Patio Door Locks Repair

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

A few simple steps can usually fix problems with patio door locks and ensure your home is secure. This fast fix involves lubricating and cleaning the lock.

Check the Lock

Patio doors are a crucial security feature and need to work efficiently to keep burglars and elements at bay. However, the wear and tear, hot and cold weather dust, and other elements can affect the door's frames hinges, hinges and locking mechanisms and eventually, they cease to function as they ought to. It's important to be proactive and regularly check your sliding doors for damage and then make any necessary repairs.

Some of the most common problems with patio door locks is difficulties locking or unlocking them, a stuck latch and keys that do not move smoothly. It is possible to adjust the mechanism of your lock or tighten screws according to the issue you're experiencing.

If the issue with the lock on your patio door is that it's stuck in an open position, you can try using credit card or a screwdriver with a flat head to break it loose. If neither of these methods work, you should think about calling a professional locksmith assist you in opening the lock without causing damage to the door frame.

The mortise lock that is used on sliding uPVC patio door locks repair doors is typically comprised of a handle and a cylinder that is secured by the lock. The locks are safe, but can be damaged or bent under the weight of an closed patio door. It is important to check the mortise locks and handles for signs of wear such as bends or scratches prior to when they break and you need to replace them.

It's an excellent idea to identify the size and location of the existing lock by taking a photograph using your digital camera. This will allow you to communicate these details to a vendor when you're seeking a replacement lock. This will ensure that you receive the right lock for your door and is compatible with the current mounting setup. In the event that it isn't, you'll have difficulties trying to install a lock that's not compatible with the existing hardware. This could cause more complications in the future.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are a common entrance point into homes, making them a prime target for burglars. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your patio door lock is fully functional and conforms to Police & Insurance Standards.

There are some simple ways to fix a lock that won't cooperate. These four steps will allow you ensure that your patio doors are working correctly and providing the security you require.

First, you should clean the lock using hot soapy water using a damp cloth. You should wipe off any stains or dirt that might have built up on the lock. After this then you can use a dry, clean cloth to remove any excess water and let the lock dry completely before attempting to re-insert it.

The next step is to make sure that your lock is lubricated. This is especially crucial for patio doors made of uPVC because they can become extremely squeaky with 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 might have been accumulated.

After cleaning and lubricating your uPVC double glazed patio door repairs door, make sure you test it. Check to see if the door is sliding in and out of the frame with ease. Check that the hinges and locking points are properly aligned with the frame. You can see the alignment marks along the edges of the door frame. You can easily correct these by re-aligning your doors with the frame.

It's also important to note that various types of uPVC door locks are available. You might need to replace your lock if it is damaged or broken. For example, if you have E2011 patio door locks, you'll need to replace them with E2469 or E2487 lock assemblies to be secure. 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. You can buy an upgrade kit from most home improvement stores and locksmiths if your key cylinder has been damaged or 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 an additional cylinder. Follow the instructions included in the kit to disassemble and clean your old lock. Then put in the new one. Depending on how tight the key cylinder fits in the hole of the lock it may be necessary to adjust it slightly for proper operation.

Dry graphite powder is used to lubricate locks. It is a low-cost and popular alternative to liquid lubricants which can draw dust and clog the mechanism. It can be purchased from 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 a commercial graphite lubricant in spray form. When the spray is applied, the solvent in the spray evaporates, leaving a layer of dry graphite that locks without attracting dust or collecting moisture.

You can also grease the lock by spraying WD-40 in the keyway. You can push your key in and out repeatedly to spread the lubricant. After a couple of minutes then turn the key to see if it turns smoothly. If your key still sticks you can try it again after a few days, when the WD-40 has dried.

Most homeowners can change their patio door locks, but if the sliding patio door repair door has an invisible latch or a deadbolt lock that is built-in the door, the process might be more complicated. If your patio door is fitted with an invisible latch, it is necessary to take off the decorative interior cover by unscrewing screws that hold it in place. If your patio door is equipped with a deadbolt, you'll need to remove the bolt from the edge of the door. Install the new lock after removing the deadbolt assembly as well as the knob.

Replace the Lock

It's not common for patio doors to malfunction. They are a crucial security feature of your home. The debris could get caught in the lock mechanism, or it could wear out over time. A damaged or broken patio door latch could pose a serious security threat to your home. Regularly checking 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 fix the problem then you'll have to replace it. This is a task that most homeowners can handle by themselves, but it's crucial to follow the instructions to ensure that the new lock will work with your existing system. You can also bring your old lock to the store to help to find a replacement.

To replace the handle on a patio door take off the handle. This can be done by unscrewing screws that secure the handle. After the handle is removed, you can then access the screws that hold the lock body to the door jamb.

Once the screws are 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 not secured. The next step is to take the door strike from the jamb. This will reveal the hole that the lock hook goes into when the patio door is closed. After removing the door strike, you can install the new one.

When re-screwing the door strike, it is important to use longer screws as they'll be used to fix the frame to the strike. Verify that the new strike is aligned with the opening of the door frame and then tighten both of them.

There are a variety of locks for patio doors however the most commonly used is a central rail key-operated lock. They bolt the doors to the frame at several points, and when the key is inserted, all points must lock simultaneously. These locks provide a higher level of security than the standard locking systems and may provide discounts on your homeowner's insurance.