9 Signs You're An Expert Patio Door Locks Repair Expert
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.
It's simple to fix patio door lock issues by following a few easy steps. 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 away. patio doors repairs Repair My Windows And Doors and wear, extreme temperatures and dust can cause door frames, hinges and locking mechanisms to fail. It's important to be proactive and regularly inspect your sliding doors for damage, and make any repairs that are required.
The most frequent problems with patio door locks are difficulties 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 according to the issue you are experiencing.
If the problem with your patio door lock is that it's stuck in the open position, you can try using a credit card or a flat-head screwdriver to pry it loose. 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.
Sliding uPVC patio doors usually come with a mortise lock which uses a handle and a cylindrical lock to secure the lock. These locks are fairly secure, but they can be susceptible to bend or breaking under the weight of a slammed 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'll need to replace them.
You can also snap a picture of the lock to determine its size and location. This will help you communicate these details to a supplier when you're looking for a replacement lock. This will ensure you get an appropriate lock that is compatible with the door and is compatible to the mounting configuration that's currently in place. If not, you'll face an issue trying to install a lock that isn't compatible with the existing hardware. This could lead to more complications down the line.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are the most common entry point into a home, making them a prime target for burglars. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your patio door lock is fully functional and conforms to Police & Insurance Standards.
Fortunately, there are easy steps you can take to handle the lock that is refusing to cooperate. These four steps will help you make sure that your patio doors are working properly and are providing the security you expect.
The first thing that you must do is give the lock a good clean with some hot soapy water and a damp cloth. You should wipe off any stains or dirt that may have accumulated on the lock. After you've done this you can use a dry cloth to remove any excess water and let the lock dry completely before attempting to re-insert it.
Then, you must ensure that the lock is properly lubricated. This is particularly important for uPVC doors that tend to become very squeaky in time. Spray oil lubricant, such as WD40 or petroleum jelly to smooth the keyways and internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant to your key, wipe it off to avoid redistributing any dirt that might have been accumulated.
After cleaning and lubricating your uPVC patio door, make sure you test it. Examine if the door moves effortlessly into and out of its frame. Also, ensure that the hinges and locking points are aligned correctly with the frame of the door. You should be able to see the alignment marks on the edges of the door frame and you can fix them by aligning the doors with the frame.
It's also important to know that various types of uPVC door locks are available. You might need to replace the lock if it's 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 be safe. The assemblies consist of three parts, including an E2014 mortise lock, escutcheon and a lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
For the majority of patio doors, the lock mechanism is inside the door, hidden from the view. You can purchase 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 range from $10 to $20, and include an opening tool for the lock and an extra key cylinder. Follow the instructions included in your kit to disassemble and clean your old lock, then install the new lock. Depending on how tightly the key cylinder fits in the hole of the lock it may be necessary to adjust it slightly to ensure proper operation.
If you want to lubricate your lock dry graphite powder is an easy and affordable alternative to liquid-based lubricants that can draw dust and clog the mechanism. You can buy it at hardware stores, model train shops, and some office supply stores. If you decide to use it, ensure that the chunk of dry graphite is free of tiny pieces 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 to lubricate the lock.
You can also lubricate the lock by spraying WD-40 in the keyway. Inject your key out several times to spread the lubricant across the lock. After a few minutes, try the key again and see if it turns effortlessly. If your key is still stuck, try it again a few days after the WD-40 has dried.
Changing your patio door locks is a simple project for most homeowners, but the process can be more complicated if you have a sliding door that has an invisible latch and deadbolt lock that is built-in. If your patio door comes with an invisible latch, it is required to remove the decorative interior cover by unscrewing screws that secure it. If your patio door is fitted with a deadbolt, you'll need to remove the bolt from the edge of the door. After removing the deadbolt and knob assembly, you can install the new lock.
Replace the Lock
It's not unusual for patio doors to fail. They are an essential security element for your home. Debris may get stuck in the mechanism of the lock, or it could wear out over time. A damaged or broken patio door latch could pose a major security risk to your home. A regular inspection of the patio door locks can keep them in good condition and let you swiftly fix any issues.
If lubricating the lock does not fix the problem it's time to replace it. Most homeowners can perform this task on their own. However, it is important to carefully read the directions to ensure that the new lock is compatible with your existing lock. It's also an excellent idea to bring the old lock to the store to ensure that a customer service representative can guide you towards an alternative.
The first step in replacing a patio door lock is to take off the handle. This can be done by removing screws that hold the handle in place. Once the handle has been removed, you will be able to access the screws holding the lock body in place.
After removing the screws, you can remove the latch body from the door frame. Make sure you secure the lever using a graphite pencil as it could slide into the frame and be lost if it is not secured. Next, remove the door strike. The hole where the lock hook is located when the patio door is closed will be revealed. After removing the door strike, it is possible to screw in the new one.
When you are re-screwing the door strike, you must be sure to use larger screws since they'll be used to secure the frame to the strike. It is also important to ensure that the new strike is properly aligned with the opening in the door frame, and tighten the two together.
There are a variety of locks for patio doors. The most common is the central rail lock with key operated. They bolt the doors to the frame at several points, and when keys are inserted all of the points should lock at once. These locks offer a higher level of security than the standard locking systems and can often result in discounts on homeowner's insurance.