Everything You Need To Know About Repair Patio Door
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in good working condition to protect your home against unwanted intruders. However, the elements may cause the doors and their locks to become damaged or misaligned.
If your patio door lock does not work properly, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway, and handle.
Check the lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and the convenient position within a home. A lock that is functional and secure is crucial to ensure your home's security. Fortunately, there are easy methods to troubleshoot or fix patio door locks that have stopped working correctly.
First, inspect the lock to ensure there is nothing blocking it from latching or locking. If you notice any issues, such as loose screws or rust, or misalignment, these should be addressed promptly. In some cases an adjustment of just a few inches to the location of the patio door may suffice to resolve the problem.
Another issue that is common is debris or dust that can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down the lock hardware frequently to prevent this. You can use a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but ensure that you dry the lock completely afterward.
It is also a good idea to that you regularly lubricate your lock. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a fine-tuned machine, so they can become stuck and jammed as any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant can be used to get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock cylinder. This will help keep it functioning smoothly.
It is crucial to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you find a lock that perfectly matches your existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to go about this, it's advisable to speak with an expert tradesperson or locksmith for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock may get jammed over time due to dust, dirt and cold and hot weather. These issues can compromise your home's security. But it's simple to fix these problems when you know how.
Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. Using a damp cloth, clean any dirt or stains that may hinder your lock from working properly. Use soapy water with hot water and a small amount of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio doors are secured using mortise locking mechanisms. This is a safe lock, but it can also cause problems in time. If you're uPVC locks has become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. Start 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 plate and handle then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.
After the latch has been removed, you can lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil like WD40. If you don't have WD40, you can also try using graphite pencils to help dislodge any grit or dirt in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may have to relocate the locks cylinders. This will require some additional tools and is best done by an expert. However, you can practice moving the cylinder around 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 hold the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
After your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to lubricate both the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant will keep your lock in top shape, extending its lifespan.
Dry graphite is an excellent option to lubricate tiny metal parts, such as locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also more durable than liquids. It's easy to use and can be used on sliding doors tracks for garage doors and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants may be more effective than graphite powder particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other types of liquid fluids. They work well in both low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants can cause accumulation over time and could displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon Lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants since they are long-lasting and do not attract dust or dirt. They're also great for cold environments because they can help stop the accumulation of ice inside the lock.
If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with a a new cylinder matched to your existing keys. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. If your door does not have the lock cylinder an expert can replace it to improve security and safety. 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 cleaning the lock and lubricating it doesn't perform, the issue could be that the door's latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or door frame. To test this, open the sliding patio door, and look upwards and downwards from the opening of the latch to determine if the door is parallel to the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws holding the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the latch is firmly grasping the latch hasp when the door is closed.
Sometimes, the latch isn't closing properly due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, and you'll need an alternative. You should select a cylinder with the same keyway and dimensions like the one that came before it. This will allow you to change it quickly by unbolting the two halves before inserting the replacement cylinder.
You can purchase replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll need to know the brand and model of the existing cylinder to be able to purchase one that matches it. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then visit RepairMyWindowsAndDoors for assistance.
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, the escutcheon and door frame using the help of a screwdriver. Set the screw in a safe location so you don't loose 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 can be a serious security risk. Dirt and debris can become stuck within the lock mechanism. If this is not taken care of promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and no will be able to provide security. It's a straightforward DIY project to change the patio door lock. You only need the tools you need and some time.
Begin by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch fails, it may be bent too far to function properly. If this is the case, you should replace the latch with mortise locking systems to ensure it's as strong and secure as you can.
Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're unsure in tackling this DIY task. They will have all the tools and experience to install the lock correctly.
Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock functioning correctly. Make sure the handle and knobs aren't loose, and if they are tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to avoid it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated regularly. It is essential to use a lubricant that has been specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For the best results apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.