Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Change Your Life
How to Troubleshoot and repair patio doors Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in good working condition to protect your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements may cause the doors and locks to be misaligned or damaged.
You can repair your double glazed patio door repairs door lock yourself when it's not working properly. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large amount of glass and convenient location within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore essential to ensure that your home is secure. Luckily, there are some easy ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that have stopped working correctly.
The first step is to inspect the lock and make sure nothing is blocking it from latching or locking. You should deal with any issues you spot such as loose screws or rust. In some instances an adjustment of the door's location could suffice to resolve the issue.
Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism to fail to function properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down the lock hardware frequently to prevent this. You can use a mild detergent solution when needed, but be sure to dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
In addition, it's recommended to oil the lock regularly. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those in a finely tuned machine. They can jam or get stuck just like any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant, can be used to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock cylinder. This will help keep it running at a high speed.
It is crucial to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you locate a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you are unsure about how to do this, it's best to speak with a locksmith or professional tradesperson for assistance.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock can become jammed because of dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These issues could compromise the security of your home. However, it's not difficult to fix these problems if you know how.
Before you attempt any repairs, first clean your lock. Using a damp cloth, wipe away any stains or debris that may hinder your lock from working properly. Use soapy water with hot water and a bit of grit to clean the lock mechanism. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.
The majority of local patio door repairs doors have a mortise lock that is secure, but can be prone to problems with time. If you're uPVC locks has become stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. The next step is to remove the screws that keep the latch in the position. After you have removed the latch plate and handle and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch is detached it is possible to lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't own WD40 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to remove dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may have to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools tilt and slide patio door repairs is best done by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without having to take it off the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws holding the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
When 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. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good shape and extend its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is ideal for lubricating small metal parts such as locks, because it's not sticky or oily, and it lasts longer than liquid fluid lubricants. It's easy to apply, and you can also use it on sliding patio door lock 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, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They work well at high and low temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can build up over time, and displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon oil can be an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also ideal for cold climates, 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 will need to replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with a a new cylinder matched to your keys. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder in case your door does not have one. This will improve safety and security. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door that match the rest of the door.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating the door doesn't work, the problem could be that the latch on the door isn't properly aligned with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio door and examine the top and bottom of the opening for the latch. If the door is aligned with the frame or jamb 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 hasp when the door is closed.
Sometimes the latch can be difficult to close because of a worn-out cylinder. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, so you'll need to get an alternate. It's important to choose the new cylinder that's similar in size to the old one and has the same keyway, so you can easily replace it by screwing the two parts of the lock apart and inserting the new cylinder.
There are replacement cylinders available at a variety of home improvement stores. You'll need to know the brand and model of your current cylinder in order to buy one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number you can take a photograph of the cylinder and its mounting screws and head to the hardware store for assistance.
If you have a brand new cylinder, unscrew the flat screw that is holding it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door and door frame. Set the screw in a safe location so that you don't lose or damage it. Then, loosen enough 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's not working properly could pose an immediate security risk. It's not common for dirt and other debris to get lodged inside the lock's mechanisms, but if this isn't addressed promptly the lock will eventually fail and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires just a few tools and a bit of time.
Begin by examining the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch does not work it could be bent to far to function properly. If this is the case, replace the lock latch using mortise locking systems to ensure it's as strong and secure as it can be.
Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're unsure about undertaking this DIY project. They will have the experience and tools to do it correctly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door.
Routine maintenance is essential to ensure that your patio door lock working properly. Make sure that the handle and knobs aren't loose and if they're tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to avoid it from becoming stuck or stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather should be lubricated regularly. It is crucial to choose a lubricant that has been specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For best results apply the lubricant direct onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.