Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Change Your Life
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Doors Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good condition to safeguard your home from intruders. However, the elements may cause the doors and their locks to be misaligned or damaged.
If your patio door repairs near me door lock does not perform as it should it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their large amount of glass and convenient position within a house. It is essential that your locks function properly to ensure your home is safe. Luckily, there are some easy methods to troubleshoot or repair patio door repair service door locks that have stopped functioning properly.
The first step is to inspect the lock to ensure nothing is hindering it from latching or locking. If you find any issues such as loose screws or rust, or even the wrong alignment, these must be addressed promptly. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the direction of the patio door might suffice to resolve the issue.
Another issue that is common is dust or debris which can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To prevent this from occurring, be sure to clean your patio door on a regular basis and clean the lock's hardware. You can make use of a mild detergent in the event of need, but ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
It is also a good idea to lubricate your lock regularly. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door glass repair door lock are similar to the parts of a fine-tuned machine, so they can be jammed and stuck just as any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant, can be used to get rid of any debris or dirt from the lock's cylinder. This will keep it running at a high speed.
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 the existing mechanism. If you aren't sure how to go about this, it's advisable to speak with an expert locksmith or tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather, dust, and dirt can cause the intricate components of your door lock to get stuck. These issues could compromise your security at home. These issues are easy to solve if you know what to do.
Before you attempt any repairs, clean your lock. Using a damp cloth, remove any dirt or stains that could be preventing your lock from working properly. Make use of hot soapy water and a bit of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio doors have a mortise lock that is safe but can be prone to issues over time. If you're uPVC locks has become stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. The next step is to unfasten the screws that hold the latch body in the position. With the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be able to take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.
After the latch has been removed it is possible to lubricate the lock using an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to eliminate dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working, you might need to reposition the lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and is best done by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without having to take it off the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame where the screws holding the locking cylinder are located.
Lubricate the Lock
After your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time for lubrication of the keyhole and the locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its life.
Dry graphite is a great way to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also longer-lasting than liquids. It's simple to use and is suitable for use on sliding patio door repair service near me doors, garage door tracks, and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and will not attract as much dust or dirt as other liquid lubricants. They work well in low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may get accumulated over time and eventually replace other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon oil can be an ideal alternative to silicone lubricants since they are long-lasting and do not attract dust or dirt. They are also great for cold climates, since they can help prevent ice accumulation within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can dismantle the lock mechanism and put in a new cylinder that matches your existing keys. They can also perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with an cylinder for your lock, a professional can replace it to improve security and safety. They can also put the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it don't perform, the issue could be that the latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or frame of the door. To check this you need to open the sliding patio door and sight up and down from the latch opening to determine if the door is parallel with the frame or jamb. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch catches the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is closed.
The latch may also be difficult to close because the cylinder has worn out. You'll need a replacement for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. You should choose a cylinder with the same keyway and dimensions as the one you had previously. This will allow you to change it quickly by removing the two halves and putting in the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll need to know the brand and model of your current cylinder in order to buy one that matches it. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number then take a photo of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws, and then go to an hardware store for help.
Once you have the new cylinder installed remove it from the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Place the screw in a secure place so that you don't lose or damage it. Then, loosen enough the set screw that is located on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole in the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that's not working properly could pose an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris could become stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this is not taken care of immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and won't will be able to provide security. It's a straightforward DIY project to replace the patio door lock. You only need the tools you need and some time.
Begin by examining the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch does not work, it may be bent to far to perform as it should. In this case, it would be best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure that it is as secure and strong as is possible.
Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're not confident about tackling this DIY project. They'll have the knowledge and tools to complete the job correctly and make sure that the new lock will work with your patio door.
Routine maintenance is the key to keep your patio door lock working properly. Make sure the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather should be lubricated more frequently. It is crucial to select a lubricant which is specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). To get the best results apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.