Why We Why We Patio Door Locks Repair (And You Should Too!)
Patio Door Locks Repair
Your home's security depends on the locks that are installed on your patio door. If they're not working correctly, you could put your family and belongings at risk.

Fortunately, a few easy steps can usually fix problems with patio door locks and help keep your home safe. This quick fix involves cleaning and lubricating the lock.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are a vital security feature and they require a lot of effort to keep burglars and the elements at away. Regular wear and tear, extreme temperatures and dust can cause the frames, hinges and locking mechanisms to fail. It is crucial to be proactive and regularly check your sliding doors for damage, and make any necessary repairs.
Some of the most frequent problems with patio door locks is difficulty locking or unlocking them, a latch that is stuck and keys that do not rotate smoothly. Depending on the particular issue it may be necessary to tighten screws or adjust the lock mechanism in order to get it working again.
If your patio door lock is stuck in the open position and you cannot open it, try using a flat-head or credit card. If these methods don't work, consider 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 cylindrical lock to secure the lock. The locks are safe, but can break or bend in the force of a open patio door that is slammed. You should inspect the mortise locks and handles for signs of wear, such as bends or scratches before they break and you have to replace them.
It's also a good idea to know the dimensions and position of the current lock by taking a photograph with your digital camera. You can then give the details to a dealer when you're looking for the right lock. This will ensure that you receive an appropriate lock that is compatible with the door and is compatible with the current mounting setup. In the event that it isn't, you'll have difficulties trying to install a new lock that isn't compatible with the existing hardware. This could lead to additional problems in the future.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are the most common entrance point into the home, making them a prime target for burglars. It is therefore vital that the lock on your patio door is functional and complies with Police & Insurance Standards.
There are a few simple steps you can take to solve a lock that doesn't 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 correctly and provide the security you'd like to have.
It is recommended to first clean the lock using hot soapy water and a damp cloth. You should wipe off any dirt or stains that may have accumulated on the lock. After you've done this, you can use a dry cloth to wipe away any excess water and let the lock air-dry completely before attempting to re-insert it.
Next, you need to make sure that the lock is lubricated. This is especially crucial for doors made of uPVC that can become extremely squeaky over time. You can apply a 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 afterward to avoid spreading any dirt that may have gathered on it.
After your uPVC patio doors have been cleaned and lubricated, you should then test them. Observe if the door slides effortlessly into and out of its frame. Also, make sure that the hinges and locking points are aligned properly with the frame of the door. You can see the alignment marks along the edges of the frame. You can easily fix these by re-aligning your doors to the frame.
Lastly, it's worth noting that there are different types of uPVC patio door locks and you may need to replace the lock if yours is damaged or broken. If you have E2011 patio door locks, you'll have to replace them to ensure that you are safe with E2469 and E2487 lock assemblies. The assemblies comprise three parts: an E2014 mortise latch, an escutcheon plate and the lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
The lock mechanism for the majority of patio doors is concealed inside the door. You can purchase an upgrade kit from most home improvement stores and locksmiths in the event that your key cylinder has worn out or if you want to upgrade your lock for greater security. These kits range between $10 and $20 and include a tool for opening the lock as well as a spare cylinder. The instructions included in the kit will explain how to disassemble and clean the old lock. Install the new lock. You may need to adjust the cylinder of your key slightly to ensure it is operating properly, depending on how tightly it fits into the lock hole within the door frame.
Dry graphite powder is used to lubricate locks. It is a low-cost and popular alternative to liquid lubricants, which can draw dust and gum the mechanism. patio doors repair near me can buy it at hardware stores, model train shops, and some offices supply stores. If you decide to purchase it, make sure the graphite chunks are free of any wood particles. You can also buy the commercial graphite lubricant available in spray form. The solvent in the spray evaporates once it is applied, leaving a dry layer of graphite which lubricates the lock.
You can also apply lubrication to your lock by applying a few sprays of WD-40 directly into the keyway. Then, push your key in and out several times to spread the lubricant across the lock. After a few seconds, turn the key to check if it is turning smoothly. If the key does not turn then try the lock again after a few days, when the WD-40 has dried.
Most homeowners can change their patio door locks but if the sliding door has an invisible latch or deadbolt lock built in the door, the process might be more difficult. If your patio door is fitted with an invisible latch, it is necessary to take off the decorative interior cover by taking off the screws that hold it in place. If your patio door is fitted 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
Patio doors are a crucial element of your home's security and it's common that they malfunction at times. Debris can get lodged inside the lock mechanism, or it may just get worn out by age and use. In either case, a damaged patio door latch poses an extremely risk to the security of your home. Regularly inspecting patio door locks can keep them in good condition and help you quickly solve any issues.
If you find that lubricating the lock doesn't fix the problem then you'll have to replace it. Many homeowners can handle this task themselves. However, it is important to carefully read the instructions in order to ensure that your new lock is compatible with the old lock. You can also bring your old lock to the store to assist you to find a replacement.
The first step to replace a patio door lock is to take off the handle. This can be done by removing screws that secure the handle. After the handle is removed it will be possible to access the screws holding the lock body in place.
After removing the screws, you can remove the latch body from 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. The hole in which the lock hook is located when the patio door is closed will be exposed. After you have removed the old door strike, it is possible to screw in the new one.
When re-screwing a door strike, it's important to use larger screws since they will be used to fix the frame to the strike. Verify that the new strike is in alignment with the opening of the door frame and then tighten both of them.
There are many different locks for patio doors. The most commonly used is the central rail lock with key operated. These locks bolt the doors into the frame at multiple points and when keys are inserted all of the points should lock at once. These locks offer a greater level security than basic locking mechanisms and may result in discounts on homeowner's insurance.