Blog entry by Sofia Magrath
Locks for patio doors are essential to help protect your home. By increasing security, they can also help you save money on home insurance.
With just a few tools, you can easily replace a lock that is old or broken. Begin by lubricating and cleaning the lock. 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 new one. This will ensure that only you and the members of your family have access to your patio, keeping it safe from burglars. A high-quality lock is a deterrent to criminals, but you can further increase the security of your home by installing a surveillance system. This will notify you when someone tries to break into your home so that you can be aware or alert the authorities.
The doors of patios are typically located in low visibility areas. This makes them a perfect target for burglars looking to look over the contents of your home without anyone else being aware. To circumvent the spring-loaded locks on patio doors, burglars put their hands on the glass and move them up and down in a jerky motion until the lock disengages. To prevent this you can install security bars that are fixed to the track and stays in place when you slide your door closed. There are also other products such as the security pin, which works by drilling a hole in the frame of the sliding composite door lock replacement and comparing it with a hole into the stationary door, thus preventing the doors from being separated.
The choice of a patio door lock is not only about picking the best lock; it's about selecting a lock that is safe, meets your requirements and works with your home type. There are many patio door locks to fit your uPVC and French doors. The key is to choose one that matches your current handles and is in keeping with the design of your home.
Once you've selected the perfect lock, you must maintain the lock and make sure that it works properly. Regular cleaning and lubrication will keep your patio door secured tightly and prevent it from sagging or jamming. Use a dry rag to remove any dust or debris and then lubricate your lock with graphite or silicone. Avoid using oil-based lubricants as they can trap dirt and grime.
Measure the existing lock
The first thing you should do before ordering a replacement lock is to accurately measure your current lock. This will prevent you from buying a replacement lock which isn't the right size. It will also ensure that the new lock is a good fit in the hole that is already. To determine the length and diameter of your cylinder, employ a tape measure, and record the measurements in millimetres. Make sure to remove the casing and any decorative elements around 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 main types of patio door locks, each offering different levels of security. A key-operated lock is a cheaper option but does not offer much protection from intruders. Central rail locks that are operated by key is more secure than the basic lock and may allow you to get discounts on your home insurance. A multi-point lock that is fitted to the central rail, where the doors overlap provides more security than standard key-operated locks and is often approved by the police.
Another option is a mortise lock, which is the most expensive, but offers reliable, high-quality security. It is usually installed in the middle of the door to keep it from being slid like the sliding glass window.
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 to ensure that the lock does not damage the door frame.
Before drilling into your door frame, make sure you read the instructions that come with the new lock. This will give you a step-by-step guide for proper installation. It will also provide the proper way to adjust the lock to make it more comfortable and secure. In addition, it will describe how to test the lock so you can be certain that it works as intended. This will prevent any issues that might arise before they become more serious. If you're unable to fix an issue with the lock, you should to seek professional assistance.
Clean the Lock
One of the most frequent problems that homeowners confront is a lock that isn't functioning properly. It doesn't matter if it's a lock that doesn't turn or a latch that won't engage or a handle which won't lift or lock, patio doors that won't lock can be very frustrating and can pose a security risk. The good thing is that it's simple to fix these issues with just a some troubleshooting and maintenance.
Take off the lock handle on the door for patio use. Before you do this, however, lay down a protective covering like a tarp or old towel to collect any cleaning solutions or dirt that fall in the process. This will help with cleaning and will protect the patio door surface from scratches.
Next take care cost to replace upvc door lock mechanism near me clean the lock mechanism by using warm soapy water. This is a challenging procedure if you own an old lock. You'll need special care not to damage the delicate surface. A toothbrush will help you get into tight spaces. A wire brush may be needed to remove any stubborn dirt and debris.
Once the lock is clean and dry, it's time for lubrication of the moving parts. This will prevent stiffness and allow the keyhole and latch to work smoothly. Choose a product made of silicone that is specifically made for door locks.
Certain replacing patio door lock door locks feature pin tumblers that move up and down, so they can become jammed with dust or other contaminants. It is possible to resolve this issue by inserting an graphite pencil or small amount of lubricant spray into the lock to free any parts that are stuck.
It's also important to consider that outdoor door locks are exposed to the elements and may be subject to corrosion, rust or other damages. Lubricating the moving parts of your lock can improve their performance over time and to avoid costly repairs or replacement upvc door lock mechanism. How often you should Lubricate locks will be contingent upon the type of environment and climate in your area. For instance, coastal areas are more likely to have more salt in the air that can cause corrosion and other damages.
Lubricate the moving parts
The best way to keep your sliding patio door locks functioning properly is to lubricate them regularly. This prevents the build-up of dirt and dust that could cause failure of the lock. It is also recommended to clean your handles and locks regularly with a cleaning product to get rid of any dirt that could be stuck within the mechanism.
It can be difficult to lubricate your locks, since not all lubricants perform in the same way. Make use of silicone spray lubricant or a similar one, to apply the lubricant on the lock mechanism. Make sure to choose a lubricant that doesn't attract dirt or dust. This will prevent the lubricant from fading quickly and making the lock less able to operate.
Another option for lubricating your patio door locks is to use dry graphite powder. It's simple to apply and helps in preventing corrosion. You can purchase dry graphite oil at many hardware stores, or on the internet. It is also available in aerosol form, making it easier to apply to the lock mechanism. The lubricant's solvent dry quickly, leaving an unburnt layer of graphite that offers lubrication and doesn't attract dust and chemicals.
If you're looking for an alternative that lasts longer for your needs, it is recommended that Teflon lubricant is a good choice. This type of lubricant provides long-lasting protection against corrosion and will not attract dirt or dust making it more durable than other lubricants. You might also consider a deicer lubricant, specially made to withstand cold temperatures and prevent freezing.
Once you've lubricated your locks, you must check them to ensure they're functioning properly. Try closing and opening the door a few times and be aware of any resistance or sticking. It is important to take care of any issues as quickly as you can before they get worse.
If you are replacing a upvc door lock a mortise lock, ensure that the spindle and handle are in line with the door's model and manufacturer. The location of the mortise lock's keyway is important. Some are vertical while others are bent at 45 degrees and you'll have to select the right one for your sliding patio door.