Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Help You Live Better
How to Troubleshoot and repair patio Doors Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in good working condition to protect your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to your patio doors and their locks.
You can repair your patio door lock by yourself in the event that it isn't functioning properly. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway and latch.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large quantity of glass and their convenient location within a home. It is essential that your locks are working correctly to keep your home secure. There are easy ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that aren't working correctly.
The first step is to inspect the lock to see if anything is hindering it from latching or locking. It is important to address any issues you find such as loose screws or rust. In some instances an adjustment of just a few inches to the position of the patio door lock repairs door might suffice to solve the problem.
Another common issue is debris or dust that can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down the lock hardware frequently to prevent this. You can make use of a mild detergent when needed, but remember to dry the lock completely afterward.
It is also a good idea lubricate your lock regularly. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a fine-tuned machine, so they can become stuck and jammed as any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant can help to get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and keep it operating smoothly.
It is important to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you choose the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you are unsure about how to go about this, it is advisable to talk to an expert tradesperson or locksmith for assistance.
Clean the Lock
Over time, hot and cold weather dust and dirt can cause the delicate parts of the door lock to become jammed. These problems can threaten your security at home. But it's easy to fix these issues If you know how.
Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. Clean any stains and debris using a damp cloth. Then, use a little hot soapy water to clean the lock mechanism and remove any grit or grime that has built up over time. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before re-using them.
Most patio doors use a mortise lock, which is secure but is susceptible to problems with time. If your uPVC lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to remove the screws that keep the latch in the position. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you can take the latch out of its slot in 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 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to remove dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you might need to move the your lock cylinder. This will require some additional tools and is best done by a professional. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without needing to remove it from the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame inside the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to grease the keyhole and the locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its life.
Dry graphite powder is ideal for lubricating small metal parts like locks since it's not oily or sticky and lasts for longer than liquid fluid lubricants. It's simple 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-type graphite lubricant that is specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and do not attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They work well in both low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants build up over time, and can displace other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone lubricants since they're long-lasting and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also suitable for colder environments since they can help keep ice from accumulating within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it is probably worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith will remove the lock mechanism and put in the cylinder of a new model that matches the keys you have. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door does not have the lock cylinder or faceplate, a professional can install it to increase security and security. They can also put the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be that the latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. To check this you need to open the sliding patio door and sight upwards and downwards from the opening of the latch to see whether the door is aligned to the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the latch is firmly catching the latch's hasp as the door closes.
Sometimes, the latch isn't closing properly 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. You should choose one with the same keyway and size as the previous one. This will allow you to change it quickly by removing the two halves before inserting the new cylinder.
There are replacement cylinders available at a variety of home improvement stores. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your current cylinder to purchase the replacement. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then go to your local hardware store to seek help.
When you have a new cylinder, unscrew the screw with a flat head that holds it in place, and remove the escutcheon plate. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame with a screwdriver. 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 keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole in the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could cause serious danger to your security. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to get lodged inside the lock mechanisms, but 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'll only need the tools you need and some time.
Begin by looking at the lock to see what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the latch may be too bent to function properly. In this instance it is recommended to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure it's as sturdy and secure as possible.
If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project on your own, consult with a locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you with the installation of the new lock. They will have the experience and tools to do it correctly and ensure that the new lock will work with your patio door.
Routine maintenance is essential to keeping your patio door lock working properly. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to keep it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant used is crucial, so make sure to select one that's specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve best results.