Replacement Patio Door Handle
Patio door handles are an essential part of your home's security. If you notice problems with your patio door lock, it's important to address them immediately to ensure the safety of your home.
To begin, you'll need to determine the current patio door lock. This will help you decide what type of replacement to purchase.
Identification
The lock on your patio door plays an important role in the security and operation of your home. In time, it will become damaged or worn out and require replacement. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including an unfastened latch or handle, a damaged one or a failure to turn the handle spindle properly. The good news is that changing the lock on your patio door is a fairly simple job that most homeowners can perform themselves.
Begin by identifying what kind of lock you have. You can determine the kind of lock you have by examining how the small lever for actuator on the handle enters the latch hasp or by examining it directly. This is important because the type of lock that you require is determined by the design of your patio doors and the specific problem with the lock.
Aluminum patio doors are commonly fitted with mortise locks that feature an opening that is rectangular. However, they can also be found on wood and vinyl patio doors too. They are typically set in a recess in the frame of the patio door, and have rectangular screw holes. You can also snap a photo with a digital camera and send it to the manufacturer. This is a simple method to ensure that your new patio lock is compatible with your existing system.
On older patio doors, you might see locks that have top and bottom tabs. These are usually more secure than the sliding bolt-style lock as they connect to the frame of the door and stop the door from being lifted or forced open. Sliding bolt-style locks are usually more frequent on newer patio doors because they are fitted with a steel slide bolt that retracts into a strike plate to provide added security and strength.
You can add a second lock to your patio door to increase security. Simply replace the knob you have currently installed with one that is compatible with the keyed locking system. This is a great method to safeguard your family, pets, and your belongings and stop intruders from accessing your patio door, especially in areas with high rates of crime.
Cleaning
When the patio door lock is functioning properly, it secures the door firmly against unwanted intruders and weather elements. However, just like any other hardware doors, outdoor door locks require periodic cleaning and lubrication to prevent them from becoming stiff and unable to perform their duties. The good thing is that the cleaning process is easy and inexpensive and is attainable by anyone who owns a home.
A door that squeaks is typically caused by dirt and dust accumulation within the mechanism. A simple solution of baking soda and vinegar can be used to break up the dirt and make it easier to clean with brush or sponge. It is a good idea during this cleaning process to make use of a compressed air bottle to blast away any dirt that is stubborn.
To prevent squeaks from occurring, apply a thin layer of lubricant to the keyholes, latches, and other moving parts after cleaning. Make sure to not apply too much of the lubricant, as too much can trap dirt and interfere with the functionality.
After lubrication, a light examination of the lock must be performed to ensure it is working properly. If the lock is still squeaking, it may be due to a small misalignment between the hinges and frame. If this is the case it's important to address the issue before it gets worse by altering the lock points and the door to ensure that it is aligned with the frame.
A uPVC door handle that isn't able to move can be a major problem, particularly since it exposes your home to intruders and the elements. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, from minor changes in weather to the lack of maintenance on movable parts. But, if the problem is addressed promptly it's possible to restore the door's functionality. The best way to protect your home is to take care of your uPVC doors and locks by proper care and cleaning practices.
Lubricants
The lock mechanisms of your patio door may have issues due to dust or debris that can make them difficult to open and latch. In these cases you will require lubrication to fix the issue. It is crucial to clean your lock mechanisms prior to applying lubricant. Also, the lubricant you choose to use should not have an oily base as they attract dust particles and can further cause problems with your patio door. Hardware stores sell dry lubricants that are ideal for the lubrication of lock mechanisms.
Powdered graphite is the best choice of lubricant for locks. Locksmiths have been using it to lubricate metal parts for a long time because it does not attract dust, unlike liquid lubricants. It has a waxy consistency that will remain in the lock to provide lasting lubrication. Graphite can be safely used and reapplied to keep the lock operating smoothly.
If you are looking to lubricate the lock, first clean it using a penetrating cleaner such as WD-40. After cleaning the lock, keyhole cylinder, and mechanism, you can apply dry lubricant. This will help the lock function smoothly and prevent it from getting stuck or jamming.
A good quality silicone spray is available in most hardware stores under various brands. This type of lubricant is the best and is available in different sizes. It also shields your lock from corrosion. People used to use WD-40 or other oils on things with small moving parts before dry lubricants became widely available. However, this method can draw dirt and clog your lock.
If your patio door handles are difficult to open or close, you might need to replace the lock assembly. The most frequent causes for this problem are loose screws, rust or a misalignment with the latch hasp. The process of replacing locks is fairly simple and requires minimal effort. If you're not sure how to do, you can ask an experienced company for assistance.
Installation
The patio door lock is a crucial element of your home's security system. A high-quality lock that is in good working order will keep your family and possessions safe from intrusions by unwanted criminals. Regular maintenance and inspection will ensure that the lock functions properly. If you find any issues with your patio door lock it is recommended to seek assistance from a professional. A door hardware specialist or locksmith can offer the professional advice you need to ensure that the replacement patio door lock will be properly installed.
The first thing you'll need to identify is your current handle for your patio door. The keyway is the hole that the key fits into to unlock and lock the door. When purchasing new locks you can precisely describe the keyway by taking a photo.
You should also note the kind of lock you have. replace lock on upvc door of locks have different mounting holes and swing directions, in addition to different sizes of hasps. These details will help you decide which type patio door lock to choose for your sliding doors.
Surface mount locks such as those shown here by Cal-Tech are easy to install and are suitable for most sliding patio doors. They require an screwdriver to take off the handle that was previously installed, however once the screws have been removed you can then easily replace it with a new surface mount lock.
Mortise locks made of steel are often found on aluminum and wooden patio door frames. They are positioned in a pocket cut into the frame of the door. These locks are more difficult to change out than other door locks for patios but you can make it happen with some time and effort.
You'll have to know the dimensions of the mortise lock you own in order to locate an equivalent replacement. Most mortise locks are the same dimensions overall, but there are some key differences. The main difference is that some mortise locks have keyways that are vertical and some have them at a 45-degree angle.