Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Improve Your Life
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Keeping your patio doors in good working in good condition will keep your home safe from intruders who aren't yours. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to your patio doors and their locks.
If your patio door lock does not operate properly it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway and latch.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their large quantity of glass and their convenient position within a home. It is important that your locks function properly to keep your home secure. Luckily, there are some easy ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that have stopped working correctly.
The first step is to inspect the lock to see if anything is preventing it from locking or latching. You must deal with any issues you spot, such as loose screws or rust. In some cases, a slight adjustment to the door's location could suffice to resolve the problem.
Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to perform as it should. Clean your patio door and clean all lock hardware regularly to avoid this. You can use a mild detergent solution when needed, but be sure to dry the lock completely afterward.
It is also a good idea lubricate your lock regularly. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those used in a machine that is finely tuned. They can jam and get stuck just like any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant can help dislodge any dirt or debris that has collected within the lock cylinder and ensure that it is operating efficiently.
It is crucial to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you choose an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you are unsure about how to go about this, it's advisable to speak with an expert locksmith or tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, hot and cold weather, dust, and dirt can cause the intricate components of your door lock to become stuck. These issues can affect your home's security. However, it's not difficult to fix these problems when you know how.
Before attempting any repairs, clean your lock. Wipe away any stains and debris using a damp cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a little grit to clean the lock mechanism. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them.
Most patio doors are secured with mortise locking systems. This is a secure lock, but it is susceptible to issues 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 remove the screws that hold the latch body in place. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you can take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch has been removed and lubricated, you can apply with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have WD40 or similar product, you can try using a graphite pencil to help get rid of any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you might need to move the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by a professional. But you can practice shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by opening and closing the door with the cylinder in the lock position, and then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that keep the cylinder in place.
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 condition and extend its lifespan.
Dry graphite is a fantastic method to lubricate small metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also longer-lasting than liquids. It's easy to apply, and you can also apply it to sliding doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, particularly 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 low and high temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can build up over time, and displace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon oil can be an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and don't attract dirt or dust. They are also great for cold environments, as they can prevent ice buildup within the lock.
If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely to be worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will remove the lock mechanism and install the cylinder of a new model that matches your existing keys. They can also make repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with a lock cylinder an expert can replace it to improve security and security. They can also put a new lock faceplate on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If lubricating the lock and cleaning it do not work, the problem may be that the latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. To determine this open the sliding wood patio door repair door and sight upwards and downwards from the latch opening to determine if the door is parallel with the jamb or frame. If not, remove the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly catching the latch's hasp when the door closes.
The latch can also be difficult to close because the cylinder is worn. It is necessary to replace the cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is recommended to select a cylinder that has the same keyway and dimensions as the one you had previously. This will allow you to replace it easily by unbolting the two halves before inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need the brand and model number of the existing cylinder to buy a replacement. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then, visit the local hardware store for assistance.
Once you have a new cylinder, unscrew the flat screw that holds it in place, and remove the plate that holds it in place. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame using the screwdriver. Set the screw somewhere secure so that you aren't able to lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout in the door) and then loosen it enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that's not working properly could pose an immediate security risk. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to get lodged inside the lock mechanisms If this isn't dealt with quickly enough the lock will eventually fail and cease to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires a few tools and bit of time.
Begin by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the latch could be bent too much to function properly. If this is the case, you should replace the latch using mortise locking systems to ensure it's as strong and secure as it can be.
Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're not confident about tackling this DIY project. They'll have the knowledge and tools to complete the job properly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door.
Maintaining your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks exposed to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated more often. It is important to choose a lubricant that has been specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism to get the best results.