What Is It That Makes Repair Patio Door So Popular?
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good working in good order will keep your home safe from intruders who aren't yours. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors as well as their locks.
If your patio door lock doesn't operate properly, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps can fix issues with the handle, keyway and latch.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large amounts of glass and their central position within a home. It is important to ensure your home's security. There are easy methods to troubleshoot or repair patio door locks that aren't functioning properly.
First, examine the lock and ensure that nothing is blocking it from latching or locking. You must address any issues you find like loose screws or corrosion. In some instances an adjustment of the patio door's position may suffice to resolve the problem.
Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to perform as it should. To prevent this from happening, ensure that you clean your patio door on a regular basis and wipe down the lock's hardware. You can apply a mild detergent solution when needed, but be sure to dry the lock thoroughly 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 in a machine that is finely tuned. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help dislodge any dirt or debris that has accumulated inside the lock cylinder and keep it operating smoothly.
Knowing the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is crucial. This will allow you to find a lock that perfectly matches your current mechanism. If you're unsure of how to do it, contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson for assistance.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate components of your door lock to get blocked. These issues can affect your home's security. These issues are easy to fix if you know what to do.
Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Clean up any stains or debris with a moist cloth. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of your lock and wash away any grime or grit that has accumulated over time. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio doors have a mortise lock that is safe but is susceptible to issues in the course of 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. Then, take off the screws that are holding the body of the latch in the position. After you have removed the latch handle and plate then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.
After the latch has been removed, you can lubricate the lock with an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have WD40, you can also try using a graphite pencil to help remove any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it is possible to relocate the lock cylinder. This will require some additional tools and is best done by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without having to take it off the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame where the screws that hold the cylinder in place are.
Lubricate the Lock
If your lock is clean of dirt and debris, it's a good time to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and extend its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is great to lubricate small metal parts like locks because it's not sticky or oily and lasts longer than liquid greases. It is easy to use and is suitable for use 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 are more efficient than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other liquid lubricants. They work well at low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants can cause accumulation over time and could be displaced by other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they last for a long time and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also good for colder environments since they can keep ice from accumulating within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism, and then install a new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder if the door does not have one. This will improve safety and security. They can also put an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If lubricating the lock and cleaning it don't work, the issue could be that the door latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. To test this you need to open the sliding patio door and sight upwards and downwards from the opening of the latch to see if the door is parallel to the frame or jamb. If patio door lock repairs near me Repair My Windows And Doors can loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it up or down until the lock latch catches the latch tightly when the door is closed.
Sometimes, the latch isn't closing properly due to a worn-out cylinder. It is necessary to replace the cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. You should select one with the same keyway and dimensions as the one you had previously. This will allow you to change it quickly by unscrewing the two halves before inserting the replacement cylinder.
Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of your current cylinder in order to buy one that matches it. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number you can take a photograph of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and head to an hardware store for assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder installed take it off the screw that holds 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 somewhere secure so you aren't able to lose it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout of the door) and then 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 could get stuck in the lock mechanism. If this is not addressed immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and won't longer offer security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires only a few tools and small amount of time.
Begin by examining the lock to see what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch does not work the latch could be bent too far to work properly. In this case it's best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure it's as sturdy and secure as possible.
If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY project on your own contact a locksmith or door hardware specialist to help you with the installation of a new lock. They will have all the equipment and know-how to install the lock properly.
Keeping your patio door lock in good working condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Make sure the handle and knobs aren't loose and if they're tighten them as required. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated regularly. It is crucial to select a lubricant which has been specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For the best results, apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.