Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Help You Live Better
How to Troubleshoot and Repair patio doors Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good condition to safeguard your home against unwanted intruders. However, the elements could cause the doors and locks to become damaged or misaligned.
You can fix your patio door lock yourself when it's not working properly. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway and latch.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of 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. Fortunately, there are simple ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that have stopped working correctly.
First, inspect the lock and make sure nothing is blocking it from latching or locking. If you spot any issues, such as loose screws or rust, or the wrong alignment, these must be addressed promptly. In some cases an adjustment of the position of the local patio door repairs door could be enough to solve the issue.
Another common issue is dust or debris that could cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. Clean your patio door and clean all hardware of the lock regularly to avoid this. If needed, you can apply a mild soap solution. However, you must be sure to dry the lock completely afterwards.
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 similar to those of a fine-tuned machine, and they could get stuck and jammed just like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant can help get rid of any dirt or debris that may have accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and help keep it running smoothly.
Identifying the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also important. This can help you choose a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you're not sure what to do get help, consult an expert locksmith or tradesperson for assistance.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock can become jammed due to dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These issues can compromise your home's security. But it's easy to fix these problems if you know how.
Before making any repairs, first clean your lock. Using a damp cloth, remove any dirt or stains that may be preventing your lock from working properly. Use soapy water with hot water and a little grit to clean the lock mechanism. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them.
The majority of patio doors have mortise locks that 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. For an uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate with a little of hot soapy water. Then, take off the screws that hold the body of the latch in place. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you'll be able to take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch is detached and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock using a light engineering oil like WD40. If you don't own WD40 or similar product, you can use a graphite pencil to help remove any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you might need to move the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by professionals. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without having to remove it from the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame where the screws that hold the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
If your lock is clean of debris and dirt It's the perfect time to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is excellent to lubricate small metal parts such as locks, because it's not oily or sticky, and it lasts longer than liquid greases. It's easy to apply and you can apply it to sliding patio door repair service doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and don't attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They are effective at both low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants may create buildup over time and can be displaced by other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon lubricants can be a good substitute for silicone lubricants, as they are long-lasting and don't attract dust or dirt. They are also great for cold climates, since they prevent the build-up of ice inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will dismantle the lock mechanism, and then install an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with the keys you have. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door does not have an cylinder for your lock an expert can replace it to improve security and safety. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door to match the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating it does not work, the problem could be that the latch on the door is not aligned properly with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding glass patio doors repair patio door, and look up and down at the opening of the latch. If the door is in line with the jamb or the frame and you are able to check, then it is. If not, loosen screws that hold the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the latch is securely catching the latch's hasp when the door closes.
Sometimes the latch isn't closing properly because of a worn-out cylinder. It is necessary to replace the for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It's important to choose an alternative cylinder that is similar in size to the old one and has the same keyway, which means you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new one.
Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll need the brand and model number of your existing cylinder to purchase the replacement. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number, take a picture of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and head 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. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Put the screw in a safe location so that you don't lose it 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 that isn't functioning properly could pose an immediate security risk. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to become lodged in the lock mechanism however if the issue isn't dealt with quickly enough the lock will eventually break down and stop providing security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires only a few tools and little time.
Start by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch fails it could be bent to far to perform as it should. If this is the case, you should replace the latch with mortise locking systems to ensure that it's as secure and strong as possible.
Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're not confident in tackling this DIY task. They'll have the expertise and tools to do it correctly and ensure that the new lock works with your patio door.
Maintaining your patio door lock in good condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Make sure the handle and knobs aren't loose, and if they are tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to keep it from becoming stuck or stiff. Locks that are subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is essential to select a lubricant which has been specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For best results, apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.