Patio Door Locks Repair
Your home's security depends on the locks that are installed on your patio door. If they're not working correctly, it could compromise the safety of your family and possessions.
It's easy to fix problems with the patio door lock by following a few easy steps. This quick fix involves cleaning and lubricating the lock.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are a vital security feature. They must be strong enough to withstand the elements and keep burglars at bay. However, regular wear and tear, cold and hot weather dust, and other elements can cause damage to the door frames hinges, hinges and locking mechanisms, and eventually, they stop functioning as they should. It is best to take a proactive approach in dealing with these issues and regularly inspect your sliding door locks for indications of damage and make the necessary repairs.
Some of the most common problems with patio door locks is difficulties locking or unlocking them, a latch that is stuck and keys that do not rotate smoothly. Based on the specific issue you're having you may have to tighten screws or adjust the lock mechanism in order to get it working again.
If your patio door lock is stuck in an open position and you're unable to open it, try using a flat-head or credit card. If none of these options work, call an expert locksmith who will assist you in opening the door lock without causing damage to the frame.
The mortise lock on sliding uPVC patio door is usually comprised of a handle and a cylinder that secures the lock. They are quite safe, but they may be susceptible to bend or breaking under the weight of a door that is slammed. It's a good idea to examine the mortise lock and handle for signs of wear, like scratches or bends, before it is broken and you have to replace it.
You can also snap a picture of the lock to determine its size and location. You can then give these details to a supplier when you're looking for an alternative lock. This will ensure you're getting the right lock for your door and is compatible with your current mounting setup. If not, you'll face a difficult time installing a new lock that isn't compatible with the current hardware. This could lead to more problems later on.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are the most popular entry point into a home and therefore a prime target for burglars. Therefore, it's essential that the locks on your patio doors are fully functional and up to Police & Insurance standards.
Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to handle the lock that is refusing to cooperate. These four steps will help you ensure that your patio doors are working properly and are providing the security you require.
You should first clean the lock with hot soapy water using a damp cloth. You'll need to get rid of any dirt or stains that may have been accumulating on the lock. After you've done that you can use dry, clean cloths to eliminate any excess moisture and let the lock air-dry before you attempt to re-insert.
Next, you need to ensure that the lock is properly lubricated. This is especially important for uPVC patio doors as they can become very squeaky as they the passage of time. You can use a spray lubricant such as WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate the keyways and internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant make sure you wipe your key afterwards to avoid spreading any dirt that might have accumulated on it.
After cleaning and lubricating your uPVC patio door, make sure you test it. Check if the door slides smoothly into and out of its frame. Make sure the hinges and locking point are aligned properly with the frame. You will notice alignment marks along the edge of the door frame. It is easy to fix the problem by re-aligning the doors to the frame.
It's also worth noting that there are different types of uPVC patio door locks and you may need to replace the lock if yours is damaged or broken. For instance, if you have E2011 patio door locks, you'll have to replace them with E2469 or E2487 lock assemblies to ensure safe. The assemblies comprise three parts comprised of an E2014 mortise latch, an escutcheon plate and the lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
The mechanism of the lock for most patio doors is hidden inside the door. If your key cylinder is wearing out or you want to upgrade the lock to increase security, you can buy a replacement kit from most home improvement stores or locksmiths. The kits cost from $10 to $20 and include a tool for opening the lock, as well as an extra cylinder. The instructions included in the kit will show you how to remove and clean the old lock. Install the new lock. You may have to adjust the key cylinder slightly for proper operation based on how tightly it fits in the lock hole of the door frame.
If you want to lubricate your lock dry graphite powder is a common and inexpensive alternative to liquid lubricants that can draw dust and clog the mechanism. You can purchase it at hardware stores, model trains shops, and some offices supply stores. If you decide to use it, ensure that the dry graphite chunk is free from tiny bits of wood sticking to it. You can also buy an industrial graphite lubricant that is available in spray form. The solvent in the spray evaporates once it is applied, leaving an uninspiring layer of graphite that lubricates the lock.
You can also add lubrication to your lock by putting several sprays of WD-40 directly into the keyway. Then, push your key in and out several times to spread the lubricant across the lock. After a few minutes, try the key again and see whether it turns effortlessly. If your key is still stuck, try again a few days after the WD-40 has dried.
Many homeowners can easily alter their patio door locks however, if your sliding door is equipped with an invisible latch or deadbolt lock built in, the process could be more difficult. If your patio door is fitted with an invisible latch, it is necessary to remove the decorative interior cover by removing the screws that secure it. If https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-london/ is equipped with deadbolts it is necessary to remove the bolt. After removing both the deadbolt and the knob assembly, you can install the new lock.
Replace the Lock
Patio doors are an important component of the security of your home and it's not uncommon that they malfunction at times. There are times when debris can get caught in the mechanism of the lock or it could simply wear out due to age and use. A damaged patio door latch can be an extremely dangerous security risk to your home. A regular inspection of the patio door locks can help keep them in good condition and let you swiftly fix any issues.
If the lubrication of your lock doesn't solve the problem it's time to replace it. Many homeowners can handle this task themselves. However, it is crucial to carefully go through the directions to ensure that the new lock is compatible. You can also bring your old lock to the store to assist you to find a replacement.
To replace a patio door handle remove the handle. This can be done by unscrewing screws that secure the handle. After the handle has been removed, you are able to gain access to the screws that connect the lock body to the jamb of the door.
After the screws have been removed, you can lift the latch lever out of the door frame. Secure the lever with a graphite pen. It will fall into the frame if it is not secured. The next step is to take the door strike from the jamb. This will reveal the hole the lock hook is inserted into when the patio door is closed. Once the door strike has been removed, you can put the new one into place.
When you are re-screwing the door strike, it is important to use screws that are longer as they will be used to attach the strike to the frame. Also, make sure 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 with key operated. They bolt the doors to the frame at several points, and when keys are inserted all points should lock simultaneously. These locks provide a greater level of security than standard locking systems and may provide discounts on your homeowner's insurance.