Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Change Your Life
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in good working condition to protect your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements could cause the doors and their locks to become damaged or misaligned.
You can fix your patio door lock by yourself when it's not working properly. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway and latch.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their huge quantity of glass and their convenient position within a home. A lock that is functional and secure is essential to ensure that your home's security. There are simple solutions to Repair Patio Doors 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 must take care to address any issues you discover, such as loose screws or corrosion. In some instances, a slight adjustment to the position of the patio door could suffice to resolve the issue.
Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to fail to perform as it should. To prevent this from occurring, be sure to clean your patio door on a regular basis and wipe down the lock's hardware. If necessary, you can use mild soap. But, be sure that the lock is dried completely afterwards.
It is also a good idea to that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are similar to those in a machine that is finely tuned. They can jam and become stuck as with any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant could be used to remove any dirt or debris from the lock's cylinder. This will help keep it running at a high speed.
It is important to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you find a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the current mechanism. If you are unsure about how to go about this, it's advisable to contact an expert tradesperson or locksmith for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock may get jammed over time due to dust, dirt, and hot and cold weather. These issues could compromise the security of your home. But it's simple to fix these issues if you know how to repair patio door lock.
Before you attempt any repairs, first clean your lock. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, clean any dirt or stains that may be hindering your lock from functioning properly. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to clean the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any grit or grime that has accumulated over time. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before using them again.
Most patio doors use mortise locks that is secure, but can be prone to problems in the course of time. If you find that your uPVC locks are stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. For the uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to unfasten the screws that hold the latch body in place. After you have removed the latch handle and plate, you can remove it from its slot on the door frame.
After the latch has been removed it is possible to lubricate the lock with a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't own WD40, a graphite pen can be used to remove dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you may need to reposition your lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be done by professionals. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without having to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws holding the locking cylinder are located.
Lubricate the Lock
Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to lubricate both the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its life.
Dry graphite is a great method to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It also lasts longer than liquids. It's easy to apply and you can apply it to sliding doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants may be more effective than graphite powder particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They are effective at both low and high temperatures. However, some 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 last longer and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also suitable for cold climates since they can help prevent ice from building up within the lock.
If your lock cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it's probably worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with the new cylinder that matches your keys. They can also make repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if your door does not have one. This can increase safety and security. They can also install the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock and lubricating it doesn't work, the problem may be that the latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or door frame. To check this you need to open the sliding patio door repairs near me patio door frame repair door and sight both ways from the latch opening to determine if the door is parallel with the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws fixing the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the lock latch is firmly catching the latch's hasp as the door is closed.
The latch may also be difficult to close because the cylinder is worn out. It is necessary to replace the cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. It is essential to select a new cylinder that is similar in size to the one you have had previously and has the same keyway, which means you can easily replace it by screwing the two halves of the lock apart and inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll be required to know the name and model of your existing cylinder in order to buy one that matches it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer then take a photo of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and head to a hardware store to get assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder in place remove it from the flat screw holding it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door as well as the door frame. Place the screw in a safe place so that you do not 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 lock that isn't functioning properly could cause serious danger to your security. Dirt and debris can get caught within the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't addressed immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and won't longer provide security. It's a straightforward DIY project to replace the patio door lock. You'll only need the tools you need and some time.
Begin by looking at the lock to determine what is causing the problem. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the lock latch could be bent too much to perform as it should. In this case it's best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure that it is as secure and strong as possible.
If you're not comfortable with this DIY project yourself, consult with a locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you with the installation of a new lock. They'll have all the tools and experience to properly install the lock.
Maintaining your patio door lock in good condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Make sure the knobs and handle aren't loose and if they're tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least once per year to keep it from becoming stuck or stiff. It is recommended that locks exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more often. It is essential to select a lubricant which is specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). To get the best results apply the lubricant direct onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.