Five Killer Quora Answers To Patio Door Locks Repair
Patio Door Locks Repair
The locks on your patio doors are an an integral part of your home's security. When they aren't working correctly, it could compromise the safety of your household and belongings.
Fortunately, a few simple steps can fix patio door lock problems and help keep your home safe. This easy fix is cleaning and lubricating the lock.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are a vital security feature. They should be strong enough to withstand the elements and keep burglars away. However, the wear and tear, cold and hot weather, and dust can take their toll on the door's frames hinges, hinges and locking mechanisms, and eventually cause them to cease to function as they ought to. It is recommended to be proactive about dealing with these issues and regularly inspect your sliding door locks for signs of damage and repair the damage if needed.
Some of the most common problems with patio door locks include difficulty locking or unlocking them, a stuck latch and keys that don't move smoothly. Depending on the particular issue you're having, you may need to tighten screws or adjust the lock mechanism to get it working again.
If the problem with your patio door lock is that it is stuck in the open position, you can try using credit card or a flat-head screwdriver to pry it out. If neither of these methods work, you should think about hiring a professional locksmith to assist you in opening the lock without damaging the door frame.
Sliding uPVC patio doors are usually fitted with a mortise lock which includes a handle as well as a cylinder to secure the lock. These locks are fairly secure, but they can be prone to bending or breaking under the weight of a slammed door. It's a good idea to inspect the mortise lock and handle for signs of wear, for instance scratches or bends before it breaks and you have to replace it.
It's an excellent idea to know the dimensions and positioning of the existing lock by taking a photo with your digital camera. Then, you can provide the details to a dealer in the event that you're looking to purchase a new 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. If not, you'll face a difficult time trying to install a new lock that isn't compatible with the hardware you have. This could result in additional problems in the future.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are a popular 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 conforms to Police & Insurance Standards.
There are some simple things you can do to repair a lock that is refusing to cooperate. Whether you need to realign the patio door, clean the lock or even replace it, these four simple steps will ensure that your doors are functioning properly and providing the level of security that you'd like to have.
The first thing that you should do is give the lock a good clean using hot soapy water and a damp cloth. You'll want to clean away any dirt or stains that might have built up on the lock. Once 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 re-insert it.
The next step is to be sure to lubricate your lock. This is especially crucial for patio doors made of uPVC as they can become very squeaky as they age. You can apply a spray oil lubricant, such as WD40 or petroleum jelly to smooth the keyways and internal mechanisms. When applying the lubricant, make sure you wipe your key afterward to avoid spreading any dirt that may have gathered on it.
After cleaning and lubricating your uPVC patio door, you should test it. Observe whether the door is moving into and out of the frame smoothly. Also, make sure that the hinges and locking points are aligned correctly with the frame of the door. You will notice alignment marks along the edges of the door frame. You can easily fix these by re-aligning your doors to the frame.
It's also worth noting that various types of uPVC door locks are available. You might need to replace your lock if it's damaged or broken. If you have E2011 patio door locks, you'll have to replace them in order to be safe with E2469 and E2487 lock assembly. These assemblies consist of three components, including an E2014 mortise lock, an escutcheon, and a lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
For most patio doors, the lock mechanism is situated inside the door, hidden from the view. If your key cylinder is wearing out or you simply want to upgrade your lock to ensure greater security, you can purchase the replacement kit at most home improvement stores or locksmiths. The kits range from $10 to $20, and include tools for opening the lock and an extra 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 in the hole of the lock, you may need to adjust it a bit for proper operation.
If you are looking to lubricate your lock, dry graphite powder is an easy and inexpensive alternative to liquid lubricants that can cause dust to build up and damage the mechanism. You can purchase it from hardware stores, model train shops and some office supply stores. If you choose to use it, ensure that the dry graphite chunk is free of tiny pieces of wood patio door repair stuck to it. You can also purchase commercial graphite spray. The solvent in the spray disperses when applied, leaving an uninspiring layer of graphite to lubricate the lock.
You can also apply lubrication to your lock by applying several sprays of WD-40 directly into the keyway. Push your key in and out several times to spread the lubricant across the lock. After a couple of minutes then turn the key to see if it moves smoothly. If the key does not turn, try the lock again within a few days after the WD-40 has dried.
Most homeowners can easily change their patio door locks however, if your sliding door has an invisible latch or deadbolt lock that is built-in, the process could be more complex. If your patio door is fitted with an invisible latch, it will be required to remove the decorative interior cover by taking off the 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 and knob.
Replace the Lock
It's not uncommon for patio doors to malfunction. They are an important security element for your home. There are times when debris can get stuck within the lock mechanism or it may get worn out over time. In either scenario, a damaged patio door latch can pose an immediate security risk to your home. Regularly checking the locks on your patio doors can keep them in good condition and let you swiftly correct any problems.
If you find that lubricating the lock doesn't fix the problem then you'll have to replace it. This is an easy task that most homeowners can complete at home, however, it's important to carefully follow the directions to ensure that the new lock will work with your existing system. You can also bring your old lock to the store to help you find the right replacement.
The first step to replace a patio door lock is to take off the handle. It is done by removing the screws that keep the handle's interior in place. After the handle is removed, you will be able to remove the screws that hold the lock body in place.
After the screws have been removed after which you can slide the latch body out of the door frame. Make sure you fix the lever using a graphite pencil as it could be thrown into the frame and become lost if not secured. The next step is to remove the door strike. The hole in which the lock hook is when the patio door closes will be revealed. After you have removed the old door strike, it is possible to install the new one.
It is essential to use longer screws when replacing the door strike. They are used to attach it to the frame. You should also check that the new strike is aligned correctly with the opening in the door frame, and make sure you tighten the two parts.
There are different types of locks for patio doors, but the most common is a central rail key-operated lock. They bolt the doors to the frame at various points, and once keys are inserted all points should lock simultaneously. These locks provide a greater level of security than standard locking systems, and often result in discounts on your homeowner's insurance.