Patio Doors Locks Replacement
Patio door locks are important to safeguard your home. By increasing security, they can also help you save money on home insurance.
You can replace an old or broken lock using some basic tools. Begin by cleaning and lubricating the lock you have. Then, select an alternative lock with the correct screw hole size.
Safety Precautions
When you have an outdoor sliding door, it's a good idea replace the lock you have with a brand new one. This will ensure that only you and members of your family have access to your patio, ensuring it is safe from burglars. A quality lock is a deterrent for criminals, but you can further enhance your home security by installing a surveillance system. It will alert you when someone tries to gain entry into your home, allowing you to take precautions or alert authorities.
Patio doors are often situated in areas with low visibility. This makes them a perfect target for burglars who want to assess the contents of your house without being aware. To circumvent the spring-loaded locks found on patio doors, burglars place their hands on the glass and move up and down in a jerky motion until the lock is disengaged. Install a security lock on the track and it will stay in place while you shut your door. Other products, such as the security pin works by drilling a small hole through the frame of the sliding doors and comparing it to a smaller hole in the stationary door. This stops the two doors being separated.
The choice of the right patio door lock isn't just about selecting the right lock, but it's about choosing a safe lock that suits your needs and is compatible with the style of your home. There are many lock options for patio doors that can be fitted to your uPVC and French doors. The key is to choose one that matches the handles you have already installed, and is in keeping with the design of your home.
Once replace lock upvc door have selected the perfect lock for your patio door, it is essential to keep it in good condition and ensure that it works correctly. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help keep your patio door secured tightly and keep it from jamming or sagging. Use a dry, clean cloth to clean any dust or debris from the lock and use silicone spray or graphite to lubricate it. Avoid using oil based oils, as they may attract dirt.
Measure the existing lock
Before purchasing the replacement lock, make sure you precisely measure the lock you have. This will stop you from buying a replacement lock which isn't the right size. This will also ensure that the new lock fits perfectly into the hole that is already. Make use of a tape measure to determine the length and diameter of your cylinder. Remember to exclude any decorative elements as well as the casing's outer layer from your measurements. Making assumptions or guessing at these dimensions can lead to inaccuracies that may affect the security and performance of your new lock.
There are three kinds of patio door locks that provide different levels of protection. A key-operated lock is a cheaper option, but doesn't provide much protection from intruders. A central rail lock that is key-operated offers greater security than a standard lock. It could also qualify you for discounts on your home insurance. A multi-point locking system connected to the central rail, where the doors meet, offers greater security than a standard key operated lock and is usually police approved.
Another alternative is a mortise lock which is the most expensive, yet is reliable and high-quality security. It is typically placed in the middle of the door to prevent it from sliding like the sliding glass window.
If your existing patio doors have pre-drilled holes for deadbolts then you'll need to re-drill the hole and make it bigger. This can be a challenge, but it's important to do it right so that the lock won't cause damage to the frame of the door.
Read the directions included with the replacement lock before drilling into the door frame. This will provide you with a step-by-step guide for proper installation. It will also show you how to adjust the lock to a tighter fit and how to secure it properly. In addition, it will describe how to test the lock to ensure you can be certain that it works as intended. This will prevent any issues that may arise before they become more serious. If you're unable to fix the problem, it is best to consult an expert.
Clean the Lock
A door lock that's not functioning properly is among the most common issues that homeowners encounter. Patio doors that won't lock can be a hassle and a security risk. The good part is that it's simple to fix the problem with a bit of troubleshooting and maintenance.
Remove the locking handle from the patio door. To protect your patio door from dust or cleaning products that may fall, lay down a protective cover such as an old towel or tarp. This will help with cleanup and will protect the surface of the patio door from scratches.
Then, clean the lock mechanism using warm soapy water. If you have an old lock, this could be a challenging task because you'll need to take extra care to avoid damaging the delicate surface. A toothbrush can come in handy to get into the narrow spaces and a wire toothbrush may be needed to get rid of any stubborn dirt or debris.
After cleaning the lock, it is time to lubricate all moving parts. This will help reduce stiffness and will allow the keyhole and latch to work smoothly. Choose a product made of silicone specifically made for door locks.
Certain patio door locks consist of a series of pin tumblers which move upwards and downwards. This could cause them to get stuck by dust or other contaminates. You can often resolve this issue by inserting an graphite pencil or small amount of lubricating spray into the lock to free up any components that are stuck.
Remember that outdoor door locks can be damaged by rust or corrosion. Lubricating the moving parts of your lock can improve their performance over time and prevent costly repairs or replacement. The nature of the climate and the environment in your region will affect how frequently you need to lubricate your locks. Coastal areas, for example are more likely to have more salt in the air, which can cause corrosion and damage.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
Lubricating your sliding patio door locks regularly is the best way to ensure that they work properly. This helps prevent the accumulation of dust and debris which can lead to failure of the lock. It is also recommended to clean your locks and handles regularly with a cleaning product to get rid of any dirt that may be stuck in the mechanism.
Lubricating your locks can be difficult because different lubricants do not work equal. Use silicone spray lubricant, or a similar product to apply the lubricant to the lock mechanism. It is important to select an item that does not attract dirt or dust which could cause the lubricant to wear off quickly and make the lock harder to operate.
Another option for lubricating your patio door locks is dry graphite powder. It is easy to use and will help prevent corrosion. You can purchase dry graphite grease from the internet or at many hardware stores. It is also available in aerosol form, making it easier to apply to the lock mechanism. The solvent in the lubricant dry quickly, leaving an unburnt layer of graphite that provides lubrication and doesn't attract dust and chemicals.
If you're looking for a more permanent solution, you could try a Teflon-based lubricant. This type of lubricant offers long-lasting protection from corrosion and does not attract dust or dirt. It is therefore more durable than other kinds of lubricants. You might also consider a deicer lubricant, specially designed to stand up to cold temperatures and prevent freezing.
It's important to test your locks after lubricating them. This will confirm that they're functioning properly. Try closing and opening the door several times and paying attention to any resistance or sticking. It's important that you fix any issues as soon as you can before they become worse.
If you're replacing a mortise hinge, make sure that the new spindle and handle are compatible with your door's model and brand. Also, you must be aware of the location of the keyway in the mortise latch. Some are horizontal while others are bent at 45 degrees and so you'll need to pick the correct one for your sliding patio door.