Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Help You Live Better
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good working in good order will keep your home safe from unwanted intruders. However, the elements could cause the doors and locks to become damaged or misaligned.
If your patio door lock does not operate properly, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway and handle.
Check the Lock
patio door lock repair doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge glass size and their central place within a house. A lock that is functional and secure is crucial to ensure your home is secure. Fortunately, there are easy methods to troubleshoot or Repair patio doors patio sliding door repair door locks that have stopped functioning properly.
The first step is to inspect the lock to see if anything is hindering it from latching or locking. If you notice any issues like loose screws or rust, or even misalignment, these should be addressed promptly. In some instances, a slight adjustment to the position of the patio door could be sufficient to fix the problem.
Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism not to function properly. To avoid this occurring, be sure to clean your patio door frequently and clean the lock's hardware. You can use a mild detergent solution if necessary, but always be sure to dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
It is also a good idea to to regularly oil your lock. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like the parts of a fine-tuned machine, which means that they can get stuck and jammed just like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a small amount of lubricant can be used to clean any debris or dirt from the lock cylinder. This will help keep it running at a high speed.
The exact dimensions of the patio door lock is crucial. This will allow you to find the perfect lock to match the existing mechanism. If you're not sure what to do, contact a professional tradesperson or locksmith for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock may jam up over time because of dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These problems can threaten your home security. These issues are simple to fix if you know what to do.
Before you attempt any repairs, you must first clean your lock. Clean any stains and debris with a moist cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a small amount of grit to clean the lock mechanism. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them.
Most patio door lock repair near me doors are secured with mortise locking mechanisms. This is a secure lock, but it can also cause issues with time. If your uPVC lock is stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. The next step is to unfasten the screws that secure the latch body in the position. After removing the latch handle and plate, you can remove it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch is detached it is possible to lubricate the lock using an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have WD40, a graphite pen can be used to remove dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you might need to move the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be performed by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without having to take it off the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame inside the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are located.
Lubricate the Lock
Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to lubricate both the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant helps keep your lock in top condition, and extends its life.
Dry graphite powder is excellent to lubricate small metal parts like locks since it's not sticky or oily, and it lasts longer than liquid greases. It's easy to use and can be utilized on sliding doors tracks for garage doors and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other liquid lubricants. They work well in high and low temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants could cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may be displaced by other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone lubricants since they're long-lasting and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also suitable for cold climates since they'll prevent ice from building up inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it's probably worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with a a new cylinder matched to the keys you have. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. If your door does not have the lock cylinder an expert can replace it to increase security and security. They can also put an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If lubricating the lock and cleaning it do not work, the problem may be that the latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. To check this, open the sliding patio door lock repair patio door and look up and down from the latch opening to determine whether the door is in line with the frame or jamb. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it up or down until the lock latch catches the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is closed.
Sometimes the latch isn't closing properly due to a worn-out cylinder. You'll require a new cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is essential to select a new cylinder that is exactly the same size as the previous one and has the same style keyway, which means you can easily replace it by screwing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new cylinder.
You can purchase replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll need to know the brand and model of the existing cylinder to be able to purchase one that matches it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number, take a picture of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws, and then go to a hardware store to get assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder installed, unscrew it from the flat screw holding it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame with the help of a screwdriver. Set the screw somewhere secure to ensure you aren't able to lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout inside the door) and loosen it enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could be a major risk to your security. It's not unusual for dirt tilt and slide patio door repairs near me other particles to get stuck inside the lock mechanisms however if the issue isn't addressed promptly, the lock can eventually break down and stop providing security. It's a simple DIY project to change the patio door lock. You only need a few tools and some time.
Begin by inspecting the lock to determine what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch doesn't work the latch could be bent too far to function properly. In this instance, it would be best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock so that it's as strong and secure as possible.
Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're not confident in tackling this DIY task. They will have the experience and tools to complete the task correctly and make sure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door.
Keeping your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Make sure that the knobs and handle aren't loose, and if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. It is essential to choose a lubricant that has been specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For the best results apply the lubricant direct to the key hole of the lock mechanism.