15 Things You Don't Know About Repair Patio Door
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good in good order will protect your home from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements could cause the doors and locks to become damaged or misaligned.
If your patio door lock doesn't operate properly You can make basic repairs at home. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway, and latch.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large amount of glass and the convenient location within a home. It is crucial that your locks function properly to ensure your home is secure. There are a few easy ways to fix patio door locks which have stopped functioning.
The first step is to inspect the lock and ensure that nothing is blocking it from locking or latching. If you notice any issues, such as loose screws or rust, or misalignment, these should be addressed immediately. In some cases an adjustment of just a few inches to the location of the patio door could be enough to fix the problem.
Another issue that is common is dust or debris that could cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. Clean your patio door and clean all lock hardware regularly to avoid this. You can apply a mild detergent solution when needed, but ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterwards.
It is also a good idea to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those used in a precision-tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck as with any mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant will help dislodge any dirt or debris that has accumulated inside the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly.
It is important to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you find the perfect lock to match your current mechanism. If you're not sure what to do get help, consult a professional tradesperson or locksmith for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock may jam up over time because of dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These problems can threaten your security at home. However, it's not difficult to fix these issues when you know how.
Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Clean any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Then, use a little hot soapy water to clean the mechanism of your lock and wash away any dirt or grime that has built up over time. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them.
Most patio doors are secured using a mortise locking system. This is a secure lock, but it can also cause problems with time. If you're uPVC locks are stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. For the uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of soapy water. Then, take off the screws that hold the body of the latch in place. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you can remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch is removed and lubricated, you can apply using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't own WD40 or similar product, you can try using graphite pencils to help remove any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work it is possible to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and is best done by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without having to take it off the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws that hold the locking cylinder are located.
Lubricate the Lock
Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time for lubrication of the lock and the keyhole themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its life.
Dry graphite is a fantastic option to lubricate tiny metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It also lasts longer than liquids. It is easy to use and is suitable for use on sliding doors, garage door tracks, 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 efficient than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They are effective at both high and low temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can build up over time, and displace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants because they last for a long time and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also great for cold climates since they can stop the accumulation of ice inside the lock.
If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's likely worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with the new cylinder that matches your keys. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder if your door isn't equipped with one. This will increase security and safety. They can also put an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning it and lubricating it do not work, then the issue could be that the latch on the door is not 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 parallel to the jamb or the frame, then you can check. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it up or down until the latch catches the latch hasp tightly when the door is closed.
Sometimes the latch isn't closing properly due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. You'll need a replacement cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is essential to select the new cylinder that's exactly the same size as the old one and has the same keyway, which means you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock apart and inserting the new cylinder.
There are replacement cylinders available at many home improvement stores. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your current cylinder to purchase an alternative. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then, visit your local hardware store to seek help.
If you have a brand new cylinder, unscrew the screw with a flat head that holds it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame using the screwdriver. Set the screw in a safe place to ensure that you don't lose it 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 loosen it enough to turn the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could pose a serious risk to your security. Dirt and debris can become stuck within the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't treated promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and will no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires just some tools and a bit of time.
Start by examining the lock to determine what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch does not work, it may be bent to far to work properly. In this situation it's best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure it's as sturdy and secure as is possible.
Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're unsure in tackling this DIY task. They will have the experience and tools to complete the task correctly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door.
Keeping your patio door lock in good condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Make sure that the knobs and handles aren't loose and, if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate your lock at least every year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. replacement patio door glass that have been subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is essential to choose a lubricant that is specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For best results apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.