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how to repair patio door lock to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your wood patio door repair doors in good condition to guard your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and their locks to be damaged or misaligned.
If your patio door lock does not operate properly, 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 often targeted by burglars due to their huge glass size and their convenient position within a home. It is essential that your locks function correctly to keep your home safe. There are a few easy methods to repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning.
The first step is to examine the lock to make sure nothing hinders it from latching or locking. It is important to take care to address any issues you discover like loose screws or rust. In some instances, a slight adjustment to the position of the patio door locks repair door could be sufficient to fix the problem.
Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to fail to function properly. To avoid this happening, ensure that you clean your patio door regularly and clean the lock's hardware. You can make use of a mild detergent if necessary, but always ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterwards.
In addition, it is an ideal idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like the parts of a fine-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 get rid of any dirt or debris that may have accumulated within the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly.
Knowing the exact dimensions of your patio sliding door repair door lock is also crucial. This will help you locate an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to accomplish this, it is advisable to contact an expert tradesperson or locksmith 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 problems can threaten your home's security. These issues are simple to solve if you know what to do.
Before you attempt any repairs, clean your lock. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, clean any dirt or stains that might hinder your lock from working correctly. Then, use a little hot soapy water to clean the mechanism of your lock and wash away any grime or grit that has built up over time. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors use a mortise lock that is secure, but can be prone to problems over time. If your uPVC lock is stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For a uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of soapy water. Then, remove 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 has been removed then you can lubricate it using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have a WD40, you can also use graphite pencils to help get rid of any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working, you might need to reposition the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by professionals. But you can practice repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are located that hold the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time for lubrication of the lock and the keyhole themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is great to lubricate small metal parts like locks because it's not sticky or oily, and it lasts longer than liquid greases. It's easy to apply and you can apply it to sliding patio door repair service near me 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, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other liquid fluids. They are suitable for high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may get accumulated over time and eventually replace other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon lubricants can be an excellent substitute for silicone lubricants, as they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also excellent for cold climates, since they prevent the build-up of ice inside the lock.
If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can dismantle the lock mechanism and put in the cylinder of a new model that matches the keys you have. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. If your door does not have a lock cylinder or faceplate, a professional can install it to improve security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door to are in keeping with the rest of the door.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating the door does not work, the problem could be that the latch on the door is not aligned correctly with the jamb or frame. To check this open the sliding patio door glass repair near me door, and look upwards and downwards from the opening of the latch to see whether the door is aligned to the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws fixing the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the latch is securely catching the latch's hasp 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 require an alternate. It is important to choose an alternative cylinder that is similar in size to the old one and has the same style keyway, which means you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock apart and then inserting the new one.
Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll be required to know the name and model of your existing cylinder to be able to purchase one that matches it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number you can take a photograph of the cylinder and its mounting screws and go to a hardware store to get assistance.
If you have a brand new cylinder, loosen the screw with a flat head that holds it in place, and remove the plate that holds it in place. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame with the help of a screwdriver. Place the screw in a safe place so that you don't lose it. Then, loosen enough the set screw that is located on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that's not functioning properly could pose an immediate security risk. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to become lodged in the lock's mechanisms, but if this isn't dealt with quickly enough, the lock can eventually break down and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires just a few tools and a little time.
Begin by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the problem. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the latch may be bent too much to work properly. If this is the case, replace the latch using mortise locking to ensure it's as strong and secure as you can.
Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're unsure in tackling this DIY task. They'll have the tools and experience to install the lock properly.
Maintaining your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks subject to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated more often. The type of lubricant used is vital, so be certain to select one specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). To get the best results apply the lubricant direct onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.