Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Change Your Life
How to Troubleshoot and repair patio doors Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio repair near me doors in good working in good condition will protect your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements could cause the doors and their locks to be misaligned or damaged.
If your patio door lock doesn't operate properly, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway and handle.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to the large amount of glass and their central location within a home. It is important that your locks are working properly to keep your home secure. There are easy solutions to fix patio door locks which have stopped functioning.
The first step is to check the lock to make sure nothing is hindering it from latching or locking. If you find any issues, such as loose screws or rust, or even an issue with alignment, they should be addressed immediately. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio door could be enough to solve the problem.
Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism to function properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down the lock hardware frequently to avoid this. If necessary, you can use a mild soap solution. But, be sure to dry the lock completely afterward.
It is also a good idea to lubricate your lock regularly. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to the parts of a fine-tuned machine, which means that they can become stuck and jammed like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant, can be used to clean any dirt or debris from the lock's cylinder. This will help keep it functioning smoothly.
The exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also crucial. This will help you choose a lock that perfectly matches your existing mechanism. If you are unsure about how to accomplish this, it's best to talk to an expert locksmith or tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather, dust, and dirt can cause the delicate parts of the door lock to become jammed. These issues can compromise your home security. However, it's not difficult to fix these problems If you know how.
Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. Clean up any stains or debris with a damp cloth. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to clean the mechanism of your lock and wash away any grit or grime that has accumulated over time. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them.
Most patio doors are fitted with mortise locks, which is secure but is susceptible to problems 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. The next step is to unfasten the screws that hold the latch body in place. After removing the latch handle and plate and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch has been removed and lubricated, you can apply by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't own WD40 alternative, you could use a graphite pencil to help get rid of any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your upvc patio door repairs near me lock isn't working it may be necessary to move the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be performed by professionals. 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. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame inside the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is free of debris and dirt, it's a good time to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant can keep your lock in good shape, which will extend its life.
Dry graphite is an excellent method to lubricate small metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also more durable than liquids. It's simple to use and can be used on sliding doors tracks for garage doors, and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They are suitable for both low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants accumulate over time, and can displace other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants because they're long-lasting and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also excellent for cold conditions, since they can prevent ice buildup inside the lock.
If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, it is probably worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith will remove the lock mechanism and put in the cylinder of a new model that matches the keys you have. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if the door isn't equipped with one. This will increase security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door frame repair door to match the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be that the latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or door frame. Open the sliding patio door and take a look upwards and downwards at the latch opening. If the door is aligned with the jamb or the frame then you can test. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it up or down until the latch catches the latch tightly when the door is closed.
Sometimes the latch isn't closing properly because of a worn-out cylinder. You'll require a new for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is essential to select an alternative cylinder that is exactly the same size as the old one and has the same style keyway, so that you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two halves of the lock apart and then inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll need the name and model number of your existing cylindrical to purchase the replacement. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number you can take a photograph of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws and go to a hardware store to get assistance.
If you have a brand new cylinder, remove the screw with a flat head that holds it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame using the help of a screwdriver. Set the screw in a secure location so you don't loose or damage it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout inside the door) and let it loose enough to turn the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock repair near me door lock that isn't functioning properly could cause serious danger to your security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to get lodged inside 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 simple DIY project that requires only a few tools and a little time.
Begin by inspecting the lock and determining what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the lock latch may be bent too much to function properly. In this instance it is recommended to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock so that it is as secure and strong as possible.
Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're unsure in tackling this DIY task. They'll have the tools and experience to properly install the lock.
Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock operating correctly. Check that the handle and knobs aren't loose and if they're, tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to avoid it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is essential to select a lubricant which has been specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For the best results apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.