The security of your home is dependent on the locks on your patio door. If they’re not functioning correctly, it could compromise the safety of your family and belongings.
It’s easy to solve the problem of a patio door lock with a few simple steps. This quick fix is lubricating and cleaning the lock.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are a vital security feature and they must function effectively to keep burglars and elements at bay. However, the wear and tear, hot and cold weather dust, and other elements can cause damage to the door’s frames hinges, hinges, and locking mechanisms. This can eventually, they stop functioning as they ought to. It is recommended to be proactive in fixing these issues and to regularly inspect your sliding patio door repair service near me door locks for indications of damage and repair the damage if needed.
Some of the most common problems with patio door locks is difficulties locking or unlocking them, a stuck latch and keys that don’t move smoothly. It is possible to adjust the mechanism of your lock or tighten screws based on the problem you are experiencing.
If your patio door lock is stuck in an open position and you cannot get it out try using a flat-head or credit card. If none of these options are working, you should contact a professional locksmith who can help you open the patio glass door repair near me door lock without causing damage to the frame.
The mortise lock that is used on sliding uPVC patio door is usually an cylinder and handle that secures the lock. They are secure but they may break or bend under the weight of an slammed patio door. It is recommended to inspect the mortise lock and handle for indications of wear, like scratches or bends before it breaks and you must replace it.
It’s an excellent idea to identify the size and location of the existing lock by taking a photo with your digital camera. You can then give the details to a dealer if you are looking for the right lock. This will ensure you get the right lock for your door and is compatible to the mounting configuration that’s currently in place. In the event that it isn’t, you’ll have difficulties installing a new lock that isn’t compatible with the hardware you have. This could cause additional problems in the future.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are the most popular entry point into a home and therefore a prime target for burglars. It is therefore vital to ensure that your patio door lock is fully functional and conforms to Police & Insurance Standards.
There are a few simple things you can do to repair a lock that is refusing to cooperate. If you have to re-align the patio door and clean the lock or even replace it, these four basic steps will ensure that your doors are operating correctly and offering the level of security that you’d like to have.
The first thing that you should do is give the lock a thorough clean using hot soapy water and a damp, clean cloth. You’ll want to get rid of any dirt or stains which have built up on the lock. After this then you can use a dry, clean cloth to remove any excess water and allow the lock to air-dry completely before attempting to re-insert it.
Next, you should lubricate your lock. This is especially important for uPVC patio doors because they can become extremely noisy with age. Use WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate keyways and internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant on your key, clean it off to avoid spreading any dirt that has accumulated.
Once your uPVC patio doors have been cleaned and lubricated, then test them. Examine whether the door is moving in and out of the frame with ease. Make sure the hinges and the locking point are properly aligned with the frame. You can see the alignment marks along the edge of the frame. You can easily correct the problem by re-aligning the doors to the frame.
It’s also important to note that different types of uPVC door locks are available. You might need to replace your lock if it’s damaged or broken. If you own E2011 patio doors locks, you will need to replace them to ensure that you are safe by using the E2469 and E2487 lock assembly. These assemblies consist of three parts: an E2014 mortise latch, an escutcheon plate and the lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
For most patio doors, the lock mechanism is situated within the door, away from view. If your key cylinder is worn out or you want to upgrade your lock to ensure greater security, you can buy a replacement kit from most locksmiths or home improvement stores. These kits cost between $10 and $20, and include an opening tool for the lock and an additional cylinder. Follow the instructions included in the kit to disassemble and clean your old lock, then install the new one. Depending on how tightly the key cylinder fits into the hole of the lock it is possible to adjust it slightly to ensure proper operation.
If you are looking to lubricate your lock dry graphite powder is an easy and cheap alternative to liquid lubricants that can draw dust and clog the mechanism. It is available at hardware stores, model trains shops, and some offices supply stores. If you choose to use it, ensure that the chunk of dry graphite is free of tiny bits of wood stuck to it. You can also purchase commercial graphite spray. When applied to the lock, the solvent present in the spray evaporates and leaves a layer of dry graphite which locks without attracting dust or collecting moisture.
You can also lubricate the lock by spraying WD-40 into the keyway. You can push your key in and out repeatedly to spread the grease. After a few seconds then turn the key to see if it moves smoothly. If the key is stuck, try again a few days after the WD-40 has dried.
Most homeowners can easily change their patio door locks however, if your sliding patio door repair near me door is equipped with an invisible latch or a deadbolt lock built in the door, the process may be more difficult. If your patio door is fitted with an invisible latch, it is necessary to take off the decorative interior cover by unscrewing screws that hold it in place. If your patio door is equipped with a deadbolt, you will need to remove the bolt from the door’s edge. Install the new lock after taking out the deadbolt assembly as well as the knob.
Replace the Lock
Patio doors are an important component of the security of your home and it’s not uncommon for them to occasionally malfunction. Debris can get lodged inside the lock mechanism or it could simply wear out with the use and age. A broken patio door latch can be a serious security threat to your home. A regular inspection of the glass patio door repair door locks can keep them in good condition and help you quickly solve any problems.
If lubricating the lock does not solve the issue, you’ll need to replace it. This is a job that most homeowners can complete at home, however, it’s crucial to follow the directions to ensure that the new lock will work with your existing system. It’s also recommended to bring the lock you have previously used to the store to ensure that a customer support representative can help you find a replacement.
The first step in replacing the patio door lock is to take off the handle. This can be accomplished by unscrewing the screws which keep the handle’s interior in place. Once the handle is removed, you can then access the screws that hold the lock body to the door jamb.
After removing the screws, you can slide out the latch body from the door frame. Make sure you fix the lever using the help of a graphite pencil because it could be thrown into the frame and be lost if it is not secured. The next step is to remove the door strike. The hole in which the lock hook is located when the patio door closes will be exposed. Once the door strike is removed, you can install the new one in.
It is essential to use screws with longer lengths when re-screwing a door strike. They will be used to fix it to the frame. Make sure that the new strike is aligned with the opening of the door frame and tighten both together.
There are many different locks for patio doors. The most popular is the central rail lock with key operated. They secure the door to the frame in multiple points, and when the key is inserted, all of the points must be locked. These locks provide a higher level of security than standard locking mechanisms, and often result in lower homeowner’s insurance premiums.