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 condition to safeguard your home against unwanted intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and locks to become misaligned or damaged.
If your patio door lock does not work properly You can make basic repairs at home. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway, and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their large amounts of glass and their convenient position within a home. It is essential that your locks work correctly to keep your home secure. Luckily, there are some easy ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that aren't working correctly.
The first step is to examine the lock to see if anything hinders it from locking or latching. If you find any issues, such as loose screws or rust, or an issue with alignment, they should be addressed immediately. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio door might suffice to solve the issue.
Another common issue is dust or debris that can cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. Clean your patio door and clean the lock hardware frequently to avoid this. If you need to, use a mild soap solution. However, make sure that the lock is dried completely afterward.
Additionally, it's an ideal idea to lubricate the lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door handle repair near me door lock are like those of a fine-tuned machine, and they could get stuck and jammed just as any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant will help dislodge any dirt or debris that may have accumulated within the lock cylinder and keep it operating smoothly.
Knowing the exact dimensions of your wood patio door repair door lock is also important. This will help you locate a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you're unsure of what to do, contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock can get jammed over time due to dust, dirt and cold and hot weather. These issues can affect the security of your home. However, it's not difficult to fix these issues when you know how.
Before attempting any repairs, clean your lock. Wipe away any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Use hot soapy water and a bit of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before using them again.
Most patio doors are secured using a mortise locking system. This is a safe lock, but it can also cause problems over time. If you're uPVC locks are stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. The next step is to remove the screws that secure the latch body in place. After removing the latch handle and plate and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame.
After the latch has been removed it is possible to lubricate the lock with an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to eliminate any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may need to reposition locks cylinders. This requires some additional tools and is best done by an expert. But you can practice shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, after which making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that keep the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to lubricate both the keyhole and the locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant helps keep your lock in top shape, extending its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is excellent for lubricating small metal parts such as locks, because it's not oily or sticky and lasts longer than liquid fluid lubricants. 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 that is designed specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants can be more efficient than graphite powder especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other liquid fluids. They are effective in both low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants build up over time, and can displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon Lubricants are an excellent substitute for silicone lubricants, because they last longer and do not attract dust or dirt. They're also ideal for cold climates, since they can help prevent ice accumulation inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it's likely to be worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith will take apart the lock mechanism, and then install the cylinder of a new model that matches your existing keys. They can also make repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with a lock cylinder, a professional can replace it to improve security and safety. They can also put an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your emergency patio door repair door to match the rest of your hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning it and lubricating it doesn't work, the problem could be that the latch on the door isn't aligned correctly with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio door, and take a look upwards and downwards at the latch opening. If the door is in line with the frame or jamb, then you can check. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch is able to catch the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is closed.
Sometimes, the latch can be difficult to close because of a worn-out cylinder. It is necessary to replace the cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. It is recommended to select a cylinder that has the same keyway and size like the one that came before it. This allows you to replace it easily by unbolting the two halves before inserting the replacement cylinder.
You can purchase replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll be required to know the name and model of your existing cylinder in order to buy one that matches it. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then go to your local hardware store to seek help.
Once you have the new cylinder installed take it off the flat screw holding it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Set the screw in a safe place to ensure that you don't lose or damage it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout in the door) and then loosen it enough to turn the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock repair door lock that's not functioning properly could pose a serious risk to your security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to become lodged in the lock mechanism If this isn't addressed promptly the lock will eventually fail and cease to provide security. It's a simple DIY project to change the patio door lock. You only need a few tools and some time.
Begin by examining the lock to see what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch doesn't work the latch could be bent too far to function properly. In this case it is recommended to replace the latch with a new mortise lock so that it is as secure and strong as is possible.
Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're not sure in tackling this DIY task. They'll have all the tools and experience to install the lock correctly.
Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock working effectively. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and if they're tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to keep it from squeezing or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is important to select a lubricant which has been specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). To get the best results, apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.