Patio Doors Locks Replacement
Patio door locks are important to protect your home. They also can save you money on your insurance by enhancing security.
You can change an old or damaged lock using a few basic tools. Start by cleaning and lubricating your existing lock. Select a replacement lock with the correct size screw hole.
Safety Precautions
If you have an outdoor sliding door, it's best to replace the lock with a new one. This will ensure that only you and members of your family are allowed access to your patio, keeping it safe from burglars. Installing a surveillance system will not only make your home more secure, but it will also stop criminals from entering your home. It will notify you when someone is trying to gain entry into your home so that you can take precautions or alert the authorities.
Patio doors are located in low-visibility areas which makes them a prime target for burglars who want to look over the contents of your home, without you or anyone else. To get around the spring-loaded patio door locks, burglars place their hands on the glass and move them up and down in a unsteady motion. To stop this from happening you can put in the security bar mounted on the track and stays in position when you slide your door closed. There are other options such as the security pin, which is made by drilling a hole into the frame of the sliding door, and then matching it with a hole drilled into the stationary door, thus preventing the doors from being separated.
It's not just about picking the right lock. It's also about picking locks that are suitable for your home's style and meets your needs. There are a variety of patio door lock replacement door locks that will fit your upvc door replacement lock and French doors. The trick is to choose one that is compatible with your existing handles, and matches the aesthetics of your home.
After you have chosen the perfect lock for your patio door, it's crucial to maintain it and make sure it functions correctly. Regular cleaning and lubrication will aid in keeping your patio door tightly locked and prevent it from jamming or sagging. Use a dry, clean cloth to clean any debris or dust from the lock and use graphite or silicone spray to lubricate it. Avoid using oil based lubricants, as they can draw dirt.
Check the Existing Lock
The first thing to do before you purchase a new lock is to measure accurately the current lock. This will prevent you from purchasing a replacement that is the wrong size. It will also ensure that the new lock fits perfectly into the existing hole. Use a tape measure take measurements of the length and diameter of your cylinder. Be sure to exclude the casing and any decorative elements surrounding the cylinder from the measurements. If you make assumptions or guess the dimensions, it could result in mistakes that could compromise the security and functionality your new lock.
There are three kinds of patio door locks that offer different levels of protection. The standard key-operated locking system is the most affordable option, but it does not offer the same protection against burglars. A central rail lock that is operated by keys is more secure than the standard lock and can be eligible for discounts on your insurance for your home. A multi-point lock installed on the central rail that is where the doors meet provides more security than standard key operated locks and is often approved by the police.
A mortise lock is a different option. It is the most expensive, but it offers high-quality secure security. This is typically installed in the middle of the door so that it can't be opened as the sliding windows.
If your patio doors have holes that are pre-drilled to accommodate a deadbolt, you'll need to redrill and make the hole wider. It's not an easy task, but it is important to do it correctly so that the lock will not cause damage to the door frame.
Consult the instructions included with the lock replacement before drilling into the door frame. You will receive a step-by-step guide to the proper installation. It will also provide the proper way to adjust the lock to more comfortable and secure. In addition, it will describe how to replace a lock on a upvc door to test the lock to ensure that you are sure that it is working as you intended. This will help you eliminate any problems before they become serious. If you are unable to fix an issue with the lock, it's recommended to seek professional assistance.
Clean the Lock
One of the most common issues that homeowners have to face is a door lock that doesn't work correctly. It doesn't matter if it's a lock that doesn't turn or a latch that won't engage or a handle that doesn't lift or lock, patio doors that don't lock can be very frustrating and can pose a serious security risk. The good thing is that it's easy to resolve these issues with just a bit of troubleshooting and maintenance.
Remove the locking handle on the door to the patio. Before doing this, however, lay down a protective covering like an old towel or tarp to collect any cleaning solutions or dirt that might fall during the process. This will make cleaning much easier and protect the door's surface from scratches.
Then, clean the lock mechanism using warm soapy water. If you own an antique lock, this could be a difficult task as you'll need to take extra care to avoid damaging the delicate surface. A toothbrush can be handy to get into the small spaces, and a wire brush might be necessary for removing any stubborn dirt or debris.
After the lock is clean, it's time to lubricate the moving parts. This will prevent stiffness, and ensure that the keyhole and latch will operate smoothly. Choose a product made of silicone that is specifically made for door locks.
Some patio door locks are made up of a series of pin tumblers that are able to move up and down. This could cause them to get stuck by dust or other contaminants. It is often possible to solve this problem by inserting a graphite pencil or a small amount of lubricant spray into the lock to free up any components that are stuck.
It's also important to consider that outdoor door locks are exposed to the elements and can be susceptible to corrosion, rust or other damages. Lubricating the moving parts of your lock can increase their performance over time and to avoid costly repairs or replacement locks for patio doors. The frequency at which you should lubricate locks will depend on the type of environment and climate in your area. For instance, coastal areas are more likely to have more salt in the air, which can cause corrosion and other damages.
Lubricate the moving parts
The best way to ensure that your sliding patio door locks operating correctly is to grease them regularly. This will prevent the build-up of dust and debris which could cause locks failing. Also, you should clean the handle and locks regularly with a cleaning solution to remove any dirt or grime that might be stuck in the mechanism.
Lubricating your locks can be a challenge, as not all lubricants are equally. Use silicone spray lubricant or a similar product, to apply the lubricant on the lock mechanism. Use a lubricant that won't draw dirt or dust. This will prevent the lubricant from wearing off quickly and making the lock harder to operate.
Another option for lubricating your patio door locks is dry graphite powder. It's simple to apply and will help in preventing corrosion. You can buy dry graphite lubricant at most hardware stores, or on the internet. It's also available in aerosol form, which makes it easier to apply to the lock mechanism. The solvent in the lubricant dries fast, leaving behind an unburnt layer of graphite, which provides lubrication. It doesn't attract dust or chemicals.
If you're looking for a more permanent solution, consider the Teflon-based lubricant. This type of lubricant can provide durability and protection against corrosion. It also will not attract dirt or dust. It is therefore more durable than other kinds of lubricants. You might also consider a deicer lubricant, specially made to withstand cold temperatures and prevent freezing.
It's important to test your locks after having them lubricated. This will ensure that they are working correctly. Try opening and closing the door several times and be aware of any resistance or sticking. If you notice any issues it's important to fix them right away before they become worse.
If you are replacing patio door lock mortise locks, make sure that the spindle and handle are in line with the door's model and make. The location of the mortise lock's keyway is crucial. Some are vertical and others are angled at 45 degrees, so you'll need to pick the correct one for your sliding patio door.