The security of your home is dependent on the locks you have on your patio door. If they're not functioning properly, you put your family and possessions at risk.
Fortunately, a few easy steps will usually solve issues with your patio door lock and ensure your home is secure. This simple 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. Wear and tear, extreme temperatures, and dust can cause frames, hinges and locking mechanisms to fail. It's best to be proactive in fixing these issues and to regularly inspect your sliding door locks for signs of damage and repair the damage if needed.
Among the most common problems that could cause problems for your patio door locks is the difficulty locking or unlocking, a stuck latch, or a key that doesn't turn smoothly. It is possible to adjust the lock mechanism or tighten screws according to the issue you are experiencing.
If your patio door lock is stuck in an open position and you cannot pry it out Try using a flat head or credit card. If these methods don't work, consider hiring a professional locksmith to assist you in opening the lock without causing damage to the frame of the door.
Sliding upvc patio door repairs near me patio doors usually come with a mortise lock that includes a handle as well as a cylindrical lock to secure the lock. They are secure however they can break or bend when a open patio door that is slammed. You should check the mortise locks and handles for signs of wear such as bends or scratches before they break and you need to replace them.
You can also take a photo of the lock to determine its size and position. This will allow you to communicate these details to a supplier when you're looking for a replacement lock. This will ensure that you receive the right lock for your door and is compatible with the mounting configuration that's currently in place. In the event that it isn't, you'll have an issue trying to install a lock that isn't compatible with the existing hardware. This could result in additional problems in the future.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are a common entry point into the home, making them a prime target for burglars. Therefore, it is essential that the lock on your patio door is fully functional and meets Police & Insurance Standards.
There are fortunately easy steps you can take to resolve a lock that is refusing to cooperate. These four steps will help you make sure that your patio doors are operating correctly and providing the security you require.
The first thing that you must do is give the lock a thorough clean with some hot soapy water and a damp towel. You'll want to clean away any stains or dirt that might have built up on the lock. After you've done this you can use dry cloths to get rid of any moisture and let the lock air dry before you try to re-insert.
Then, you must lubricate your lock. This is especially important for uPVC patio doors as they can become extremely squeaky with the passage of time. Use WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate keyways as well as internal mechanisms. When applying the lubricant make sure to wipe off your keys afterward to avoid spreading any grime that may have gathered on it.
Once your uPVC patio doors are cleaned and lubricated, you should then test them. Examine whether the door is sliding in and out of the frame with ease. Also, make sure that the hinges and locking points are aligned correctly with the frame of the door. You can see the alignment marks along the edges of the frame. You can easily correct these by re-aligning your doors with the frame.
It's also worth noting 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 in order to be secure with E2469 and E2487 lock assembly. These assemblies consist of three parts comprising an E2014 mortise latch, an escutcheon plates and the lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
The lock mechanism for the majority of patio doors is concealed within the door. If your key cylinder is worn out or you want to upgrade your lock to increase security, you can buy 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 cylinder. Follow the directions in the kit for disassembling and cleaning the old lock, and then install the new lock. Depending on how securely the key cylinder fits in the lock hole it may be necessary to adjust it a bit to ensure proper operation.
Dry graphite powder is used to lubricate locks. It is an inexpensive and popular alternative to liquid lubricants, which draw dust and gum the mechanism. It can be purchased from hardware stores or model train shops, as well as some office supply stores. If you choose to use it, make sure the piece of dry graphite is free of tiny pieces of wood that have stuck to it. You can also buy an industrial graphite lubricant that is available in spray form. The solvent in the spray disperses when it is applied, leaving behind an uninspiring layer of graphite which lubricates the lock.
You can also apply lubrication to your lock by applying several sprays of WD-40 directly into the keyway. The key should be pushed in and out several times to spread the grease. After a couple of minutes you can turn the key and see if it moves smoothly. If your key is still stuck, try it again few days after the WD-40 has dried.
Most homeowners can change their patio glass door repair near me door locks, but if the sliding glass patio door repair door has an invisible latch or a deadbolt lock, the process could be more difficult. If your patio door has an invisible latch, you'll have to take off the interior decorative cover by unscrewing the screws holding the cover in place using the help of a screwdriver. 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 removing the deadbolt assembly and the knob.
Replace the Lock
Patio doors are a crucial element of your home's security and it's not uncommon for them to malfunction from time to time. The debris can get stuck inside the mechanism of the lock or it can simply wear out due to the passage of time and use. A broken patio door latch can be a major security risk to your home. Conducting regular inspections of your patio door locks will help to keep them in good working order and will allow you to correct any issues that arise.
If the lubrication of your lock doesn't solve the issue it's time to replace it. The majority of homeowners can complete this task themselves. However, it is essential to 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 an alternative.
The first step to replace the lock on a patio door glass repair near me door is to take off the handle. This can be accomplished by unscrewing screws that hold the handle in place. Once the handle is removed, you can then gain access to the screws that connect the lock body to the door jamb.
Once the screws are removed after which you can remove the latch body of the door frame. Be sure to secure the lever using a graphite pencil since it will slide into the frame and get lost if not secured. Then, take off the door strike. This will reveal the hole the lock hook fits into when the patio door is closed. Once the old door strike is removed you can install the new one in.
When you are re-screwing the door strike, you must be sure to use screws that are longer as these will be used to secure the frame to the strike. Make sure that the new strike is aligned with the opening of the door frame and then tighten them both.
There are different types of locks for patio door lock repairs near me doors, but the most common is a central rail key-operated lock. They bolt the doors to the frame at multiple points, and once the key is inserted, all of the points should lock at once. These locks offer a greater level of security than standard locking mechanisms, and often result in a reduction on homeowner's insurance.