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 safeguard your home against unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors as well as their locks.
You can fix your patio door lock yourself when it's not working correctly. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway, and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large amounts of glass and their convenient place within a house. It is important that your locks work properly to keep your home secure. Fortunately, there are simple ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that aren't working correctly.
The first step is to check the lock to ensure nothing hinders 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 instances, a slight adjustment to the patio door's position may be sufficient to fix the issue.
Another issue that is common is dust or debris that can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To prevent this from happening, ensure that you clean your patio door regularly tilt and slide patio door repairs near me clean the lock hardware. If necessary, you can apply a mild soap solution. But, be sure that you dry the lock completely afterwards.
It is also a good idea to to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are similar to those in a machine that is finely tuned. They can jam or get stuck just like any mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant will help remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated inside the lock cylinder and keep it operating smoothly.
It is essential to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will allow you to find an appropriate lock that is compatible with the existing mechanism. If you're not sure what to do, contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, hot and cold weather, dust, and dirt can cause the intricate parts of the door lock to become blocked. These issues could compromise your security at home. But it's easy to fix these problems If you know how.
Before attempting any who repairs sliding patio doors, clean your lock. Using a damp cloth, clean any dirt or stains that may be preventing your lock from working properly. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to clean the lock mechanism and remove any grime or grit that has accumulated over time. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio sliding door repair near me doors are secured with mortise locking mechanisms. This is a safe lock, but it is susceptible to issues over time. If your uPVC lock is stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For an uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of soapy water. Then, take off the screws that hold the body of the latch in the position. After you have removed the latch plate and handle then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch is detached, you can lubricate the lock using an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have a WD40 or similar product, you can use graphite pencils to help remove any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you may need to reposition lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and is best done by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without needing to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame where the screws that hold the cylinder in place are.
Lubricate the Lock
Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time for lubrication of 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 powder is great to lubricate small metal parts like locks because it's not oily or sticky and lasts for longer than liquid fluid lubricants. It's easy to use and can be used on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants may be more effective than graphite particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They are suitable for high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may build up over time, and displace other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they're long-lasting and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also good for cold climates since they'll prevent ice from building up inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your keys. They can also repair patio doors (Learn Additional Here) or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door does not have the lock cylinder an expert can replace it to improve security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your repairing patio doors door to are in keeping with the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning it and lubricating it do not work, then the issue could be that the latch on the door is not aligned properly with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio doors and take a look upwards and downwards at the latch opening. If the door is parallel to the jamb or the frame, then you can check. If not you can 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 shut.
The latch can also be difficult to close due to the cylinder is worn. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, and you'll need to get an alternative. It is recommended to select one with the same keyway and dimensions like the one that came before it. This will allow you to replace it with ease by unscrewing the two halves before inserting the replacement cylinder.
Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your current cylinder to buy a replacement. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then visit your local hardware store to seek help.
Once you have the new cylinder in place, unscrew it from the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure to ensure you do not 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 let it loose enough to turn the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could cause serious danger to your security. Dirt and debris could get stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this issue isn't treated promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and will no will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires only some tools and a small amount of time.
Begin by looking at the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch doesn't work it could be bent too much to function properly. In this case, it would be best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure that it is as secure and strong as it can be.
If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY project yourself, consult with a locksmith or door hardware expert to help you with the installation of a new lock. They'll have the knowledge and tools to complete the task correctly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door lock repairs near me door.
Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock operating correctly. Check that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. It is important to choose a lubricant that has been specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For the best results, apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.