Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Improve Your Life
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good condition to guard your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the 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.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large amount of glass and the convenient location within a home. It is essential to ensure that your home is secure. There are a few easy ways to fix patio door locks which have stopped working.
First, inspect the lock and ensure that nothing is blocking it from latching or locking. If you spot any issues, such as loose screws or rust, or even an issue with alignment, they should be addressed immediately. In some cases an adjustment of just a few inches to the location of the patio door handle repair near me door may suffice to resolve the problem.
Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism not to work properly. Clean your patio door and clean all hardware of the lock regularly to prevent this. You can apply a mild detergent solution when needed, but remember to dry the lock completely afterward.
Additionally, it's a good idea to lubricate the lock regularly. A lot of the moving parts of your upvc patio door repairs patio door lock are like those of a finely tuned machine, and they could be jammed and stuck just as any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant can help to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated within the lock cylinder and keep it operating smoothly.
The exact dimensions of your patio door lock is important. This can help you find a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to do this, it is advisable to contact 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 get stuck. These issues can compromise your home's security. These issues are simple to fix if you know what to do.
Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. Wipe away any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Then use a bit of 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, let them dry completely before re-using them.
Most patio doors are secured by mortise locking mechanisms. This is a secure lock, but it can also cause problems in time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that hold the body of the latch in place. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you'll be able to take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch is detached and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock using a light engineering oil like WD40. If you don't have WD40 or similar product, you can try using graphite pencils to help get rid of any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working, you might need to move the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and is best done by an expert. 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 that secure the cylinder.
Lubricate the Lock
Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to lubricate both the lock and the keyhole themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant can keep your lock in good shape, which will extend its life.
Dry graphite is a great option to lubricate tiny metal parts, such as locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also more durable than liquids. It is easy to use and can be used on sliding doors tracks for garage doors, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other types of liquid fluids. They work well in both low and high temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can build up over time, and can displace other lubricants that you've used.
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 suitable for colder environments since they can help prevent ice from building up within the lock.
If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, then it's likely to be worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith will take apart the lock mechanism, and then install an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your current keys. They can also repair patio Doors and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder in case your door does not have one. This will improve security and safety. They can also install a new lock faceplate on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning it and lubricating it does not work, the issue could be due to the latch on the door is not properly aligned with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio door lock repair patio door and take a look upwards and downwards at the opening for the latch. If the door is parallel to the frame or jamb then you can test. If not, 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 closed.
Sometimes the latch is difficult to close due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, so you'll need a replacement. It is essential to select a new cylinder that is similar in size to the old one and has the same style keyway, so you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll need the name and model number of your existing cylinder to buy an alternative. If you don't have the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder and its mounting screws and go to a hardware store to get help.
Once you have the new cylinder installed take it off the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Put the screw somewhere safe 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 allow the cylinder to rotate.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't working properly can pose a serious risk to your security. It's not common for dirt and other debris to get lodged inside the lock's mechanisms however if the issue isn't addressed promptly the lock will eventually fail and cease to provide security. It's a simple DIY task to change the patio door lock. You only need the tools you need and some time.
Start by inspecting the lock and determining what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the lock latch could be bent too much to function properly. If this is the case, replace the latch using mortise locking to ensure it's as secure and strong as possible.
If you're not comfortable with this DIY task yourself contact a locksmith or door hardware specialist to help you with the installation of a new lock. They'll have the equipment and know-how to install the lock properly.
Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock operating correctly. Make sure that the knobs and handles aren't loose and, if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least every year to prevent it from squeezing or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks exposed to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant is vital, so be sure to select one that's specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). For best results apply the lubricant direct to the key hole of the lock mechanism.