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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

Maintaining your patio doors in good working in good order will protect your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and locks to become misaligned or damaged.

If your patio door lock does not operate properly, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway and latch.

Check the Lock

Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their large amount of glass patio door repair and the convenient location within a home. It is important that your locks are working properly to keep your home secure. There are simple solutions to repair patio door locks that have stopped working.

First, examine the lock and make sure there is nothing blocking it from latching or locking. If you find any issues like loose screws or rust, or even the wrong alignment, these must be addressed immediately. In some cases, a slight adjustment to the position of the patio door could be sufficient to fix the issue.

Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to perform as it should. Clean your patio door and wipe down all lock hardware regularly to avoid this. If needed, you can use a mild soap solution. However, you must be sure that the lock is dried completely afterward.

It is also a good idea to lubricate your lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those found in a precision-tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck like any mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help to dislodge any dirt or debris that has accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and keep it operating smoothly.

Knowing the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is also crucial. This can help you find an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you aren't sure how to accomplish this, it's advisable to talk to a locksmith or professional tradesperson for assistance.

Clean the Lock

The intricate parts of the door lock could jam up over time due to dust, dirt and cold and hot weather. These issues can affect the security of your home. These issues are simple to fix if you know what to do.

Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. Clean up any stains or debris with a moist cloth. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to wash the lock mechanism and remove any dirt or grime that has built up over time. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.

Most patio doors are secured using mortise locking mechanisms. This is a secure lock but can develop problems with time. If you're upvc patio door repairs locks has become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. Start by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Then, take off the screws that hold the body of the latch in the position. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you'll be ready to remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame.

Once the latch is removed, you can lubricate the lock with an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have a WD40, you can also try using a graphite pencil to dislodge any grit or dirt within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work it may be necessary to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and should be done by a professional. 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. Make pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws that hold the locking cylinder are.

Lubricate the Lock

When your lock is free of debris and dirt it's a good idea to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good shape and extend its lifespan.

Dry graphite powder is great for lubricating small metal components like locks because it's not oily or sticky and lasts for longer than liquid greases. It's easy to apply and you can use it on sliding doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders.

Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They work well in low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants can cause buildup over time and can displace other lubricants you've used.

Teflon Lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and do not attract dirt or dust. They're also ideal for cold climates, since they prevent the build-up of ice inside the lock.

If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it is probably worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and install a new cylinder that matches your existing keys. They can also repair patio door lock or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if your door does not have one. This can increase security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door to are compatible with the rest of the door.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning and lubricating it do not work, then the issue could be that the latch on the door is not aligned correctly with the frame or jamb. To determine this, open the sliding patio door handle repair near me door and look upwards and downwards from the latch opening to see whether the door is aligned to the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it up or down until the latch catches the latch hasp tightly when the door is closed.

Sometimes the latch can be difficult to close due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, and you'll need an alternative. You should select a cylinder that has the same keyway and size like the one that came before it. This will allow you to replace it with ease by removing the two halves before inserting the replacement cylinder.

There are replacement cylinders available at many home improvement stores. You'll need the brand and model number of your existing cylindrical to purchase the replacement. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number, take a picture of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws and go to the hardware store for assistance.

Once you have the new cylinder in place, unscrew it from the flat screw holding it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame with the screwdriver. Set the screw somewhere secure so that you don't lose it. Then, loosen enough the set screw that is 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 be a major risk to your security. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to become lodged in the lock mechanism however if the issue isn't addressed promptly, the lock can eventually fail and stop providing security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires just some tools and a little time.

Begin by examining the lock to determine what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the latch may be too bent to work properly. If this is the case, replace the latch using a mortise locking system to ensure it's as secure and strong as it can be.

If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY project on your own seek out an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to help you with the installation of the 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.

Maintaining your patio door lock repair near me door lock in good condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Verify that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to avoid it from squeezing or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is essential to choose a lubricant that has been specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve best results.