Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Help You Live Better
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good order will help keep your home safe from unwanted intruders. However, the elements could cause the doors and their locks to be damaged or misaligned.
You can fix your patio door lock yourself when it's not functioning properly. These steps can fix issues with the handle, keyway and latch.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge glass size and their central place within a house. It is important that your locks work correctly to keep your home safe. There are simple methods to fix patio door locks that have stopped working.
First, examine the lock and make sure there is nothing that is hindering it from latching or locking. It is important to deal with any issues you spot like loose screws or corrosion. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the patio door's position may be enough 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 track repair door and wipe down the lock hardware frequently to prevent this. If needed, you can use a mild soap solution. However, you must be sure to dry the lock completely afterwards.
It is also a good idea that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are similar to those used in a finely tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant, can be used to clean any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock cylinder. This will keep it running at a high speed.
Knowing the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is also crucial. This will allow you to find an appropriate lock that is compatible with your current mechanism. If you're unsure of how to proceed get help, consult a professional tradesperson or locksmith to get help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, hot and cold weather, dust, and dirt can cause the intricate components of the door lock to become blocked. These issues can compromise your security at home. These problems are easy to fix if you know what to do.
Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. With a damp cloth, clean any debris or stains that could hinder your lock from working properly. Use hot soapy water and a little grit to clean the lock mechanism. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are fitted with a mortise lock that is safe however, it is susceptible to problems over time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Then, take off the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. After removing the latch plate and handle and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch is removed and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock with a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't have WD40 or similar product, you can try using graphite pencils to help remove any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may have to relocate the locks cylinders. This will require additional tools and should be performed by an expert. However, you can practice repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, and then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are located that secure the cylinder.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is free of debris and dirt it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant helps keep your lock in top shape, which will extend its life.
Dry graphite is an excellent method to lubricate small metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It also lasts longer than liquids. It's easy to use and can be used on sliding doors tracks for garage doors, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants can be more efficient than graphite powder especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other liquid fluids. They work well in high and low temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can build up over time, and can displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they last longer and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also ideal for cold climates, since they can help prevent ice accumulation within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a the new cylinder that matches your existing keys. They can also Repair patio doors, justbookmark.win, or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if your door does not have one. This can increase security and safety. They can also put a new lock faceplate on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If lubricating the lock and cleaning it do not perform, the issue could be that the door latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or door frame. Open the sliding patio doors and examine the top and bottom of the latch opening. If the door is parallel to the frame or jamb, then you can check. If not, remove the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly catching the latch's hasp as the door closes.
The latch may also be difficult to close due to the cylinder is worn. It is necessary to replace the cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is important to choose an alternative cylinder that is the same size as the old one and has the same keyway, so you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new one.
You can find replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll be required to know the name and model of your existing cylinder so you can buy one that matches it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number, take a picture of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws and head to the hardware store for assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder installed remove it from the flat screw holding it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Put 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 turn the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could be a major risk to your security. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to get stuck inside the lock's mechanisms however if the issue isn't addressed promptly the lock will eventually break down and cease to provide security. It's a simple DIY task to change the patio door lock. It's all you need are the tools you need and some time.
Begin by examining the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the latch may be bent too much to work properly. In this instance it is recommended to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure it's as strong and secure as it can be.
If you're not comfortable with this DIY project yourself contact an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you with the installation of an entirely new lock. They will have all the equipment and know-how to install the lock correctly.
Keeping your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Make sure the handle and knobs aren't loose, and if they are, tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least every year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are subject to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated more often. The type of lubricant is vital, 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 directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve best results.