The Next Big Event In The Repair Patio Door Industry
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in good working condition to protect your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors and their locks.
You can repair your patio door lock on your own if it is not working properly. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway, and latch.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and convenient position within a home. It is crucial that your locks work correctly to keep your home secure. There are a few easy ways to fix patio door locks that have stopped working.
First, examine the lock and ensure that there is nothing blocking it from latching or locking. It is important to address any issues you find, such as loose screws or rust. In some cases, a slight adjustment to the door's location could be enough to solve the issue.
Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism not to work properly. To avoid this occurring, be sure to clean your patio door frequently and clean the lock hardware. You can use a mild detergent solution if necessary, but always be sure to dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
In addition, it is a good idea to lubricate the lock regularly. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those used in a machine that is finely tuned. They can jam or become stuck as with any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant, can be used to clean any dirt or debris from the lock cylinder. This will ensure that it is functioning smoothly.
Identifying the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is important. This will help you find the perfect lock to match the existing mechanism. If sliding glass patio door replacement cost 're not sure how to do it you can contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson for assistance.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the intricate components of the door lock to become jammed. These issues can affect the security of your home. These problems are easy to solve if you know how to do.
Before you attempt any repairs, you must first clean your lock. With a damp cloth, remove any stains or debris that may hinder your lock from working properly. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to wash the lock mechanism and remove any grit or grime that has accumulated over time. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are fitted with a mortise lock that is secure, but is susceptible to issues over time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that hold the body of the latch in place. After you have removed the latch handle and plate then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch is removed and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't own WD40 or similar product, you can try using graphite pencils to help remove any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work, you might need to reposition the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be performed by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without needing to remove it from the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws holding the cylinder in place are.
Lubricate the Lock
After your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to grease the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is great for lubricating small metal parts like locks because it's not oily or sticky, and it lasts longer than liquid lubricants. It's easy to apply and you can use it on sliding doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They are efficient at high and low temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants can cause buildup over time and can be displaced by other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon Lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and don't attract dirt or dust. They are also great for cold climates, since they can help prevent ice accumulation within the lock.
If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, it is probably worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can dismantle the lock mechanism and put in an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your existing keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder in case your door does not have one. This will increase security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that are compatible with the rest of the door.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it don't perform, the issue could be that the door latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or frame of the door. To test this, open the sliding patio door and look upwards and downwards from the door's opening to determine whether the door is in line to the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it up or down until the latch is able to catch the latch tightly when the door is shut.
The latch may also be difficult to close as the cylinder is worn out. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, and you'll need an alternative. It's important to choose an alternative cylinder that is the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same keyway, so that you can easily replace it by screwing the two parts of the lock apart and then inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll need the brand and model number of the existing cylinder to buy an alternative. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number you can take a photograph of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws and go to a hardware store to get assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder installed take it off the flat screw holding it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Put the screw somewhere safe so you don't lose 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 not working properly can pose a serious risk to your security. Dirt and debris can get caught in the lock mechanisms. If this is not treated promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and will no will be able to provide security. It's a simple DIY project to change the patio door lock. You only need just a few tools and a bit of time.
Begin by looking at the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the latch may be too bent to perform as it should. In this situation, it would be best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure it's as strong and secure as possible.
If you're not comfortable with this DIY project yourself contact an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to help you with the installation of the new lock. They will have all the tools and expertise needed to install the lock correctly.
Routine maintenance is essential to ensure that your patio door lock functioning properly. Check that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to prevent it from squeezing or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather should be lubricated more often. It is important to use a lubricant that has been specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). To get the best results, apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.