Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Change Your Life
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good working order will help protect your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements could cause the doors and locks to become damaged or misaligned.
You can fix your patio door lock on your own if it is not working correctly. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway and handle.
Inspect the Lock
patio door repair doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their large quantity of glass and their convenient location within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore important to ensure your home's security. There are easy methods to fix patio door locks which have stopped working.
The first step is to check the lock to ensure nothing is hindering it from locking or latching. If you find any issues such as loose screws, rust, or an issue with alignment, they should be addressed immediately. In some instances an adjustment of the position of the patio door could be sufficient to fix the problem.
Another common issue is debris or dust that can cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. To prevent this from happening, ensure that you clean your patio door frequently and clean the lock hardware. You can make use of a mild detergent in the event of need, but ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
Additionally, it's recommended to oil the lock on a regular basis. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a finely tuned machine, so they can get stuck and jammed just as any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help to get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated within the lock cylinder and keep it operating smoothly.
The exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also crucial. This will help you choose a lock that perfectly matches the existing mechanism. If you're unsure of how to do it get help, consult a professional tradesperson or locksmith for assistance.
Clean the Lock
Over time, hot and cold weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate parts of your door lock to get blocked. These issues can affect the security of your home. But it's simple to fix these issues If you know how.
Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Clean up any stains or debris with a damp cloth. Use hot soapy water and a bit of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.
The majority of local patio door repairs doors are secured using mortise locking systems. This is a secure lock, but it can also cause issues with time. If your uPVC lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For a uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate with a little of soapy water. Next, you'll want to loosen the screws that secure the latch body in the position. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you'll be ready to remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame.
After the latch has been removed it is possible to lubricate the lock using an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have WD40, a graphite pen can be used to remove dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you might need to move the locks cylinders. This requires some additional tools and is best done by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without having to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws holding the cylinder in place are.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time for lubrication of the keyhole and the locks themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its lifespan.
Dry graphite is a fantastic option to lubricate tiny metal parts, such as locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also more durable than liquids. It's simple to use and can be used on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They work well in both low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants can cause accumulation over time and could displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants because they're long-lasting and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also great for cold environments because they'll keep ice from accumulating inside the lock.
If your lock cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely to be worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your existing keys. They can also repair patio doors or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with an cylinder for your lock or faceplate, a professional can install it to improve security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that match the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating it do not work, then the problem could be that the latch on the door is not aligned properly with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio door, and take a look upwards and downwards at 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, remove the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch hasp when the door closes.
The latch may also be difficult to close as the cylinder has worn out. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, which is why you'll need to get an alternate. You should select a cylinder with the same keyway and dimensions like the one that came before it. This will allow you to replace it easily by removing the two halves and inserting the replacement cylinder.
Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of your current cylinder so you can buy one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number then take a photo of the cylinder and its mounting screws and head to the hardware store for assistance.
When you have a new cylinder, remove the screw with a flat head that holds it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Place the screw in a safe place so you don't lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout inside the door) and then loosen it enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't working properly could pose a serious security risk. Dirt and debris could get caught in the lock mechanism. If this is not taken care of promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and no will be able to provide security. It's a straightforward DIY project to replace the patio door lock. It's all you need are just a few tools and a bit of time.
Begin by examining the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch does not work it could be bent to far to function properly. In this situation it's best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure it is as secure and strong as is possible.
If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project yourself contact a locksmith or door hardware expert to help you with the installation of the new lock. They'll have the tools and experience to install the lock properly.
Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock functioning properly. Check that the knobs and handles aren't loose and if they're tighten them as required. Lubricate your lock at least every year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant used is important, so be sure to choose one that's specifically designed to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to get the best results.