Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Change Your Life
How to Troubleshoot and repair patio doors Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good in good condition will safeguard your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements could cause the doors and locks to become misaligned or damaged.
If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway, and handle.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of the large amount of glass and their convenient location within a home. It is crucial that your locks are working correctly to keep your home secure. There are a few easy solutions to fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning.
First, inspect the lock to ensure there is nothing blocking it from latching or locking. It is important to deal with any issues you spot, such as loose screws or corrosion. In some instances, a small adjustment to the position of the patio doors repairs door might be enough to fix the issue.
Another issue that is common is dust or debris which can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all lock hardware regularly to prevent this. You can apply a mild detergent solution when needed, but be sure to dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
It is also a good idea to that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those used in a precision-tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck like any mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant will help dislodge any dirt or debris that has collected within the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly.
It is important to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will allow you to find a lock that perfectly matches the existing mechanism. If you aren't sure how to go about this, it's best to talk to an expert tradesperson or locksmith for assistance.
Clean the Lock
Over time, hot and cold weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate parts of your door lock to become blocked. These problems can compromise your home's security. However, it's not difficult to fix these issues If you know how.
Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Wipe away any stains and debris with a moist cloth. Then, use a little hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of your lock and wash away any dirt or grime that has accumulated over time. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again.
Most patio glass door repair near me doors are secured by mortise locking mechanisms. This is a secure lock but can develop problems over time. If your uPVC locks has become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to loosen the screws that secure the latch body in the position. After you have removed the latch plate and handle and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame.
After the latch has been removed then you can lubricate it with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have a WD40 alternative, you could use graphite pencils to help get rid of any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you might need to move the lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and should be done by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without having to remove it from the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame inside the area where the screws that support the cylinder in place are.
Lubricate the Lock
Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to lubricate both the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant helps keep your lock in good shape, which will extend its life.
Dry graphite is an excellent option to lubricate tiny metal parts, like locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also more durable than liquids. It's easy to apply and you can apply it to sliding patio door lock repair doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite powder especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other kinds of liquid fluids. They are suitable for high and low temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can accumulate over time, and displace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also great for cold climates since they can help prevent ice from building up within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can remove the lock mechanism, and then install the cylinder of a new model that matches your current keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with the lock cylinder an expert can replace it to increase security and safety. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door to are in keeping with the rest of the door.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning it and lubricating it do not work, then the issue could be due to the latch on the door isn't aligned properly with the frame or jamb. To check this open the sliding patio glass repair near me door and sight up and down from the latch opening to determine if the door is parallel with the frame or jamb. If not, loosen screws holding the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch hasp when the door closes.
Sometimes the latch can be difficult to close due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. It is necessary to replace the for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is important to choose the new cylinder that's the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same style keyway, so you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two parts of the lock apart and then inserting the new one.
There are replacement cylinders available at many home improvement stores. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of the existing cylinder to be able to purchase one that matches it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws and head to an hardware store for help.
Once you have the new cylinder in place remove it from the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure to ensure you do not lose it. Then, loosen the set screw that is on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that's not functioning properly can be an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris can become stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this is not treated promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and no longer offer security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires just a few tools and a small amount of time.
Start by inspecting the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch doesn't work it could be bent to far to function properly. In this instance, it would be best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock so that it is as secure and strong as is possible.
If you're not comfortable with this DIY task yourself, consult with a locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you with the installation of a new lock. They will have all the tools and experience to install the lock correctly.
Routine maintenance is essential to ensure that your patio door track repair door lock functioning effectively. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and, if they are, tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least once per year to keep it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant you use is important, so be certain to select one specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). To get the best results apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.