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 protect your home from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements can cause the doors and their locks to become damaged or misaligned.
You can fix your patio doors repairs door lock yourself in the event that it isn't 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 quantity of glass and their convenient position within a house. A lock that is functional and secure is important to ensure your home is safe. There are simple ways to fix patio door locks that have stopped working.
The first step is to inspect the lock to ensure nothing is blocking it from latching or locking. It is important to deal with any issues you spot, such as loose screws or corrosion. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the direction of the patio door may be enough to fix the problem.
Another issue that is common is debris or dust that can cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. To prevent this from happening, make sure to clean your patio door frequently and wipe down the lock hardware. You can apply a mild detergent solution if necessary, but always ensure that you dry the lock completely afterward.
It is also a good idea that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts in your upvc patio door repairs patio lock are similar to those found in a finely tuned machine. They can jam or get stuck just like any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant could be used to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock's cylinder. This will ensure that it is running at a high speed.
Identifying the exact dimensions of the patio door repairs near me door lock is also important. This can help you find the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you're unsure of how to proceed get help, consult an expert locksmith or tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock can become jammed due to dust, dirt, and hot and cold weather. These issues could compromise the security of your home. However, it's not difficult to fix these problems if you know how.
Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Clean up any stains or debris with a damp cloth. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to clean the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any dirt 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 are secured with a mortise locking system. This is a safe lock, but it is susceptible to problems with time. If your uPVC locks have become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. Start 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 then you can lubricate it with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't own WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to clean dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you might need to move the your lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by professionals. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without needing to remove it from the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame where the screws that hold the locking cylinder are located.
Lubricate the Lock
After your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to grease the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant will keep your lock in good shape, extending its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is excellent for lubricating small metal components such as locks, because it's not sticky or oily and lasts for longer than liquid fluid lubricants. It's simple to use and can be utilized on sliding doors tracks for garage doors and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants can be more effective than graphite powder particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other liquid lubricants. They work well at low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants could cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may be displaced by other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon lubricants can be an ideal alternative to silicone lubricants since they are long-lasting and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also ideal for cold climates, since they can prevent ice buildup within the lock.
If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a a new cylinder matched to your keys. They can also Repair patio doors or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door doesn't have the lock cylinder an expert can replace it to increase security and safety. They can also install a new lock faceplate on your patio door lock repairs door to match the rest of your hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be due to the latch on the door isn't properly aligned with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio door, and look up and down at the opening for the latch. 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 in place and adjust it up or down until the latch is able to catch the latch hasp tightly when the door is closed.
The latch can also be difficult to close as the cylinder is worn out. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, so you'll need to get an alternate. You should choose a cylinder with the same keyway and size as the one you had previously. This will allow you to replace it easily by removing the two halves and inserting the replacement cylinder.
You can purchase replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of the existing cylinder to be able to purchase one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and head to an hardware store for assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder in place remove it from the flat screw holding it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Set the screw in a secure location so 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 not working properly can pose a serious risk to your security. Dirt and debris could get stuck within the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't taken care of immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires a few tools and a little time.
Begin by looking at the lock to see what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch does not work the latch could be bent to far to perform as it should. If this is the case, replace the lock latch with mortise locking systems to ensure it's as secure and strong as it can be.
If you're not confident in tackling this DIY task yourself 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 expertise needed to install the lock properly.
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 are, tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to avoid it from becoming stuck or stiff. It is recommended that locks exposed to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated regularly. It is crucial to choose a lubricant that is specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism to get best results.