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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good order will help keep your home safe from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements can cause the doors and locks to become damaged or misaligned.
If your patio door lock does not work properly You can make basic repairs at home. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway and latch.
Check the lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and the convenient location within a home. It is essential that your locks function correctly to keep your home safe. Luckily, there are some easy methods to troubleshoot or repair patio door locks that have stopped working correctly.
The first step is to check the lock to ensure nothing is preventing it from locking or latching. If you spot any issues such as loose screws or rust, or an issue with alignment, they should be addressed immediately. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the patio door's position may be enough to solve the issue.
Another common issue is dust or debris that can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all hardware of the lock regularly to avoid this. If necessary, you can apply mild soap. However, you must be sure that the lock is dried completely afterward.
It is also a good idea to lubricate your lock regularly. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a fine-tuned machine, which means that they can become stuck and jammed as any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help get rid of any dirt or debris that may have accumulated inside the lock cylinder and keep it operating smoothly.
The exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also important. This will help you choose a lock that perfectly matches the existing mechanism. If you're unsure of what to do get help, consult an expert locksmith or tradesperson for assistance.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock may jam up over time due to dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues could compromise your home security. But it's easy to fix these problems when you know how.
Before attempting any repairs, first clean your lock. Using a damp cloth, wipe away any debris or stains that might hinder your lock from working correctly. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any grit or grime that has built up over time. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again.
Most patio doors are secured by mortise locking systems. This is a safe lock but can develop issues with time. If your uPVC locks are stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. For the uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. After you have removed the latch handle and plate, you can remove it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch is removed and lubricated, you can apply with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have WD40, you can also try using graphite pencils to help remove any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it may be necessary to move the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be performed by professionals. However, you can practice repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, and then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are located that keep 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 and the locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant helps keep your lock in top shape, extending its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is ideal for lubricating small metal parts such as locks, because it's not oily or sticky and lasts for longer than liquid lubricants. It's simple to use and can be used on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They are efficient at high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants accumulate over time, and can displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they last longer and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also good for colder environments since they can help stop the accumulation of ice inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's likely worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with a an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your keys. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if the door isn't equipped with one. This will improve safety and security. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door to are compatible with the rest of the door.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If lubricating the lock and cleaning it doesn't work, the issue could be that the door's latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. Open the sliding patio door, and take a look upwards and downwards at the latch opening. If the door is parallel to the jamb or the frame then you can test. If not, remove the screws holding the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the latch is securely catching the latch's hasp as the door closes.
The latch is also sometimes difficult to close because the cylinder is worn. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, which is why you'll need an alternative. It is essential to select a new cylinder that is exactly the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same style keyway, which means you can easily replace it by screwing the two halves of the lock apart and then 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 the existing cylinder to be able to purchase one that matches it. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then visit linked web-site for assistance.
Once you have a new cylinder, remove the flat screw that holds it in place, and remove the escutcheon plate. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame with the help of a screwdriver. Set the screw in a safe place to ensure that you don't lose or damage it. Then, loosen 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 isn't functioning properly could be a major risk to your security. Dirt and debris could get stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this issue isn't taken care of immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires just some tools and a little time.
Begin by examining the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch doesn't work it could be bent too far to function properly. If this is the case, replace the lock latch using a mortise locking system to ensure it's as secure and strong as possible.
If you're not confident in tackling this DIY task yourself seek out an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you in the installation of a new lock. They will have all the tools and expertise needed to install the lock correctly.
Maintaining your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Check that the handle and knobs aren't loose and if they're tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to prevent it from squeezing or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant you use is important, so be certain to select one specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). For the best results apply the lubricant direct onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.