Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Make Your Life Better
How to Troubleshoot and repair patio doors Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in good condition to safeguard your home from intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors and their locks.
If your patio door lock does not work properly You can 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 due to their huge glass patio door repair size and their central location within a home. A lock that is functional and secure is important to ensure your home's security. There are simple ways to fix patio door locks that have stopped working.
First, examine the lock to ensure there is nothing blocking it from latching or locking. It is important to deal with any issues you spot like loose screws or rust. In some instances, a small adjustment to the direction of the patio door might suffice to solve the issue.
Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism to fail to function properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all hardware of the lock regularly to prevent this. If needed, you can use a mild soap solution. But, be sure that you dry the lock completely afterward.
It is also a good idea lubricate your lock regularly. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are similar to those in a precision-tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck like any mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant can help dislodge any dirt or debris that may have accumulated within the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly.
It is essential to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you choose a lock that perfectly matches your current mechanism. If you aren't sure how to do this, it's advisable to contact a locksmith or professional tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock can get jammed over time because of dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues can compromise your home security. These problems are easy to fix if you know what to do.
Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Clean up any stains or debris using a damp cloth. Make use of hot soapy water and a bit of grit to clean the lock mechanism. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors use mortise locks, which is secure however, it is susceptible to problems over time. If your uPVC lock is stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Begin by cleaning the latch with hot 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, you can remove it from its slot on the door frame.
After the latch has been removed, you can lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't own WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to remove dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you might need to move the locks cylinders. This will require additional tools and should be performed by a professional. But you can practice moving the cylinder around without removing it from the door by opening and closing the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, and then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that hold the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
If your lock is clean of debris and dirt it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole and 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 easy to apply, and you can also apply it to sliding doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants can be more efficient than graphite powder, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and won't attract as much dust and dirt as other kinds of liquid lubricants. They are suitable for low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants may create the formation of a buildup over time, and may displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they're long-lasting and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also suitable for cold environments because they'll keep ice from accumulating inside the lock.
If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's likely damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a new cylinder matched to your keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder in case your door does not have one. This can increase security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door to match the rest of the door.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating it does not work, the issue could be due to the latch on the door isn't aligned correctly with the frame or jamb. To check this, open the sliding patio doors repairs patio door and look up and down from the door's opening to determine whether the door is in line to the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch's hasp as the door closes.
Sometimes, the latch can be difficult to close due to a worn-out cylinder. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, so you'll require an alternate. It is essential to select a new cylinder that is exactly the same size as the old one and has the same keyway, so that you can easily replace it by screwing 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 so you can buy one that is compatible with it. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then, visit your local patio door repairs hardware store for assistance.
When you have a new cylinder, loosen the flat screw that holds it in place, and remove the plate that holds it in place. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame with the help of a screwdriver. Put the screw in a secure place to ensure that you don't lose it or damage it. Then, loosen the set screw that is on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole in the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't working properly could pose an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris could get caught within the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't taken care of promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and will no will be able to provide security. It's a simple DIY task to change the patio door lock. You'll only need a few tools and some time.
Begin by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the problem. If cleaning and lubrication don't aid, the latch may be too bent to work properly. If this is the case, you should replace the latch with a mortise locking system to ensure that it's as solid and secure as it can be.
If you're not comfortable with this DIY project yourself, consult with a locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you in the installation of a new lock. They'll have the equipment and know-how to repair patio door lock to install the lock correctly.
Regular maintenance is the key to keep your patio door lock operating effectively. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to avoid it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks subject to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated more often. It is important to select a lubricant which is specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). To get the best results apply the lubricant direct onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.