Patio Door Locks Repair
The security of your home is dependent on the locks you have on your patio door. If they don't work correctly, you could put your family and belongings at risk.
A few simple steps will usually solve issues with your patio door lock 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 they require a lot of effort to keep burglars and the elements at bay. Wear and tear, extreme temperatures, and dust can cause frames, hinges and locking mechanisms to fail. It's best to take a proactive approach in fixing these issues and to regularly check your sliding door locks for signs of damage and to make the necessary repairs.
Some of the most common problems with patio door locks is difficulties locking or unlocking them, a latch that is stuck and keys that do not rotate smoothly. You may have to adjust the lock mechanism or tighten screws according to the issue you are experiencing.
If the problem with your patio door lock is that it's stuck in an open position You can try using a credit card or a flat-head screwdriver to pry it loose. If none of these options work, contact an expert locksmith who will assist you in opening the door lock without damaging the frame.
The mortise lock for sliding uPVC patio door is usually an cylinder and handle which secures the lock. These locks are fairly safe, but they may be susceptible to bend or breaking under the pressure of a slammed door. It is recommended to examine the mortise lock and handle for indications of wear, for instance bends or scratches, before it is broken and you need to replace it.
You can also snap a picture of the lock to determine its size and position. You can then provide these details to a supplier in the event that you're looking to purchase an alternative lock. This will ensure that you get an appropriate lock that will fit your door and is compatible with the 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 a common entry point into the home, making them a prime target for burglars. Therefore, it is essential that your patio door lock is functional and complies with Police & Insurance Standards.
There are a few simple things you can do to fix a lock that won't 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 are operating correctly and offering the level of security you'd like to have.
You should first clean the lock using hot soapy water and a damp cloth. You'll want to get rid of any dirt or stains that have been accumulating on the lock. Once you've done this you can use a dry cloth to wipe away any excess water and allow the lock to dry completely before attempting to re-insert it.

The next step is to lubricate the lock. This is especially important for doors made of uPVC, which can become extremely squeaky as time passes. Use WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate keyways and internal mechanisms. When applying the lubricant ensure that you clean your key afterwards to avoid spreading any dirt that might have accumulated on it.
After your uPVC patio doors have been cleaned and lubricated, then test them. Observe if the door slides smoothly inside and out of its frame. Make sure that the hinges and locking point are aligned properly with the frame. You should be able to see the alignment marks on the edge of your door frame, and you can fix them by re-aligning the 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 the one you have is damaged or broken. If you have E2011 patio doors locks, you'll have to replace them in order to be safe with E2469 and E2487 lock assemblies. These assemblies consist of three parts comprised of an E2014 mortise latch, an escutcheon plate and the lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
For most patio doors the lock mechanism is in the door, hidden from view. You can purchase an upgrade kit from most locksmiths and home improvement stores if your key cylinder has been damaged or you want to upgrade your lock to provide better security. These kits range from $10 to $20 and include a tool for opening the lock as well as an extra cylinder. The instructions included in the kit will explain how to remove and clean the old lock. Install the new lock. Depending on how securely the key cylinder fits in the lock hole it may be necessary to adjust it slightly to ensure proper operation.
If you're looking to grease your lock, dry graphite powder is a popular and inexpensive alternative to liquid lubricants which can attract dust and gum up the mechanism. You can purchase it at hardware stores, model train shops, and some office supply stores. If you decide to use it, make sure the dry graphite chunk is free from tiny bits of wood sticking to it. You can also purchase commercial graphite spray. The solvent in the spray disperses when applied, leaving a dry layer of graphite that lubricates the lock.
You can also lubricate the lock by spraying WD-40 in the keyway. Push your key in and out several times to spread the lubricant over the lock. After a couple of minutes then turn the key to check if it is turning smoothly. If your key is still stuck, try it again few days after the WD-40 has dried.
The replacement of your patio door locks is a simple task for most homeowners, however the process may be more difficult if you have a sliding door that has an invisible latch and a deadbolt lock that is built-in. If your patio door is fitted with an invisible latch, it is necessary to take off the decorative interior cover by removing the screws that hold it in place. If your patio door is fitted with a deadbolt, it is necessary to remove the bolt from the edge of the door. After removing both the deadbolt and the knob assembly, you can put in the new lock.
Replace the Lock
It's not common for patio doors to malfunction. why not try this out are an important security feature for your home. Debris can get lodged inside the mechanism of the lock or it can simply wear out with the passage of time and use. A damaged patio door latch could pose a serious security threat to your home. A regular inspection of the patio door locks can keep them in good condition and let you swiftly fix any issues.
If you find that lubricating your lock fails to solve the problem it's time to replace it. This is an easy task that most homeowners can do themselves, however, it's crucial to follow the directions to ensure that the new lock will work with your existing lock. You can also bring your old lock to the store to assist you locate an alternative.
To replace the handle on a patio door, remove the handle. This can be accomplished by unscrewing screws that hold the handle in place. 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 slide out the latch body from the door frame. Be sure to secure the lever using a graphite pencil since it will be thrown into the frame and become lost if not secured. The next step is to remove the door strike from the jamb. This will reveal the hole the lock hook goes into when the patio door is closed. After removing the door strike, it is possible to screw in the new one.
It is crucial to use larger screws when replacing the door strike. They will be used to attach it to the frame. Check that the new strike is in alignment with the opening of the door frame and tighten both together.
There are many different locks for patio doors. The most commonly used is the central rail key-operated locking system. They bolt the door into the frame at multiple points and, when the key is inserted, all of the points will be locked. These locks offer a higher level of security than the standard locking systems, and often provide discounts on homeowner's insurance.