Five Killer Quora Answers On Patio Door Locks Repair

Patio Door Locks Repair

The security of your home is dependent on the locks on your patio door. If they don't work properly, you put your family's and possessions at risk.

It's easy to fix patio door lock issues with just a few steps. This quick fix involves cleaning and lubricating the lock.

Inspect the Lock

Patio doors are a vital security feature. They need to be strong enough to withstand the elements and keep burglars at bay. However, regular wear and tear, hot and cold weather and dust can take their toll on the door's frames, hinges, and locking mechanisms, and eventually, they cease to function as they should. It is recommended to take a proactive approach in addressing these issues and to regularly inspect your sliding door locks for signs of damage and to repair the damage if needed.

Some of the most frequent problems with patio screen door repair door locks is difficulties locking or unlocking them, a stuck latch and keys that don't rotate smoothly. You may have to adjust the lock mechanism or tighten screws depending on the issue you're experiencing.

If your patio door repair service near me door lock is stuck in the open position and you're unable to get it out try using a flat-head or credit card. If these methods don't work, you should think about calling a professional locksmith to help you open the lock without causing damage to the frame of the door.

Sliding uPVC local patio door repairs doors are usually fitted with a mortise lock that utilizes a handle and cylindrical lock to secure the lock. These locks are secure however they can bend or break in the force of a open patio door that is slammed. It is a good idea to check the mortise lock and handle for signs of wear, such as scratches or bends before it breaks and you have to replace it.

It's also a good idea to know the dimensions and positioning of the existing lock by taking a photograph with your digital camera. This will help you convey these details to the supplier when you're searching for a new lock. This will ensure that you get a lock that fits your door and is compatible with your current mounting setup. It will be difficult to install the lock that's not compatible with the hardware you have already. This could lead to additional problems in the future.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are the most common entrance point into the home, and are therefore an ideal target for burglars. Therefore, it's essential that the locks on your patio doors are functional and conform to Police & Insurance standards.

Fortunately, there are easy steps you can follow to deal with a lock that is refusing to cooperate. If you have to re-align the patio door or clean the lock, or even replace the lock, these four steps will ensure that your doors are functioning properly and providing the security you expect.

The first thing that you must do is give the lock a thorough clean using hot soapy water and a damp cloth. You'll want to get rid of any dirt or stains which have built up on the lock. After you've done this you can use a dry, clean cloth to remove any excess water and let the lock dry completely before trying to insert it again.

Then, you must make sure that the lock is lubricated. This is particularly crucial for patio doors made of uPVC because they can become very squeaky as they the passage of time. You can apply a spray lubricant such as WD40 or petroleum jelly to smooth the keyways and internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant on your key, wipe it off to avoid redistributing any dirt that may have accumulated.

After cleaning and lubricating your uPVC patio door, you must test it. Observe if the door slides smoothly inside and out of its frame. Make sure that the hinges and locking points are properly aligned with the frame. You should be able see the alignment marks on the edge of your door's frame, and you can easily fix them by re-aligning the doors with the frame.

Lastly, it's worth noting that there are different types of uPVC patio door locks, and you may have to replace the lock if yours is damaged or broken. If you have E2011 patio doors locks, you will need to replace them to be safe with E2469 and E2487 lock assembly. The assemblies comprise three parts comprising an E2014 mortise latch, an escutcheon plates and the lock hasp.

Lubricate the Lock

For most patio doors, the lock mechanism is located within the door, away from the view. You can buy a replacement kit at most locksmiths and home improvement stores in the event that your key cylinder has been damaged or if you want to upgrade your lock for greater security. These kits cost $10 to $20, and include a tool for opening the lock and a spare cylinder. The instructions included in the kit will tell you how to remove and clean the old lock. Install the new lock. Depending on how tight the key cylinder fits into the hole in the lock, you may need to adjust it slightly for proper operation.

If you're looking to grease your lock, dry graphite powder is a popular and affordable alternative to liquid lubricants that can attract dust and gum up the mechanism. It is available at hardware stores, model train shops and some office supply stores. If you decide to purchase it, ensure that the graphite chunk is devoid of any wood particles. You can also buy an industrial graphite lubricant that is available in spray form. When applied, the solvent in the spray evaporates, leaving behind a layer of dry graphite which helps to lubricate the lock without drawing dust or accumulating moisture.

You can also lubricate your lock by spraying WD-40 in the keyway. You can push your key in and out several times to spread the lubricant. After a few minutes, try the key again and see if it turns effortlessly. If your key still sticks then try the lock again within a few days after the WD-40 has been allowed to dry.

Most homeowners can change their patio door locks however, if your sliding door has an invisible latch or deadbolt lock the door, the process might be more difficult. If your patio door has an invisible latch, you will need to remove the interior decorative cover by removing the screws holding it in place with a screwdriver. If your patio door is fitted with deadbolts, it will be required to remove the bolt. Install the new lock after removing the deadbolt assembly and the knob.

Replace the Lock

Patio doors are an important part of your home's security and it's not uncommon that they malfunction at times. Debris may get stuck within the lock mechanism or it could wear out over time. In either case, a damaged patio door latch poses an immediate security risk to your property. Regularly inspecting your patio door locks will keep them in good condition and allow you to easily solve any issues that occur.

If lubricating the lock does not solve the issue, you'll need to replace it. This is a job that most homeowners can handle themselves, however, it's crucial to follow the directions to ensure that the new lock will work with your existing lock. It's also an excellent idea to bring the lock you have previously used to the store to ensure that a customer service representative can guide you towards the right replacement.

To replace the handle on a patio door take off the handle. It is done by unscrewing the screws which hold the handle in place. Once the handle is removed, you are able to access the screws that hold the lock body to the jamb of the door.

After the screws have been removed after which you can slide the latch body out of the door frame. Secure the latch lever using a graphite pen. It will fall into frame if it is not secured. The next step is to remove the door strike from the jamb. This will reveal the hole the lock hook goes into when the patio door is closed. After the old door strike is removed you can install the new one in place.

It is essential to use larger screws when re-screwing the door strike. These will be used to secure it to the frame. You should also check that the new strike is properly aligned with the opening in the door frame, and make sure you tighten the two parts.

There are various types of locks for patio doors however the most commonly used is a central rail key-operated lock. These bolt the doors into the frame at various points, and when a key is inserted all points should lock simultaneously. These locks offer a greater level security than basic locking mechanisms, and often result in a reduction on homeowner's insurance.