Seven Reasons To Explain Why Repair Patio Door Is Important
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good working order will help keep your home safe from intruders who aren't yours. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors as well as their locks.
You can repair your patio door lock on your own when it's not working correctly. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway and latch.
Check the lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their large amount of glass and convenient location within a home. A lock that is functional and secure is essential to ensure that your home is safe. Fortunately, there are simple ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly.
The first step is to inspect 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 instances the slightest adjustment to the patio door's position may be sufficient to fix the problem.
Another common issue is debris or dust that can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. Clean your patio door and clean all hardware of the lock regularly to avoid this. You can make use of a mild detergent when needed, but be sure to dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
In addition, it's recommended to oil the lock on a regular basis. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a finely tuned machine, which means that they can become stuck and jammed as any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help to remove any dirt or debris that has collected in the lock's cylinder, and keep it operating smoothly.
It is essential to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you choose an appropriate lock that is compatible with your existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to go about this, it's advisable to talk to an expert locksmith or tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock could become jammed due to dust, dirt, and hot and cold weather. These issues can compromise your home's security. These issues are easy to fix if you know what to do.
Before you attempt any repairs, first clean your lock. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, clean any stains or debris that might be hindering your lock from working correctly. Make use of hot soapy water and a small amount of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are fitted with mortise locks that is secure, however, it is susceptible to problems over time. If your uPVC locks has become stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. Start by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to loosen the screws that hold the latch body in the position. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be ready to take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch is removed it is possible to lubricate the lock using an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have a WD40 alternative, you could use graphite pencils to help dislodge any grit or dirt in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may need to reposition your lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be done by an expert. However, you can practice shifting the cylinder, without taking 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 are that keep the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time for lubrication of the keyhole and the locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant helps keep your lock in top shape, which will extend its life.
Dry graphite powder is excellent for lubricating small metal parts such as locks, because it's not oily or sticky and lasts for longer than liquid greases. It's easy to use and can be utilized on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and do not attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They work well at high and low temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can build up over time, and displace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon Lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also suitable for cold climates since they can help keep ice from accumulating within the lock.
If your lock cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely to be worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and put in a new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with an cylinder for your lock an expert can replace it to improve 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 that the latch on the door is not properly aligned with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio door and examine the top and bottom of the latch opening. If the door is in line with the jamb or the frame and you are able to check, then it is. If not, remove the screws fixing the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the latch is firmly grasping the latch hasp when the door closes.
The latch can also be difficult to close because the cylinder has worn out. You'll need a replacement cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It's important to choose a new cylinder that is exactly the same size as the previous one and has the same style keyway, which means you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new one.
You can purchase replacement cylinders at a variety of home improvement stores. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of your existing cylinder so you can buy one that matches it. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then visit your local hardware store for assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder installed remove it from the flat screw holding it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame with the screwdriver. Put the screw somewhere safe to ensure you do not lose it. Then, loosen patio door repair 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 working properly can pose a serious risk to your security. Dirt and debris could get stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this issue isn't treated immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and won't longer offer security. It's a straightforward DIY project to replace the patio door lock. It's all you need are just a few tools and a bit of time.
Begin by examining the lock and determining what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch doesn't work it could be bent too much to work properly. In this case it is recommended to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure it is as secure and strong as it can be.
Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're unsure in tackling this DIY task. They will have all the tools and expertise needed to install the lock properly.
Maintaining your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Check that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate the lock at least once per year to keep it from becoming stuck or stiff. Locks that have been subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is important to choose a lubricant that is specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism for best results.