Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Change Your Life
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in good condition to guard your home against unwanted intruders. However, the elements could cause the doors and locks to become misaligned or damaged.
If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps can fix issues with the handle, keyway, and latch.
Check the lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and the convenient position within a house. A lock that is functional and secure is important to ensure your home is safe. Luckily, there are some easy methods to troubleshoot or repair patio doors patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly.
First, examine the lock and ensure that nothing is blocking it from locking or latching. You must address any issues you find, such as loose screws or rust. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the door's location could be sufficient to fix the problem.
Another common issue is dust or debris which can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. To avoid this occurring, be sure to clean your patio door frequently and clean the lock hardware. If needed, you can apply mild soap. But, be sure to dry the lock completely afterwards.
In addition, it is recommended to oil the lock on a regular basis. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a fine-tuned machine, which means that they can be jammed and stuck just as any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant will help get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and help keep it running smoothly.
The exact dimensions of the patio door repair service near me door lock is also crucial. This can help you choose an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to do this, it is advisable to speak with an expert locksmith or tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, hot and cold weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate components of your door lock to get jammed. These problems can threaten your security at home. But it's simple to fix these issues when you know how.
Before making any repairs, clean your lock. Clean any stains and debris with a moist cloth. Make use of hot soapy water and a little grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them.
The majority of patio doors are secured using a mortise locking system. This is a secure lock, but it can also cause issues in time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For a uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of hot soapy water. The next step is to remove the screws that hold the latch body in place. After you have removed the latch plate and handle then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch is removed it is possible to lubricate the lock with a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't own WD40, a graphite pen can be used to clean dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work it is possible to reposition the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be handled by a professional. However, you can practice shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by closing and opening the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws keep the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time for lubrication of the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its lifespan.
Dry graphite is a great option to lubricate tiny 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 suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and will not attract as much dust or dirt as other liquid fluids. They are effective in high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may get accumulated over time and eventually replace other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon Lubricants are an ideal substitute for silicone lubricants, since they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also excellent for cold conditions, since they can help prevent ice accumulation inside the lock.
If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, then it is probably worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and 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 doesn't have the lock cylinder an expert can replace it to improve security and security. They can also put the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating the door does not work, the issue could be that the latch on the door is not aligned properly with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio door, and examine the top and bottom of the opening of the latch. If the door is aligned with the frame or jamb then you can test. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch is securely catching the latch's hasp as the door closes.
Sometimes, the latch is difficult to close because of a worn-out cylinder. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, which is why you'll need to get a replacement. It is essential to select the new cylinder that's similar in size to the old one and has the same style keyway, so that you can easily replace it by screwing the two halves of the lock apart and then inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll be required to know the name and model of your current cylinder in order to buy one that matches it. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then, visit the local hardware store for assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder installed, unscrew it from the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure so that you do not lose it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout in the door) and loosen it enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that's not working properly can pose a serious risk to your security. Dirt and debris can get stuck within the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't addressed promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and won't will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio doors repair near me door lock is a easy DIY project that requires just a few tools and small amount of time.
Begin by looking at the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch does not work the latch could be bent too much to work properly. In this case, it would be best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock so that it's as sturdy and secure as is possible.
Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're not sure about undertaking this DIY project. They will have all the tools and expertise needed to install the lock correctly.
Routine maintenance is essential to keeping your patio door lock operating correctly. Verify that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to avoid it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather should be lubricated more often. The type of lubricant is vital, so be sure to select one that's specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve best results.