Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Repair Patio Door?
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good order will help protect your home from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements may cause the doors and their locks to become damaged or misaligned.
You can fix your patio door lock on your own in the event that it isn't working correctly. These steps can fix issues with the handle, keyway, and latch.
Check the lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their huge glass size and their convenient position within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore crucial to ensure your home is secure. Fortunately, there are easy methods to troubleshoot or fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly.
The first step is to examine the lock to see if anything hinders it from latching or locking. You should take care to address any issues you discover, such as loose screws or corrosion. In some instances, a small adjustment to the position of the patio door may suffice to resolve the issue.
Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism not to work properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down the lock hardware frequently to prevent this. If necessary, you can apply a mild soap solution. However, make sure that the lock is dried completely afterward.
It is also a good idea to lubricate your lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are similar to those in a machine that is finely tuned. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck like any mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help get rid of any dirt or debris that has collected within the lock cylinder and keep it operating smoothly.
It is essential to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you choose the perfect lock to match your existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to do it get help, consult a professional locksmith or tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock could become jammed because of dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These issues can affect the security of your home. But it's easy to fix these issues if you know how.
Before you attempt any repairs, first clean your lock. Using a damp cloth, wipe away any debris or stains that might hinder your lock from functioning properly. Use soapy water with hot water and a little grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors use mortise locks that is safe however, it is susceptible to issues over time. If you're uPVC locks have 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, you can remove it from its slot on the door frame.
After the latch has been removed then you can lubricate it with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't own WD40 or similar product, you can use a graphite pencil to help remove any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you might need to move the locks cylinders. This requires additional tools and should be done by an expert. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without having to remove it from the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame where the screws holding the locking cylinder are located.
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 helps keep your lock in top shape, extending its lifespan.
Dry graphite is a great option to lubricate tiny metal parts, like locks. patio door lock repairs near me RepairMyWindowsAndDoors -sticky and oily. It is also longer-lasting than liquids. It's simple 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 designed specifically for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and won't attract as much dust and dirt as other kinds of liquid lubricants. They are efficient at high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants accumulate over time and eventually replace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they last longer and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also great for colder environments since they can prevent ice from building up within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can dismantle the lock mechanism, and then install a new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder in case your door isn't equipped with one. This can increase security and safety. They can also install a new lock faceplate on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock and lubricating it doesn't work, the problem may be that the latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. Open the sliding patio door, and examine the top and bottom of the opening for the latch. If the door is in line with the frame or jamb then you can test. If not, loosen screws holding the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch is firmly grasping the latch's hasp when the door closes.
Sometimes the latch is difficult to close due to 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. It is recommended to select one with the same keyway and dimensions as the one you had previously. This allows you to replace it with ease by unbolting the two halves and putting in the replacement cylinder.
Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll need the name and model number of your existing cylindrical to purchase a replacement. If you don't have the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder and its mounting screws and head to the hardware store for help.
Once you have a new cylinder, unscrew the screw with a flat head that holds it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door and door frame. Place the screw in a safe place so you don't lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole in the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that's not working properly could pose a serious security risk. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to get stuck inside the lock's mechanisms however if the issue isn't addressed quickly enough, the lock can eventually break down and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires a few tools and a small amount of time.
Begin by examining the lock and determining the cause of the problem. If cleaning and lubrication don't help, the latch may be bent too much to perform as it should. If this is the case, you should replace the latch with mortise locking systems to ensure that it's as strong and secure as it can be.
If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project yourself contact an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to help you with the installation of a new lock. They'll have the expertise and tools to do it properly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door.
Keeping 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 are, tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to keep it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant used is crucial, so make sure to choose one that's specifically designed to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). For best results, apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.