Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Make Your Life Better
how to repair patio door lock to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good working in good condition will protect your home from intruders who aren't yours. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to your patio doors and their locks.
If your patio sliding door repair door lock does not perform as it should it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps can fix issues with the handle, keyway and latch.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of the large amount of glass and convenient position within a home. It is essential that your locks are working correctly to keep your home safe. Luckily, there are some easy methods to troubleshoot or fix patio door locks that have stopped working correctly.
First, examine the lock to ensure there is nothing blocking it from latching or locking. If you find any issues such as loose screws or rust, or the wrong alignment, these must be addressed immediately. In some cases, a small adjustment to the direction of the patio door might suffice to resolve the issue.
Another common issue is debris or dust which can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To prevent this from happening, make sure to clean your patio door regularly and clean the lock's hardware. If needed, you can apply mild soap. However, make sure that the lock is dried completely afterwards.
It is also a good idea that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a fine-tuned machine, and they could become stuck and jammed like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant can be used to clean any debris or dirt from the lock cylinder. This will help keep it functioning smoothly.
It is essential to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you choose an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to do it you can contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson for assistance.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock could become jammed due to dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These problems can threaten your home's security. These issues are simple to solve if you know what to do.
Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. With a damp cloth, remove any dirt or stains that may be hindering your lock from functioning properly. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to clean the lock mechanism and remove any grit or grime that has built up over time. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio door locks repair doors have mortise locks that is secure, however, it is susceptible to issues in the course of time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to remove the screws that secure the latch body in place. 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 it is possible to lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't have WD40 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to eliminate any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work it is possible to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by an expert. However, you can practice repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, and then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that secure the cylinder.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to lubricate both the lock and the keyhole themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its life.
Dry graphite is a great way to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also more durable than liquids. It's easy to apply and you can apply it to sliding 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 resist water and don't attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They are efficient at low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may get accumulated over time, and can displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon Lubricants are an ideal substitute for silicone lubricants, as they are long-lasting and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also good for cold climates since they can keep ice from accumulating inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's probably damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a a new cylinder matched to your existing keys. They can also repair patio doors and modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with an cylinder for your lock, a professional can replace it to increase security and safety. They can also put a new lock faceplate 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 doesn't work, the problem may be that the door's latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. Open the sliding patio door repair service patio door, and take a look upwards and downwards at the opening of the latch. If the door is in line with the frame or jamb then you can test. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch catches the latch tightly when the door is shut.
The latch can also be difficult to close as the cylinder has worn out. A worn-out cylinder can make 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 keyway, so you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock apart and then inserting the new one.
You can purchase replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your existing cylinder to buy a replacement. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number you can take a photograph of the cylinder along with its mounting screws, and then go to a hardware store to get help.
When you have a new cylinder, remove the flat screw that is holding it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame with the help of a screwdriver. Place the screw in a secure place to ensure you don't loose 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's not working properly could pose a serious security risk. Dirt and debris could get caught in the lock mechanisms. If this is not taken care of immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires just a few tools and a bit of time.
Begin by inspecting the lock and determining what's causing the problem. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the lock latch may be too bent to function properly. In this situation it's best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure that it's as sturdy and secure as possible.
If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY project yourself, consult with an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you with the installation of an entirely new lock. They will have all the equipment and know-how to install the lock properly.
Maintaining 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 every year to keep it from squeezing or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant used is vital, so be sure to choose one that's specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve the best results.