This History Behind Replacement Patio Door Lock Can Haunt You Forever!
www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk on patio doors are an essential element of the security of your home. If you notice problems with your patio door lock, it's important to address the issue promptly to ensure your home is secure.
To begin to begin, you must first determine your existing patio door lock. This will help you decide the type of replacement you should order.
Identification
The lock that you have on your sliding door patio is an integral part of the security and operation of your home. As time passes, it may be damaged or worn out and require replacement. This could be due to a variety of causes such as a damaged handle, loose latch or the inability to turn the handle spindle properly. Most homeowners can replace their patio door lock themselves.
Start by identifying the type of lock you have. You can identify the type of lock you have by looking at how the small actuator lever on the handle is connected to the latch hasp, or by examining it directly. This is crucial because the type of lock you require is determined by the style of your patio doors and the specific issue with the lock.
Aluminum patio doors are commonly equipped with mortise locks which feature an opening that is rectangular. They can also be found on wood and vinyl patios doors. They are typically set in a recess within the patio door frame and have rectangular screw holes. You can also utilize a digital camera capture a picture of the lock and relay this information to the company you are purchasing from. This is a great method to ensure that the new patio door lock will work perfectly with your current system.
On older patio doors, you may have locks that have top and bottom tabs. These locks are more secure than sliding bolt locks because they engage the door frame to stop the door from being raised or forced. Sliding bolt locks are more frequent on patio doors that are recent. They are made of metal and have a slidebolt that retracts inside the strike plate to add security and strength.
You can add an additional lock to your patio door to improve security. Simply replace the existing knob with one that can accommodate a keyed locking system. This is a great way to protect your family, your pets, as well as your possessions, and prevent intruders accessing your patio door, particularly if your area has high rates of crime.
Cleaning
When a patio door lock functioning properly, it secures the door firmly against unwanted intruders and weather elements. However, just like any other hardware doors, outdoor door locks require periodic cleaning and lubrication in order to keep them from becoming stiff and unable to function properly. The good thing is that cleaning them is simple, straightforward and affordable and can be performed by any homeowner.
A door that squeaks is typically caused by dust and dirt accumulation in the mechanism. A simple solution consisting of vinegar and baking soda can be used to loosen the grime and make it easier to clean using the help of a toothbrush or sponge. In this cleaning procedure it's also recommended to use a bottle of compressed air to blast away dirt that is stuck.
To prevent squeaks after cleaning, a thin layer of lubricant is recommended to the keyhole, latch, and other moving parts. Be careful not to apply too much of the lubricant as too much can trap dirt and interfere with the functionality.
After the lubrication process is completed The lock must be checked to ensure it is operating correctly. If the lock is still squeaky, there may be a small misalignment between the frame or hinges with the door. If this is the case it is crucial to correct the problem before it gets any worse by altering the lock points and the door to align with the frame.
A uPVC door handle that won't move is a major problem, particularly since it exposes your home to burglars and elements. This problem can be caused by a variety of issues that range from minor changes in the weather, to a lack of maintenance on moveable parts. If the issue is dealt with promptly the door will be restored to its original state of operation. Maintaining your uPVC locks and doors with proper care and cleaning is the best method to safeguard your house.
Lubricants
The locking mechanisms of your patio door could have issues due to dust, debris or rust that can make them hard to open and latch. In these instances it is necessary to lubricate the lock to solve the problem. You should clean your lock mechanisms first before applying the lubricant. The lubricant must not be oily as it will attract dust particles, which could cause more problems for your patio doors. Hardware stores sell dry lubricants which are ideal for the lubrication of lock mechanisms.
Generally, the best locking lubricant is powdered graphite. Locksmiths have used it to lubricate metal parts for years because it does not attract dust, as opposed to liquid oils. It has a waxy texture that stays in the lock for a long time to provide lubrication. Graphite is safe to use and can be reapplied regularly to keep the lock working smoothly.
If you want to grease your lock, clean it first using a penetrating cleaner like WD-40. After cleaning, you can apply a dry lubricant on the keyhole, cylinder and lock mechanism. This will make the lock function smoothly and prevent it from becoming stuck or jamming.
In the majority of hardware stores, you will find a good quality silicone spray from various brands. This kind of lubricant will provide the best results and it is available in a variety of sizes. It also shields the lock from corrosion. It was common practice to use WD-40 or other oils for things with small moving parts before dry lubricants were made available. However, this method can draw dirt and clog your lock.
If your sliding glass handles for your patio doors are squeaky or difficult open and close, it might be time to replace the lock assembly. This issue is typically caused by loose screws or rust or misalignment of the latch hasp. Fortunately replacing the lock is relatively easy and can be accomplished with minimal effort. If you're not sure how to go about it then you can call an expert for assistance and advice.
Installation
The patio door lock is an important part of your home security system. A lock of high-end quality that is in good working condition will protect your family and possessions safe from unwanted intruders. Regular maintenance and inspection of the lock will help ensure that it's functioning properly. If you experience any issues with the lock on your patio door, it is recommended to seek professional assistance. A locksmith or a door hardware specialist can give you the guidance you require and aid in ensuring that your new replacement patio door lock is installed correctly.
You will need to identify the existing handle on your patio door. The keyway is the opening that keys fit into to lock and unlock the door. When purchasing a new lock, you can accurately describe the keyway by taking a photo.
You should also take note of the size and type of the lock. Different types of locks come with different mounting holes, swing directions and the sizes of the hasps. These information will help you determine which type of patio door lock you'll need to order for your sliding door.
Surface mount locks such as the ones shown here by Cal-Tech are simple to set up and are suitable for most sliding patio doors. The old handle must be removed with an screwdriver, however the surface mount lock can easily be installed after the screws are removed.
Steel mortise locks are the most common on wooden and aluminum frame for patio doors. They sit in a small pocket cut into the frame. They are more difficult than other patio door lock types to replace, but with a bit of time and effort, you are able to make it.
It is important to know the exact dimensions of your mortise lock, so that you can replace it with a similar one. Most mortise locks are the same overall dimensions but there are some key differences. The most significant difference is that some have vertical keyways while others have keys that are angled to 45 degrees.