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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good in good order will protect your home from unwanted intruders. However, patio doors repair near me could cause the doors and their locks to be damaged or misaligned.
You can fix your patio door lock yourself when it's not working properly. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway, and handle.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their large amounts of glass and convenient location within a home. It is important that your locks function properly to keep your home safe. Fortunately, there are easy ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that aren't working correctly.
First, examine the lock to ensure there is nothing blocking it from latching or locking. If you notice any issues like loose screws or rust, or even misalignment, these should be addressed promptly. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the patio door's position may suffice to resolve the problem.
Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to fail to perform as it should. Clean your patio door and wipe down the lock hardware frequently to avoid this. If necessary, you can apply a mild soap solution. However, make sure that you dry the lock completely afterwards.
Additionally, it's recommended to oil the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are similar to those found in a finely tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck as with any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant can help remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated inside the lock cylinder and ensure that it is operating efficiently.
The exact dimensions of your patio door lock is important. This can help you find an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to go about this, it is advisable to speak with an expert locksmith or tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather, dust, and dirt can cause the intricate components of your door lock to become blocked. These issues can compromise your security at home. But it's simple to fix these problems If you know how.
Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, remove any dirt or stains that could hinder your lock from functioning properly. Use soapy water with hot water and a little grit to clean the lock mechanism. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are secured by mortise locking systems. This is a secure lock, but it can also cause problems over time. If your uPVC locks has become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. For the uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of soapy water. Next, you'll want to loosen the screws that keep the latch in the position. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you can take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.
After the latch has been removed and lubricated, you can apply 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 lock isn't working, you might need to relocate the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be handled by professionals. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without having to take it off the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame inside the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
If your lock is clean from dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its lifespan.
Dry graphite is a great option to lubricate tiny metal parts, such as locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also longer-lasting than liquids. It's easy to apply, and you can also use it on 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 can be more effective than graphite particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and won't attract as much dust and dirt as other kinds of liquid lubricants. They are effective in both low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants could cause accumulation over time and could displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they last for a long time and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also great for cold environments because they can help stop the accumulation of ice inside the lock.
If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's probably worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your existing keys. They can also perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder in case your door isn't equipped with one. This will increase security and safety. 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 it 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. To check this open the sliding patio door and sight both ways from the latch opening to see if the door is parallel with the jamb or frame. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch is able to catch the latch hasp tightly when the door is shut.
The latch may also be difficult to close as the cylinder is worn. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, and you'll require a replacement. It is recommended to select a cylinder that has the same keyway and size as the one you had previously. This will allow you to replace it easily by removing the two halves before inserting the new cylinder.
You can find replacement cylinders at a variety of home improvement stores. You'll need the name and model number of your current cylinder to purchase an alternative. If you don't have the model or manufacturer you can take a photograph of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws and head to the hardware store for help.
Once you have the new cylinder in place, unscrew it from the flat screw holding it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Place the screw in a safe place so that you don't lose it or damage it. Then, loosen enough the set screw that is on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that's not functioning properly could pose an extremely risk to security. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to become lodged in the lock's mechanisms If this isn't dealt with quickly enough the lock could eventually fail and cease to provide security. It's a simple DIY task to change the patio door lock. You'll only need the tools you need and some time.
Begin by examining the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch does not work, it may be bent too much to perform as it should. In this situation it is recommended to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure that it's as strong and secure as is possible.
If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY project on your own seek out a locksmith or door hardware expert to help you with the installation of an entirely new lock. They'll have the knowledge and tools to complete the task properly and ensure that the new lock will work with your patio door.
Keeping your patio door lock in good working condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Verify that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least every year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather should be lubricated more often. The type of lubricant is important, so be sure to select one that's specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to get the best results.