Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Change Your Life
how to repair patio door lock to Troubleshoot and repair Patio doors Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good condition to guard your home from intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors as well as their locks.
If your patio door lock does not work properly it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway and latch.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their large quantity of glass patio door repair and their convenient location within a home. It is important that your locks work properly to keep your home safe. There are easy ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door glass repair near me door locks that aren't working correctly.
First, inspect the lock and ensure that there is nothing that is hindering it from locking or latching. If you find any issues such as loose screws or rust, or even the wrong alignment, these must be addressed immediately. In some instances, a slight adjustment to the patio door's position may be enough to solve the problem.
Another issue that is common is debris or dust that can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. Clean your patio door glass repair near me door and wipe down all lock hardware regularly to avoid this. If needed, you can apply mild soap. But, be sure that the lock is dried completely afterwards.
It is also a good idea that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those found in a machine that is finely tuned. They can jam and become stuck like any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant, can be used to clean any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock's cylinder. This will ensure that it is running smoothly.
It is important to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you locate a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the current mechanism. If you're not sure what to do you can contact a professional locksmith or tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather, dust, and dirt can cause the intricate parts of your door lock to become blocked. These issues can affect the security of your home. These problems are easy to solve if you know how to do.
Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Using a damp cloth, clean any stains or debris that may hinder your lock from working properly. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to wash the lock mechanism and remove any grime or grit that has built up over time. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before using them again.
Most patio doors are fitted with a mortise lock that is secure, however, it is susceptible to issues in the course of time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For a uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in the position. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be ready to take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.
After the latch has been removed, you can lubricate it by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't have WD40 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to eliminate dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may need to reposition locks cylinders. This will require some additional tools and should be done by a professional. But you can practice repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by opening and closing the door with the cylinder in the lock position, then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are located that secure the cylinder.
Lubricate the Lock
After your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time for lubrication of the keyhole and the locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant will keep your lock in top shape, which will extend its life.
Dry graphite powder is great for lubricating small metal components like locks because it's not oily or sticky and lasts for longer than liquid lubricants. It's easy to use and can be utilized on sliding doors tracks for garage doors and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and don't attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They work well at high and low temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants could cause accumulation over time and could be displaced by other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone lubricants since they last longer and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also ideal for cold climates, since they can prevent ice buildup within the lock.
If your lock cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it is probably worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith can dismantle the lock mechanism, and then install the cylinder of a new model that matches your existing keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door doesn't have a lock cylinder, a professional can replace it to increase security and safety. They can also install 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 cleaning the lock and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be that the door's latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or the frame of the door. To test this open the sliding patio door, and look both ways from the opening of the latch to see if the door is parallel with the frame or jamb. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch catches the latch tightly when the door is shut.
Sometimes the latch isn't closing properly due to a worn-out cylinder. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, and you'll require an alternate. You should choose one with the same keyway and size as the one you had previously. This will allow you to replace it easily by unbolting the two halves and putting in the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need the brand and model number of your existing cylinder to purchase a replacement. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then go to the local hardware store for help.
Once you have the new cylinder installed, unscrew it from the flat screw holding it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and the door frame. Place the screw in a safe place to ensure you don't lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout inside the door) and let it loose enough to rotate the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly can be an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris can get caught within the lock mechanism. If this is not treated immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and no longer provide security. It's a straightforward DIY project to change the patio door lock. It's all you need are the tools you need and some time.
Start by inspecting the lock and determining what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch does not work the latch could be bent too much to work properly. If this is the case, you should replace the latch using a mortise locking system to ensure it's as strong and secure as possible.
Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're not confident in tackling this DIY task. They will have all the tools and experience to install the lock properly.
Keeping your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Check that the knobs and handle aren't loose and if they're tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to prevent it from becoming stuck or stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant used is vital, so be certain to select one specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve the best results.