RepairMyWindowsAndDoors of your home is dependent on the locks on your patio door. When they aren't working properly, it can affect the safety of your family and possessions.
It's simple to fix patio door lock issues by following a few easy steps. This easy fix is cleaning and lubricating the lock.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are an important security element and need to work efficiently to keep burglars and elements at bay. Wear and tear, extreme temperatures, and dust can cause the frame, hinges, and locking mechanisms to fail. It's best to be proactive in addressing these issues and to regularly check your sliding door locks for signs of damage and to make necessary repairs.
Some of the most frequent problems with patio door locks are difficulty locking or unlocking them, a latch that is stuck and keys that do not rotate smoothly. You may have to adjust the mechanism of your lock or tighten screws depending on the issue you're experiencing.
If the problem with your patio door lock is that it's stuck in an open position Try using a credit card or a screwdriver with a flat-head to get it out. If none of these options work, call a professional locksmith who will assist you in opening the patio door lock without causing damage to the frame.
Sliding uPVC patio doors typically come with a mortise lock which uses a handle and a cylindrical lock to secure the lock. The locks are safe however they can break or bend when a 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 have to replace them.
You can also take a photo of the lock to determine its dimensions and location. This will enable you to convey these details to a supplier when you're looking for a replacement lock. This will ensure that you get the right lock for your door and is compatible with your current mounting setup. If not, you'll face difficulties trying to install a lock that isn't compatible with the hardware you have. This could result in further problems in the future.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are the most popular entrance point into the home, making them a prime target for burglars. It is therefore essential that your patio door locks are secure and up to Police & Insurance standards.
There are fortunately simple steps you can follow to deal with locks that are 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 function properly and providing the level of security that you'd like to have.
You should first clean the lock with hot soapy water using a damp cloth. You'll need to get rid of any dirt or stains which have built up on the lock. Once you've done this then you can use a dry cloth to remove any excess water and let the lock dry completely before trying to re-insert it.
Next, you should be sure to lubricate your lock. This is especially important for uPVC patio doors because they can become extremely noisy with age. You can apply a spray lubricant such as WD40 or petroleum jelly to smooth the keyways and internal mechanisms. When applying the lubricant make sure you wipe your keys afterward to avoid spreading any dirt that may have accumulated on it.
Once your uPVC patio doors have been cleaned and lubricated, then test them. Observe whether the door is moving through the frame with ease. Make sure the hinges and locking point are properly aligned with the frame. You can see the alignment marks along the edge of the frame. You can easily fix these by re-aligning your doors to the frame.
It's also worth noting that there are different types of uPVC patio door locks that are available and you may need to replace the lock if yours is damaged or broken. For instance, if you have E2011 patio door locks, you'll have to replace them with E2469 or E2487 lock assemblies to be secure. These assemblies are made up of three components, which include 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 view. You can purchase an upgrade kit from 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 better security. The kits cost from $10 to $20 and include a tool to open the lock and a spare cylinder. Follow the instructions in the kit for disassembling and cleaning the old lock, and then install the new one. Depending on how tightly the key cylinder fits into the hole in the lock it is possible to adjust it a bit for proper operation.
If you are looking to grease your lock, dry graphite powder is a popular and affordable alternative to liquid lubricants which can draw dust and clog the mechanism. You can buy it at hardware stores, model trains shops, and a few office supply shops. If you decide to purchase it, make sure that the graphite chunk is devoid of wood particles. You can also buy a commercial graphite lubricant in spray form. The solvent in the spray disperses when it is applied, leaving behind an uninspiring layer of graphite that lubricates the lock.
You can also lubricate your lock by applying some WD-40 sprays directly into the keyway. Push your key in-and-out repeatedly to spread the lubricant. After a couple of minutes, turn the key to see if it moves smoothly. If the key is still stuck then try the lock again after a few days, when the WD-40 has had time to dry.
The replacement of your patio door locks is a simple task for most homeowners, but the process can be more complicated if have a sliding door with an invisible latch and deadbolt lock built-in. 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 necessary to remove the bolt. After removing both the deadbolt and the knob assembly, you can install the new lock.
Replace the Lock
Patio doors are an essential part of your home's security and it's not uncommon for them to occasionally malfunction. Debris may get stuck within the lock mechanism or it could simply get worn out over time. In either case, a broken patio door latch can pose a serious security risk to your home. Regularly checking your patio door locks can help keep them in good condition and will allow you to fix any issues that may arise.
If you can't fix the problem then you'll have to replace it. Most homeowners can perform this task by themselves. However, it's crucial to carefully read the directions to ensure that your new lock is compatible with the old lock. You can also bring your old lock to the store to help you find the right replacement.
The first step to replace the patio door lock is to remove the handle. You can do this by unscrewing the screws which hold the handle in place. After the handle is removed, you are able to remove the screws that secure the lock body to the door jamb.
After the screws have been removed, you can remove the latch body of the door frame. Secure the lever with a graphite pen. It will fall into the frame if it is not secured. Then, take off the door strike. This will reveal the hole that the lock hook goes into when the patio door is closed. Once the door strike has been removed, you can put the new one in place.
It is essential to use screws with longer lengths when replacing the door strike. These will be used to secure it to the frame. Check that the new strike is aligned with opening of the door frame, and tighten both together.
There are various types of patio door locks, but the most common is a central rail key-operated lock. These bolt the doors into the frame at various points, and once keys are inserted all points should lock simultaneously. These locks offer a higher level of security than the standard locking systems and can often provide discounts on homeowner's insurance.