. The hole where the lock hook is located when the patio door closes will be exposed. After removing the door strike, it is possible to screw in the new one.
When re-screwing the door strike, it is important to use larger screws since they'll be used to attach the strike to the frame. Check that the new strike is aligned with the opening of the door frame, and tighten both together.
(Image: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/doorpanels-300x200.jpg)There are a variety of locks for patio doors The most popular is a central rail lock that is operated by a key. They bolt the door into the frame in multiple points and, once the key is inserted, all of the points will be locked. These locks offer a higher level of security than the standard locking systems and may provide discounts on homeowner's insurance.
