Everything You Need To Be Aware Of 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. However, the elements may cause the doors and their locks to be misaligned or damaged.
You can fix your patio door lock yourself in the event that it isn't working properly. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway and handle.
Check the lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge glass size and their central location within a home. It is essential to ensure that your home is safe. There are easy solutions to fix patio door locks that have stopped working.
The first step is to examine the lock to make sure nothing hinders it from locking or latching. If you spot any issues such as loose screws or rust, or the wrong alignment, these must be addressed immediately. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio door could be enough to solve the problem.
Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism not to work properly. To avoid this happening, ensure that you clean your patio door frequently and wipe down the lock hardware. If necessary, you can use a mild soap solution. However, you must be sure that the lock is dried completely afterward.
In addition, it is recommended to oil the lock on a regular basis. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to the parts of a fine-tuned machine, which means that they can be jammed and stuck just like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant can help remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and keep it operating smoothly.
It is important to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you find the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with the current mechanism. If you're not sure how to go about this, it's advisable to contact an expert tradesperson or locksmith for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock can get jammed over time due to dust, dirt and cold and hot weather. These problems can compromise the security of your home. However, it's not difficult to fix these issues if you know how.
Before attempting any repairs, clean your lock. Using a damp cloth, remove any debris or stains that may be hindering your lock from working properly. Then, use a little hot soapy water to clean the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any grit or grime that has accumulated over time. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are fitted with a mortise lock that is safe but is susceptible to problems with time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Start by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Then, take off the screws that are holding the body of the latch in the position. After removing the latch plate and handle, you can remove it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch has been removed then you can lubricate it using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't own WD40 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to clean dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you may need to reposition locks cylinders. This will require additional tools and should be performed by an expert. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without having to take it off the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame where the screws that hold the cylinder in place are.
Lubricate the Lock
After your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to lubricate both the lock and the keyhole themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good condition and extend its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is great for lubricating small metal components such as locks, because it's not oily or sticky, and it lasts longer than liquid greases. It's simple to use and can be used on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and won't attract as much dust and dirt as other liquid lubricants. They work well at low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants get accumulated over time, and can displace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon oil can be an ideal alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and do not attract dirt or dust. They're also suitable for colder environments since they can keep ice from accumulating inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's probably worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith can dismantle the lock mechanism and install a new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door doesn't have an cylinder for your lock, a professional can replace it to improve security and security. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door to match the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If lubricating the lock and cleaning it don't work, the problem may be that the latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. To determine this you need to open the sliding patio door and look both ways from the opening of the latch to determine if the door is parallel with the jamb or frame. If not, loosen screws fixing the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch is securely catching the latch hasp when the door is closed.
The latch may also be difficult to close as the cylinder is worn out. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, and you'll need to get an alternate. It is essential to select a new cylinder that is similar in size to the previous one and has the same style keyway, which means you can easily replace it by screwing the two parts of the lock apart and inserting the new cylinder.
You can find replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of the existing cylinder in order to buy one that matches it. If Repair My Windows And Doors don't have the model or manufacturer number you can take a photograph of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws and go to an hardware store for help.
Once you have the new cylinder installed take it off the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door and the door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure so that you do not lose 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 working properly could pose a serious security risk. Dirt and debris could get caught in the lock mechanisms. If this issue isn't treated promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and no longer provide security. It's a simple DIY project to change the patio door lock. You'll only need just a few tools and a bit of time.
Begin by examining the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch fails, it may be bent to far to perform as it should. If this is the case, you should replace the latch using a mortise locking system to ensure it's as secure and strong as it can be.
If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY project yourself, consult with an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you with the installation of the new lock. They'll have the knowledge and tools to complete the task properly and ensure that the new lock works with your patio door.
Regular maintenance is the key to ensure that your patio door lock working correctly. Check that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to keep it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks subject to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more often. It is important to choose a lubricant that is specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For best results apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.