5 Killer Quora Answers On Patio Door Locks Repair
Patio Door Locks Repair
Your home's security depends on the locks that are installed on your patio door. If they don't work properly, you can put your family's and possessions at risk.
Fortunately, a few simple steps will usually solve problems with patio door locks and keep your home secure. This fast fix involves lubricating and cleaning the lock.
Check the lock
Patio doors are a vital security feature. They must be able to withstand the elements and keep burglars away. Wear and tear, extreme temperatures and dust can cause the frame, hinges, and locking mechanisms to fail. It's best to be proactive about addressing these issues and to regularly inspect your sliding door locks for indications of damage and repair patio door the damage if needed.
One of the most frequent issues that can affect your patio door locks is the difficulty in locking or unlocking, a stuck latch, and a key that doesn't turn smoothly. You may have to adjust the lock mechanism or tighten screws depending on the issue you're experiencing.
If the problem with the lock on your patio door is that it is stuck in the open position, you can try using the credit card or flat-head screwdriver to pry it out. If these methods don't work, consider calling a professional locksmith help you open the lock without damaging the door frame.
The mortise lock on sliding glass patio door repair uPVC patio door is usually an cylinder and handle which secures the lock. They are quite secure, but they could be prone to bending or breaking under the pressure of a door that is slammed. You should check the mortise locks and handles for signs of wear, such as bends or scratches prior to when they break and you have to replace them.
You can also take a photo of the lock to determine its dimensions and location. This will allow you to communicate these details to a vendor when you're looking for a replacement lock. This will ensure you're getting an appropriate lock that will fit your door and is compatible with the current mounting setup. Otherwise, you'll have a difficult time installing a new lock that isn't compatible with the existing hardware. This could result in further problems in the future.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are a common entrance point into homes and are a frequent target for burglars. It is therefore essential to ensure that your patio door lock is fully functional and meets Police & Insurance Standards.
There are a few simple steps you can take to fix a lock that won't cooperate. It doesn't matter if you want to adjust the patio door and clean the lock or even replace it, these four simple steps will ensure that your doors function correctly and offering the security you'd like to have.
The first thing you should do is give the lock a thorough clean with some hot soapy water and a damp towel. You'll need to get rid of any dirt or stains that have built up on the lock. After this, you can use a dry cloth to remove any excess water and allow the lock to dry completely before attempting to insert it again.
The next step is to lubricate the lock. This is particularly important for doors made of uPVC, which are prone to becoming extremely noisy as time passes. Spray lubricant such as WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate the keyways and internal mechanisms. When applying the lubricant, ensure that you clean your key afterwards to avoid redistributing any grime that might have accumulated on it.
Once your uPVC patio doors have been cleaned and lubricated, then test them. Check to see if the door is moving into and out of the frame without a hitch. Also, make sure that the hinges and locking points are aligned correctly with the frame of the door. You can see alignment marks along the edge of the frame. You can easily correct the alignment issues by re-aligning your doors to the frame.
It's also worth noting that different types of uPVC door locks are available. You may need to replace the lock if it's damaged or broken. For instance, if your have E2011 patio door locks, you'll have to replace them with E2469 or E2487 lock assemblies to be safe. These assemblies consist of three components comprising an E2014 mortise latch, an escutcheon plate and the lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
For most patio doors the lock mechanism is situated in the door, hidden from view. You can purchase an upgrade kit from most home improvement stores and locksmiths if your key cylinder has been damaged or if you're looking to upgrade your lock for better security. The kits range from $10 to $20 and include a tool for opening the lock and a spare key cylinder. The instructions in the kit will tell you how to disassemble and clean your old lock. Install the new lock. Depending on how tight the key cylinder fits into the hole in the lock it is possible to adjust it a bit for proper operation.
Dry graphite powder is used to lubricate locks. It is an inexpensive and popular alternative to liquid lubricants which can draw dust and clog the mechanism. You can purchase it from hardware stores, model train shops and some office supply stores. If you decide to use it, make sure the dry graphite chunk is free of tiny pieces of wood stuck to it. You can also purchase commercial graphite spray. The solvent in the spray evaporates once it is applied, leaving an uninspiring layer of graphite which lubricates the lock.
You can also lubricate your lock by spraying WD-40 into the keyway. Inject your key out several times to spread the lubricant throughout the lock. After a few seconds you can turn the key and see if it moves smoothly. If the key is still stuck you can try it again within a few days after the WD-40 has been allowed to dry.
Most homeowners can easily change their patio door locks, however, if your sliding door is equipped with an invisible latch or deadbolt lock the door, the process may be more complicated. If your patio door has an invisible latch, you will have to remove the decorative cover by unscrewing the screws holding the cover in place using a screwdriver. If your patio door has a built-in deadbolt, you will need to remove the bolt from the edge of the door. Install the new lock after taking out the deadbolt and knob.
Replace the Lock
It's not unusual for patio doors to fail. They are an important security element for your home. Debris may get stuck within the lock mechanism or it could wear out over time. In either case, a broken patio door latch can pose an immediate security risk to your property. Conducting regular inspections of your patio door locks will keep them in good working order and let you easily solve any issues that occur.
If you find that lubricating the lock doesn't solve the issue, you'll need to replace it. This is a job that most homeowners can do themselves, however, it's crucial to follow the instructions to ensure that the new lock will work with your existing lock. You can also bring your old lock to the store to help to find a replacement.
To replace a patio door handle remove the handle. This can be accomplished by unscrewing the screws which hold the interior handle in place. After the handle is removed, you can then gain access to the screws that connect the lock body to the jamb of the door.
After removing the screws you can slide out the latch body from the door frame. Be sure to secure the lever using the help of a graphite pencil because it could be thrown into the frame and become lost if it's not secured. The next step is to remove the door strike. The hole where the lock hook is when the patio door is closed will be exposed. Once the door strike is removed you can install the new one into place.
When re-screwing a door strike, you must be sure to use screws that are longer as they will be used to fix the frame to the strike. You should also check that the new strike is aligned properly with the opening in the door frame and ensure that the two are secured.
There are a variety of locks for patio doors The most popular is a central rail lock that is operated by a key. They lock the door into the frame in multiple points and, once the key is inserted, all the points must be locked. These locks provide a higher level of security than standard locking mechanisms and can often result in a reduction on homeowner's insurance.