Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Make Your Life Better
How to Troubleshoot and repair patio door lock Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in good condition to guard your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and their locks to become damaged or misaligned.
You can Repair Patio Doors your patio door lock by yourself when it's not working correctly. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway and handle.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and the convenient location within a home. It is crucial that your locks function properly to ensure your home is safe. Fortunately, there are simple ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that aren't working correctly.
First, inspect the lock and ensure that there is nothing blocking it from latching or locking. You should address any issues you find like loose screws or corrosion. In some instances an adjustment of the door's location could be enough to solve the problem.
Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to work properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all hardware of the lock regularly to prevent this. You can use a mild detergent solution if necessary, but always remember to dry the lock completely afterward.
In addition, it is an ideal idea to lubricate the lock regularly. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those in a finely tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and get stuck just like any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a small amount of lubricant can be used to clean any debris or dirt from the lock's cylinder. This will help keep it functioning smoothly.
Knowing the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is also important. This will help you find the perfect lock to match your current mechanism. If you are unsure about how to do this, it's best to talk to an expert locksmith or tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock may become jammed due to dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues can compromise your security at home. 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 damp cloth. Make use of hot soapy water and a little grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.
Most sliding patio doors repair doors are fitted with mortise locks, which is secure however, it is susceptible to issues with time. If your uPVC lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For an uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch 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 is removed and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock with an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have WD40 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to eliminate dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you may have to relocate the locks cylinders. This will require some additional tools and is best done by a professional. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without having to take it off the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws that hold the locking cylinder are located.
Lubricate the Lock
Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to lubricate both the lock and the keyhole themselves. Using the right type of lubricant can keep your lock in top shape, extending its lifespan.
Dry graphite is an excellent option to lubricate tiny metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also more durable than liquids. It's easy to apply and you can use it on sliding patio door repair doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite powder particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other kinds of liquid fluids. They are suitable for both low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants may create the formation of a buildup over time, and may be displaced by other lubricants that 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 good for cold environments because they can keep ice from accumulating inside the lock.
If your lock cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it's likely to be worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your existing keys. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. If your door does not have the lock cylinder an expert can replace it to increase security and security. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that match the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock and lubricating it doesn't perform, the issue could 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 near me patio doors and look up and down at the latch opening. If the door is parallel to the jamb or the frame then you can test. If not, remove the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the latch is firmly grasping the latch's hasp as the door closes.
The latch may also be difficult to close because the cylinder is worn. You'll require a new cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is recommended to select a cylinder that has the same keyway and size as the one you had previously. This will allow you to replace it easily by unscrewing the two halves and putting in the new cylinder.
There are replacement cylinders available at many home improvement stores. You'll be required to know the name and model of your 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 and its mounting screws and go to an hardware store for help.
Once you have the new cylinder installed remove it from the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Set the screw in a safe location so 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 sliding door repair near me door lock that isn't functioning properly can be an immediate security risk. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to get stuck inside the lock's mechanisms however if the issue isn't addressed promptly the lock will eventually fail and stop providing security. It's a simple DIY project to change the patio door lock. It's all you need are the tools you need and some time.
Begin by examining the lock to determine what is causing the problem. If lubricating and cleaning don't aid, the latch may be bent too much to work properly. In this instance, it would be best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock so that it's as strong and secure as possible.
If you're not comfortable with this DIY project on your own contact an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you in the installation of a new lock. They'll have the knowledge and tools to complete the job correctly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door.
Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock working effectively. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant is vital, so be sure to select one that's specifically designed to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). To get the best results, apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.