Activity

Patio Doors Locks Replacement

Patio door locks are important to protect your home. They can also help save money on insurance for your home by increasing security.

With a few simple tools, you can easily replace locks that are old or damaged. Begin by cleaning and lubricating the existing lock. Select Repair My Windows And Doors that has the proper screw hole size.

Safety Precautions

It’s a good idea replace your sliding patio door lock with a brand new one in the event that you have an older one. This will ensure that only you and the members of your family are allowed access to your patio, and keep it secure from burglars. A quality lock is a deterrent for criminals however, you can enhance your home security by installing a surveillance system. This system will alert you when someone tries to break in to your home. You can then take precautions or notify authorities.

The doors of patios are typically located in low visibility areas. This makes them a perfect opportunity for burglars to look over the contents of your house without you or passersby being aware. To bypass the spring-loaded locks found on patio doors, burglars simply place their hands on the glass and move up and down in a quick motion until the lock stops. Install a security bar on the track and it will stay in place while you shut your door. Other products, like 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 a patio door lock isn’t just about selecting the right lock, but it’s about choosing the right lock for your needs and is compatible with the style of your home. There are a variety of innovative patio door locks that will be suitable for your uPVC or French doors however the key is to choose one that matches the handles you have already installed and matches the aesthetics of your home.

Once you’ve selected the perfect lock, it’s important to maintain the lock and ensure it works properly. Regular cleaning and lubrication will keep your patio door secured tightly and prevent it from jamming or sagging. Use a dry cloth to remove any debris or dust from the lock and apply silicone spray or graphite to lubricate it. Avoid using oil based greases, as they could draw dirt.

Check the current lock

The first thing you should do before ordering a replacement lock is to accurately measure the current lock. This will prevent you from purchasing a replacement of the wrong size. It will also ensure that your new lock fits well into the hole you have already. Use a tape measure to determine the length and diameter of the cylinder. Remember to exclude any decorative elements or the casing’s outer layer from your measurements. If you try to guess or estimate these dimensions, it can cause errors that could compromise the security and functionality your new lock.

There are three primary types of patio door locks, each offering different levels of security. The basic key-operated locking system is the most affordable option, however it does not offer as much protection against intruders. A central rail lock that is operated by keys provides more security than a basic lock and can sometimes qualify you for a discount on your home insurance. A multi-point lock that is fitted to the central rail, where the doors overlap and are more secure than the standard key operated locks and is usually endorsed by the police.

A mortise lock is an alternative option. It is the most expensive but it offers high-quality and reliable security. This is typically installed in the middle of the door, so it cannot be slid open like windows that slide open.

If your patio doors are fitted with holes for a deadbolt it is necessary to redrill the hole and make it bigger. This can be challenging, but it’s important to do it right to ensure the lock won’t cause damage to the frame of the door.

Before drilling into the door frame, you must read the instructions that come with the lock replacement. The instructions include a step-bystep guide to installing the lock correctly. It will also explain the correct way to adjust the lock in order to make it more secure and fit better. It will also provide instructions on how to test the locks so that you are certain that they work as intended. This will prevent any issues that may arise prior to them become more serious. If you’re not able to fix the issue, it’s recommended to contact an expert.

Clean the Lock

A door lock that’s not working correctly is one of the most frequent issues homeowners encounter. Doors that don’t lock can be a pain and pose a security risk. It’s good to know that these problems are usually easily fixed by troubleshooting.

Remove the locking handle from the door for patio use. Before you do this, however, lay down a cover like a tarp or old towel to collect any cleaning solutions or dirt that may fall in the process. This will help with cleaning and protect the door’s surface from scratches.

Then, wash the lock mechanism with warm soapy water. If you own an antique lock, this could be a difficult task as you’ll require special care to avoid damaging the delicate surface. A toothbrush could come in handy to get into the narrow spaces and a wire brush might be necessary for removing any dirt or debris that is difficult to remove.

After cleaning the lock, it’s time to grease all the moving parts. This will reduce stiffness, and ensure that the keyhole and latch will function smoothly. Choose a silicone-based lubricant specifically designed for use on door locks.

Some patio door locks have pin tumblers that rotate upwards and downwards, which means they can become jammed with dust or other contaminant. It is possible to resolve this issue by inserting an graphite pencil or small amount of lubricating spray into the lock to open any parts that are stuck.

It is also important to keep in mind that locks for outdoor doors are exposed to the elements and may be subject to corrosion, rust or other damages. Regularly lubricating the moving parts of your lock can aid in their performance over time, and reduce the necessity for expensive repairs or replacement. The frequency at which you should lubricate locks will depend on the environment and climate of your area. In coastal areas there is more salt in the air, which can cause rusting and other damage.

Lubricate the moving parts

The best way to keep your sliding patio door locks functioning properly is to lubricate them regularly. This helps prevent the build-up of dust and debris that could cause lock failure. Also, you should clean the locks and handle regularly using a cleaning solution to get rid of any dirt or grime that may be accumulating within the mechanism.

It isn’t easy to lubricate your locks, because not all lubricants function the same way. Use silicone spray lubricant, or a similar one, to apply the lubricant on the lock mechanism. It is essential to choose the right product that doesn’t attract dust or dirt which could cause the lubricant’s surface to wear off quickly and make the lock more difficult to operate.

Dry graphite powder lubricant is another great option for lubricating your patio door locks. It’s easy to apply and can help in preventing corrosion. You can purchase dry graphite oil at many hardware stores, or on the internet. It is also available in aerosol form, which makes it easier to apply to the lock mechanism. The solvent in the lubricant quickly evaporates, leaving behind a dry layer of graphite which is able to provide lubrication without attracting dust or chemicals.

If you’re seeking a long-lasting solution, you could try the Teflon-based lubricant. This type of lubricant provides long-lasting protection against corrosion. It also won’t attract dust or dirt making it more durable than other types of lubricants. It is also possible to use deicer lubricant which is specially designed to resist cold temperatures and prevent the formation of ice.

It is important to test your locks after applying lubrication. This will ensure that they’re working properly. Try closing and opening the door several times and be aware of any resistance or sticking. If you experience any issues it’s crucial to address them immediately before they become worse.

If you’re replacing a mortise hinge ensure that the new handle and spindle are compatible with the door’s model and make. You’ll also have to be careful about the position of the keyway inside the mortise latch. Some are vertical and others are bent at 45 degrees and so you’ll need to pick the correct one for your sliding patio door.