Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Change Your Life
How to Troubleshoot and repair patio Doors Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good order will help keep your home safe from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements may cause the doors and locks to become misaligned or damaged.
You can fix your patio door lock yourself when it's not working properly. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway and latch.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their large amounts of glass and their convenient location within a home. A lock that is functional and secure is crucial to ensure your home is safe. Fortunately, there are simple ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that aren't working correctly.
The first step is to inspect the lock and make sure there is nothing blocking it from latching or locking. It is important to take care to address any issues you discover like loose screws or rust. In some cases an adjustment of just a few inches to the position of the patio door could suffice to resolve the issue.
Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism not to perform as it should. Clean your patio door and clean all lock hardware regularly to avoid this. If needed, you can use a mild soap solution. But, be sure to dry the lock completely afterward.
In addition, it's an ideal idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are similar to those used in a finely tuned machine. They can jam or get stuck just like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help to remove any dirt or debris that has collected within the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly.
It is important to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio glass door repair near me door lock. This will allow you to find an appropriate lock that is compatible with your existing mechanism. If you aren't sure how to go about this, it's advisable to speak with a locksmith or professional tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock could jam up over time due to dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues can affect your home's security. These issues are simple to solve if you know what to do.
Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Clean any stains and debris using a damp cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a small amount of grit to clean the lock mechanism. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are secured using mortise locking mechanisms. This is a safe lock, but it is susceptible to issues in time. If your uPVC locks have become stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. The next step is to remove the screws that keep the latch in the position. 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 removed and lubricated, you can apply using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't own 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 locks aren't working, you may have to relocate the your lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be performed by professionals. However, you can practice moving the cylinder around without removing it from the door by opening and closing the door with the cylinder in the lock position, after which making 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 for lubrication of the lock and the keyhole themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant can keep your lock in top shape, which will extend its life.
Dry graphite is an excellent option to lubricate tiny metal parts, like locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also longer-lasting than liquids. It's easy to apply, and you can also 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 are more efficient than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other liquid fluids. They work well in both low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants can cause buildup over time and can displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they last for a long time and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also excellent for cold conditions, 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 time to get it 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 perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if your door does not have one. This will increase security and safety. They can also put the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating it do not work, then the problem could be that the latch on the door is not aligned correctly with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio door, and take a look upwards and downwards at the opening of the latch. If the door is aligned with the frame or jamb, then you can check. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch body 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 shut.
Sometimes the latch can be difficult to close because of a worn-out cylinder. You'll need a replacement for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It's important to choose an alternative cylinder that is similar in size to the previous one and has the same style keyway, so that you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock apart and inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll need to know the brand and model of the existing cylinder in order to buy one that is compatible with it. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then go to the local hardware store for help.
Once you have the new cylinder installed take it off the flat screw holding 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. Put the screw in a safe place so that you don't lose it or damage it. Then, loosen enough the set screw 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 working properly can be a major risk to your security. Dirt and debris could get caught within the lock mechanism. If this is not addressed immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and no longer offer security. It's a simple DIY task to change the patio door lock. You only need the tools you need and some time.
Begin by inspecting the lock to determine what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch fails, it may be bent to far to perform as it should. If this is the case, you should replace the lock latch using mortise locking to ensure that it's as solid and secure as you can.
If you're not comfortable with this DIY task yourself seek out an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you with the installation of a new lock. They will have all the tools and expertise needed to install the lock properly.
Keeping your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Make sure that the knobs and handle aren't loose and, if they are tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to avoid it from squeezing or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more frequently. It is crucial to choose a lubricant that has been specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism for best results.