Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Improve Your Life
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Maintaining your patio door lock repair near me doors in good in good condition will safeguard your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to your patio doors and their locks.
If your patio door lock does not perform as it should, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway, and latch.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to the large amount of glass and their central position within a home. It is essential that your locks are working properly to ensure your home is safe. Luckily, there are some easy ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that have stopped working correctly.
The first step is to check the lock to see if anything is preventing it from latching or locking. If you find any issues, such as loose screws or rust, or misalignment, these should be addressed immediately. In some cases, a small adjustment to the location of the patio door may be enough to fix the problem.
Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to function properly. To prevent this from happening, make sure to clean your patio door on a regular basis and wipe down the lock hardware. You can use a mild detergent solution if necessary, but always remember to dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
It is also a good idea to that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those in a precision-tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck like any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant can be used to clean any dirt or debris from the lock cylinder. This will help keep it functioning smoothly.
It is important to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you find an appropriate lock that is compatible with your existing mechanism. If you're not sure what to do get help, consult an expert locksmith or tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the intricate parts of the door lock to become blocked. These problems can compromise your home's security. These issues are simple to solve if you know what to do.
Before attempting any repairs, you must first clean your lock. Clean up any stains or debris with a moist cloth. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any dirt or grime that has accumulated over time. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before re-using them.
Most patio door lock repair doors are secured by mortise locking mechanisms. This is a safe lock but can develop problems in time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For the uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of hot soapy water. Then, take off the screws that are holding the body of the latch in the position. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you'll be able to remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch is removed and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock with a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't have a WD40, you can also use a graphite pencil to get rid of any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it may be necessary to relocate the lock cylinder. This will require some additional tools and should be done by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without needing to remove it from the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
When 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 prolong its life.
Dry graphite is an excellent method to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also more durable than liquids. It's easy to apply and you can apply it to sliding patio door repair service 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 are more effective than graphite particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and won't attract as much dust and dirt as other types of liquid fluids. They are effective in low and high temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can accumulate over time and eventually replace other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone lubricants because they're long-lasting and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also suitable for cold climates since they'll stop the accumulation of ice within the lock.
If your lock cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it is probably worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will dismantle the lock mechanism and install an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with the keys you have. They can also make repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder in case your door does not have one. This will improve safety and security. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that are in keeping with the rest of the door.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock and lubricating it do not work, the problem may be that the door's latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. To check this you need to open the sliding patio door repairs near me patio door and look up and down from the latch opening to determine whether the door is in line to the frame or jamb. If not, remove the screws fixing the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch is securely catching the latch hasp when the door is closed.
The latch is also sometimes difficult to close due to the cylinder has worn out. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, which is why you'll need to get an alternate. You should select a cylinder with the same keyway and dimensions as the one you had previously. This allows you to change it quickly by unscrewing the two halves and putting in the replacement cylinder.
You can purchase replacement cylinders in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll need the name and model number of your current cylinder to purchase an alternative. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then, visit your local hardware store for assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder in place, unscrew it from the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and 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 then loosen it enough to turn the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that's not working properly could pose an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris can get caught within the lock mechanism. If this is not addressed immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and won't will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires just a few tools and bit of time.
Begin by examining the lock to see what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the latch may be too bent to perform as it should. If this is the case, you should replace the lock latch with mortise locking to ensure it's as solid and secure as possible.
Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're not sure about undertaking this DIY project. They'll have the equipment and know-how 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 handles are not loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to avoid it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant you use is crucial, so make sure to select one that's specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism to get the best results.