Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Help You Live Better
How to Troubleshoot and repair patio Doors Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good working order will help safeguard your home from intruders who aren't yours. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors as well as their locks.
You can fix your patio door lock by yourself when it's not functioning properly. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway, and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their huge glass size and their convenient place within a house. It is important that your locks are working correctly to keep your home safe. Fortunately, there are simple ways to troubleshoot tilt and slide patio door repairs repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly.
First, examine the lock to ensure there is nothing that is hindering it from latching or locking. If you find any issues like loose screws or rust, or an issue with alignment, they should be addressed promptly. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio door might suffice to resolve the issue.
Another issue that is common is dust or debris which can cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. Clean your patio door and clean the lock hardware frequently to prevent this. You can apply a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but be sure to dry the lock thoroughly afterwards.
It is also a good idea lubricate your lock regularly. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those used in a finely tuned machine. They can jam or get stuck just like any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant will help remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated within the lock cylinder and keep it operating smoothly.
It is essential to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will allow you to find an appropriate lock that is compatible with the existing mechanism. If you are unsure about how to go about this, it's best to talk to a locksmith or professional tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock could become jammed due to dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These issues could compromise your home's security. But it's easy to fix these problems when you know how.
Before you attempt any repairs, clean your lock. Clean any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any dirt or grime that has accumulated over time. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio doors have a mortise lock, which is secure however, it is susceptible to issues in the course of time. If your uPVC locks are stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. For the uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a little of 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, you can remove it from its slot on 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 have WD40, you can also use a graphite pencil to remove any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it is possible to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and is best done by an expert. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without needing to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws holding the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
After your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to lubricate both the keyhole and the locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant can keep your lock in top condition, and extends its life.
Dry graphite powder is excellent for lubricating small metal components like locks since it's not oily or sticky and lasts longer than liquid lubricants. It's easy to apply and you can apply it to sliding doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants may be more effective than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They are efficient at low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants could cause buildup over time and can displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants since they're long-lasting and don't attract dust and dirt. They are also great for cold climates, since they prevent the build-up of ice within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's likely worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can dismantle the lock mechanism and put in the cylinder of a new model that matches your existing keys. They can also perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. If your door doesn't have an cylinder for your lock, a professional can replace it to improve security and safety. They can also put an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating the door doesn't work, the issue could be due to the latch on the door isn't aligned properly with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio door and take a look upwards and downwards at the opening of the latch. If the door is in line with the jamb or the frame, then you can check. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch catches the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is shut.
Sometimes the latch is difficult to close due to a worn-out cylinder. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, and you'll need an alternate. It's important to choose an alternative cylinder that is exactly the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same keyway, so you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock to one side and inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need the brand and model number of the existing cylinder to purchase a replacement. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number you can take a photograph of the cylinder and its mounting screws, and then go to a hardware store to get assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder in place, unscrew it from the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame using a screwdriver. Place the screw in a safe place so you don't loose 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 loosen it enough to rotate the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock not functioning properly could be a major risk to your security. Dirt and debris can get stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this issue isn't treated immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and no will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires a few tools and a small amount of time.
Begin by inspecting 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 work properly. If this is the case, you should replace the lock latch using mortise locking to ensure it's as solid and secure as possible.
If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project on your own seek out an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to help you with the installation of an entirely new lock. They'll have all the tools and experience to properly install the lock.
Keeping your patio door lock in good condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Check that the knobs and handle aren't loose and if they're, tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are subject to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant used is crucial, so make sure to select one that's specifically designed to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). For best results apply the lubricant direct to the key hole of the lock mechanism.