Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Change Your Life
How to Troubleshoot and repair Patio doors Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good in good condition will keep your home safe from intruders who aren't yours. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors and their locks.
You can repair your patio door lock yourself if it is not functioning properly. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large amount of glass and the convenient location within a home. It is essential that your locks work properly to ensure your home is safe. There are easy ways to fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning.
The first step is to examine the lock to make sure nothing is preventing it from latching or locking. You should address any issues you find such as loose screws or corrosion. In some instances, a slight adjustment to the position of the patio door locks repair door could be sufficient to fix the issue.
Another issue that is common is dust or debris that could cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. To prevent this from happening, ensure that you clean your patio door on a regular basis and wipe down the lock hardware. If necessary, you can apply a mild soap solution. However, make sure that you dry the lock completely afterward.
In addition, it is a good idea to lubricate the lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a fine-tuned machine, and they could get stuck and jammed just as any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant will help get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and keep it operating smoothly.
It is crucial to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you find a lock that perfectly matches your current mechanism. If you're not sure what to do get help, consult a professional tradesperson or locksmith for assistance.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather, dust, and dirt can cause the intricate parts of the door lock to become jammed. These issues could compromise your security at home. These issues are simple to solve if you know what to do.
Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Clean up any stains or debris with a moist cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a little grit to clean the lock mechanism. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio doors are secured with mortise locking systems. This is a secure lock, but it can also cause issues with time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For an uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of soapy water. Next, you'll want to unfasten the screws that hold the latch body in the position. After you have removed the latch handle and plate, you can remove it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch has been removed, you can lubricate it by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't have WD40, you can also use graphite pencils to help remove any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work, you might need to move the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by an expert. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without having to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame where the screws that hold the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
If your lock is clean of debris and dirt, it's a good time to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant will keep your lock in good condition, and extends its life.
Dry graphite powder is great to lubricate small metal parts like locks because it's not oily or sticky and lasts longer than liquid fluid lubricants. It's easy to apply and you can apply it to sliding patio doors repair doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other types of liquid fluids. They are effective in both low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants may create buildup over time and can replace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they're long-lasting and don't attract dust and dirt. They are also great for cold conditions, since they can help prevent ice accumulation within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's likely damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with the keys you have. They can also perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. If your door does not have the lock cylinder or faceplate, a professional can install it to improve security and security. They can also put an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If lubricating the lock and cleaning it do not work, the problem may be that the door latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or frame of the door. Open the sliding patio door repairs near me patio doors and examine the top and bottom of the opening for the latch. If the door is in line with the jamb or the frame and you are able to check, then it is. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it up or down until the latch is able to catch the latch hasp tightly when the door is closed.
Sometimes the latch can be difficult to close due to a worn-out cylinder. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, so you'll require an alternative. You should choose a cylinder that has the same keyway and size as the one you had previously. This will allow you to replace it easily by unscrewing the two halves and putting in the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of your existing cylinder so you can buy one that matches it. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then visit the local hardware store for assistance.
If you have a brand new cylinder, unscrew the flat screw that holds it in place, and remove the escutcheon plate. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door and the door frame. Place the screw in a safe place so that you don't lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door track repair door lock that isn't functioning properly could pose an immediate security risk. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to get stuck inside the lock mechanism, but if this isn't addressed quickly enough the lock will eventually fail and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires only a few tools and a little time.
Begin by examining the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch fails it could be bent to far to perform as it should. If this is the case, you should replace the latch with mortise locking systems to ensure it's as secure and strong as it can be.
Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're unsure in tackling this DIY task. They will have the experience and tools to do it correctly and make sure that the new lock will work with your patio glass door repair near me door.
Keeping your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Check that the knobs and handles aren't loose and if they're, tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. It is essential to select a lubricant which is specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve best results.