Replacement Patio Door Handle
Patio door handles are an important aspect of the security of your home. It is crucial to fix any problems with your patio lock as soon as possible to ensure that your home is safe.
To get started, you must first identify the lock on your patio door that you have already installed. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk will help you decide what kind of lock replacement you should order.
Identification
The lock that you have on your patio door plays a crucial function in the security and operation of your home. In time, it will be damaged or worn out and need to be replaced. This can be due to a variety of factors, like a loose latch or handle, or a failure to turn the handle spindle in a proper manner. It is good to know that changing the lock on your patio door is a simple task that homeowners are able to do themselves.
Begin by identifying the type of lock you have. This can be done by examining the way the handle's small actuator lever enters the latch hasp or by inspecting the lock itself. This is important as the kind of lock you'll need will depend on the design of your patio doors as well as the particular issue you are facing with the lock.
Aluminum patio doors are commonly equipped with mortise locks that feature an opening that is rectangular. They can also be used on vinyl and wood patios doors. The locks are set in a recess inside the patio door frame. They are fitted with rectangular screw holes. You can also take a picture using a digital camera and send it to the manufacturer. This is a great method to ensure that your new patio door lock aligns perfectly with your current system.
On older patio doors, you can have locks with top and bottom tabs. These locks are more secure than sliding bolt locks because they are able to engage the frame of the door to prevent the door from being raised or forced. Sliding bolt-style locks are usually more frequent on newer patio doors since they are fitted with a steel slide bolt that retracts into a strike plate to provide added security and strength.
You can add an additional lock to your patio door to improve security. Simply replace the knob that is in place with one that accommodates a keyed locking system. This is a great way to safeguard your family, your pets, as well as your possessions, and prevent intruders accessing your patio door, particularly in areas with high crime rates.
Cleaning
If a patio lock operating properly it will secure the door securely against unwanted intruders or elements of the weather. But, like all hardware, outdoor door locks require periodic cleaning and lubrication to avoid them from becoming stiff or unable to perform their duties. The good news is that cleaning is easy, simple, and affordable and can be completed by any homeowner.
A squeaky patio door is usually caused by dust and dirt buildup in the mechanism. A simple solution of baking soda and vinegar can be used to loosen the dirt and make it easier to clean the door with a sponge or toothbrush. During this cleaning process it's also an excellent idea to make use of a can of compressed air to blow away dirt that is stuck.
To prevent squeaks after cleaning, a thin layer of lubricant should be applied to the keyhole, latch and other moving parts. Be sure not to over-apply the lubricant, as too much can attract dirt and interfere with the functionality.
After lubrication is complete, the lock should be checked to ensure it is functioning correctly. If the lock is still squeaking it could be due to a small misalignment between the hinges and the frame. If this is the case, you need to address the problem before it becomes more serious by adjusting the door until it sits flush with the frame and the locking points are in alignment.
A uPVC door handle that doesn't move can be a major problem, particularly since it makes your home vulnerable to burglars and the elements. This issue can arise by a variety of factors that range from minor changes in weather to the absence of regular maintenance on moving parts. But, if the problem is resolved quickly it's possible to restore the door's function. Maintaining your uPVC doors and locks by cleaning and maintaining them properly is the best way to safeguard your home.
Lubrication
The locking mechanisms of your patio door may experience problems due to dust or debris that can make them difficult to open and latch. In such cases you will require lubrication to fix the issue. It is essential to clean the lock mechanisms first before applying lubricant. The lubricant shouldn't be oily since it could attract dust particles, which could cause more problems for your patio doors. Dry lubricants are available in hardware stores and these are ideal to lubricate your lock mechanisms.
The most effective lubricant for locks is powdered graphite. It has been used by locksmiths to grease small metal parts for a long time because it doesn't attract dust like liquid fluids. It has a waxy consistency and stays inside the lock to provide lasting lubrication. Graphite can be used safely and applied again to ensure that the lock is running smoothly.
If you wish to grease your lock, clean it first with an agent that penetrates the lock like WD-40. After cleaning it, you can apply a dry lubricant to the keyhole, cylinder and the lock mechanism. This will allow the lock to operate smoothly and prevent it from getting stuck or jammed.
A good quality silicone spray can be purchased at most hardware stores under various brands. This type of lubricant will give you the best results and it comes in various sizes. It will also protect the lock from corrosion. It was common practice to use WD-40 or other oils on items that had small moving parts prior to when dry lubricants were made available. However this method could attract dirt and gum up your lock.
If your patio door handles are difficult to open or close, you may need to replace the lock assembly. This problem is usually caused by loose screws or rust or misalignment of the latch's hasp. Fortunately, the process of changing the lock is easy and can be accomplished with minimal effort. If you're not sure how to do, you can ask an experienced company for help.
Installation
The patio door lock is one of the most crucial components of your home's security system. Having a high-quality lock that is in good condition will keep your home and family safe from unwanted intruders. Regular maintenance and inspection will ensure that the lock is working correctly. It is advised that if you find any issues with your patio lock, seek assistance from a professional. A door hardware expert or locksmith can provide the professional advice you need to ensure your replacement patio door lock is installed correctly.
You'll need to determine the handle that is currently on your patio door. The keyway is the opening that the key fits into to unlock and lock the door. Photographing the keyway can help precisely describe it to your lock provider when purchasing an alternative.
You should also be aware of the type of lock that you own. Different types of locks have different mounting holes, swing directions, and sizes of hasps. These information will help you determine the type of patio door lock you need to order for your sliding door.
Surface mount locks like the ones shown here by Cal-Tech are simple to set up and can be used on the majority of sliding patio doors. The old handle is removed using a screwdriver, but the surface mount lock can easily be installed after the screws have been removed.
Mortise locks made of steel are more commonly found on aluminum and wood patio doors. They are installed in a pocket cut into the door's frame. These locks are more difficult than other patio door lock types to replace, but with some time and effort, you can do it.
You will be required to know the dimension of the mortise lock you own in order to locate an equivalent replacement. Most mortise locks are the exact size, however there are some key differences. The most notable difference is that some have keyways that are vertical, while others have them angled at 45 degrees.