5 Qualities People Are Looking For In Every Repair Patio Door
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good condition to safeguard your home against unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to your patio doors and their locks.
If your patio door lock does not work properly, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway and handle.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their large amount of glass and the convenient position within a home. It is crucial that your locks function properly to ensure your home is secure. There are easy methods to troubleshoot or fix patio door locks that aren't functioning properly.
The first step is to check the lock to see if anything is preventing it from latching or locking. It is important to take care to address any issues you discover such as loose screws or rust. In some instances an adjustment of just a few inches to the direction of the patio door could suffice to resolve the issue.
Another issue that is common is debris or dust that could cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To prevent this from occurring, be sure to clean your patio door on a regular basis and clean the lock hardware. You can make use of a mild detergent when needed, but ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
It is also a good idea to lubricate your lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a fine-tuned machine, and they could get stuck and jammed just like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant can be used to remove any dirt or debris from the lock's cylinder. This will keep it running smoothly.
The exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also important. This will help you find the perfect lock to match your current mechanism. If you aren't sure how to do this, it's advisable to contact an expert tradesperson or locksmith for assistance.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock may get jammed over time due to dust, dirt, and hot and cold weather. These issues can compromise your home's security. These issues are simple to fix if you know what to do.
Before making any repairs, first clean your lock. Using a damp cloth, remove any debris or stains that might hinder your lock from working properly. Use soapy water with hot water and a bit of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again.
Most patio doors use mortise locks that is secure, but can be prone to problems over time. If your uPVC lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that hold the body of the latch in the position. With the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be able to take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.
After the latch has been removed, you can lubricate it with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have WD40 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to remove dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work it may be necessary to reposition the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by a professional. But you can practice repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, and then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws secure the cylinder.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is free of debris and dirt, it's a good time to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant will keep your lock in good shape, extending its lifespan.
Dry graphite is a great method to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also more durable than liquids. It's easy to apply, and you can also apply it to sliding doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They are efficient at low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may get accumulated over time, and can displace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they last for a long time and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also ideal for cold environments, as they can help prevent ice accumulation within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it is probably worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a new cylinder matched to the keys you have. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock 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 the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be that the door latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or door frame. Open the sliding patio doors and look up and down at the latch opening. If the door is parallel to the frame or jamb and you are able to check, then it is. If not, 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 shut.
Sometimes, the latch can be difficult to close because of a worn-out cylinder. It is necessary to replace the for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. You should choose a cylinder with the same keyway and dimensions like the one that came before it. This will allow you to replace it with ease by removing the two halves before inserting the new cylinder.
You can find replacement cylinders in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of your existing cylinder in order to buy one that matches it. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then go to the local hardware store for assistance.
Once you have a new cylinder, remove the flat screw that holds it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and the door frame. Put the screw somewhere safe 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 inside the door) and loosen it enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could cause serious danger to your security. It's not common for dirt and other debris to get stuck inside the lock's mechanisms If this isn't addressed promptly the lock could eventually fail and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires some tools and a little time.
Begin by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch doesn't work it could be bent too much to work properly. If this is the case, you should replace the latch with a mortise locking system to ensure it's as secure and strong as possible.
If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY project on your own, consult with an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you in the installation of an entirely new lock. They will have the experience and tools to complete the task correctly and make sure that the new lock works with your patio door.
Routine maintenance is essential to keep your patio door lock functioning effectively. Make sure that the handle and knobs aren't loose and if they're, tighten them as needed. 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 usage or extreme weather should be lubricated more often. It is important to choose a lubricant that has been specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For sliding glass door repair Repair My Windows And Doors apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.