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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good working order will help protect your home from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements could cause the doors and locks to become damaged or misaligned.
You can repair your patio door lock yourself in the event that it isn't functioning properly. These steps can fix issues with the handle, keyway and latch.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their large quantity of glass and their convenient location within a home. It is important that your locks function correctly to keep your home safe. There are a few easy ways to fix patio door locks which have stopped working.
The first step is to inspect the lock to make sure nothing is preventing it from latching or locking. If you notice any issues, such as loose screws, rust, or the wrong alignment, these must be addressed immediately. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio door may be enough to fix the issue.
Another common issue is debris or dust that can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down the lock hardware frequently to prevent this. If you need to, use mild soap. But, be sure that you dry the lock completely afterwards.
It is also a good idea that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are similar to those in a finely tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and get stuck just like any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant could be used to clean any debris or dirt from the lock cylinder. This will keep it functioning smoothly.
It is essential to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you locate the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you're unsure of what to do get help, consult an expert locksmith or tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock may get jammed over time due to dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These problems can threaten your home's security. But it's easy to fix these problems when you know how.
Before making any repairs, clean your lock. Using a damp cloth, clean any debris or stains that might hinder your lock from functioning properly. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to clean the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any grime or grit that has accumulated over time. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again.
Most patio doors are secured using a mortise locking system. This is a safe lock, but it is susceptible to problems in time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For the uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of soapy water. The next step is to remove the screws that hold the latch body in the position. With the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be ready to remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame.
After the latch has been removed and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock with an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't own WD40 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to remove dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you may need to reposition lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and should be done by a professional. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without having to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame inside the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is free of debris and dirt It's the perfect time to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant can keep your lock in good shape, which will extend its life.
Dry graphite powder is ideal for lubricating small metal components like locks because it's not sticky or oily and lasts longer than liquid lubricants. It's easy to apply, and you can also use it on sliding doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and will not attract as much dust or dirt as other types of liquid lubricants. They work well in low and high temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can accumulate over time, and displace other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants because they're long-lasting and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also ideal for cold conditions, since they can prevent ice buildup within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and put in the cylinder of a new model that matches your current keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door doesn't have the lock cylinder, a professional can replace it to improve security and security. They can also install the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be that the latch on the door isn't aligned properly with the jamb or frame. To test this open the sliding patio door and look upwards and downwards from the door's opening to determine if the door is parallel to the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws holding the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch is firmly grasping the latch hasp when the door is closed.
The latch is also sometimes difficult to close due to the cylinder is worn out. It is necessary to replace the cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. It is essential to select an alternative cylinder that is the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same style keyway, so you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock apart and then inserting the new cylinder.
There are replacement cylinders available at a variety of home improvement stores. You'll need to know the brand and model of your current cylinder in order to buy one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number, take a picture of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws, and then go to the hardware store for help.
Once you have a new cylinder, unscrew the flat screw 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 somewhere secure so that you don't lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout of the door) and then loosen it enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that's not functioning properly could be a major risk to your security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to become lodged in the lock's mechanisms If this isn't addressed promptly, the lock can eventually fail and stop providing security. It's a simple DIY task to replace the patio door lock. You only need a few tools and some time.
Start by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch doesn't work it could be bent too far to perform as it should. In this situation, it would be best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure it's as sturdy and secure as it can be.
Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're not confident in tackling this DIY task. They'll have the expertise and tools to complete the task properly and ensure that the new lock will work with your patio door.
Regular maintenance is the key to keep your patio door lock functioning properly. Make sliding glass patio door repair that the handle and knobs aren't loose, and if they are tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate the lock at least once per year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated more frequently. It is essential to choose a lubricant that is specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). To get the best results apply the lubricant direct onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.