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 intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to your patio doors and their locks.
You can repair your patio door lock yourself if it is not functioning properly. These steps can fix issues with the handle, keyway and latch.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large amounts of glass and their central location within a home. A lock that is functional and secure is essential to ensure that your home is safe. There are simple methods to repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning.
The first step is to examine the lock to make sure nothing is preventing it from locking or latching. If you spot any issues such as loose screws or rust, or even the wrong alignment, these must be addressed immediately. In some cases an adjustment of the patio door's position may suffice to resolve the problem.
Another issue that is common is dust or debris that could cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. To avoid this happening, make sure to clean your patio door regularly and wipe down the lock's hardware. You can apply a mild detergent solution if necessary, but always ensure that you dry the lock completely afterward.
Additionally, it's a good idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are similar to those found 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, can be used to get rid of any dirt or debris from the lock's cylinder. This will help keep it running smoothly.
It is essential to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you choose an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with the current mechanism. If you're not sure how to do this, it is advisable to talk to an expert tradesperson or locksmith for assistance.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock may become jammed due to dust, dirt and cold and hot weather. These problems can threaten your home's security. However, it's not difficult to fix these problems if you know how.
Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. Wipe away any stains and debris using a damp cloth. Make use of hot soapy water and a small amount of grit to clean the lock mechanism. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are secured with mortise locking systems. This is a safe lock, but it is susceptible to problems with time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For the uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. Once you have 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 using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't have WD40, a graphite pen can be used to clean dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you might need to move the your lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by an expert. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without needing to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame where the screws that hold the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate RepairMyWindowsAndDoors
When 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 type of lubricant can keep your lock in top shape, which will extend its life.
Dry graphite powder is great for lubricating small metal parts like locks since it's not sticky or oily, and it lasts longer than liquid fluid 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 specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and won't attract as much dust and dirt as other kinds of liquid lubricants. They are effective in high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants get accumulated over time, and displace other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also suitable for colder environments since they'll stop the accumulation of ice within the lock.
If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely to be worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith will dismantle the lock mechanism and put in an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your existing keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if the door does not have one. This will improve security and safety. They can also install an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating the door do not work, then the issue could be that the latch on the door isn't aligned correctly with the jamb or frame. To determine this you need to open the sliding patio door, and look both ways from the door's opening to determine if the door is parallel with the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it up or down until the latch catches the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is closed.
The latch may also be difficult to close because the cylinder is worn out. You'll need a replacement cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. It's important to choose the new cylinder that's the same size as the old one and has the same keyway, which means you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new one.
Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll need the brand and model number of your current cylinder to buy a replacement. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then go to your local hardware store to seek assistance.
If you have a brand new cylinder, loosen the flat screw that is holding it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame using the screwdriver. Put the screw somewhere safe to ensure you do not lose it. Then, loosen enough the set screw that is located on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole in the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock not functioning properly could cause serious danger to your security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to become lodged in the lock mechanism If this isn't dealt with quickly enough, the lock can eventually break down and cease to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires only a few tools and a small amount of time.
Start by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch does not work it could be bent to far to function properly. In this instance it is recommended to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock so that it is as secure and strong as possible.
If you're not comfortable with this DIY task yourself contact a locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you with the installation of a new lock. They will have the experience and tools to do it correctly and make sure that the new lock works with your patio door.
Routine maintenance is essential to keep your patio door lock functioning effectively. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate the lock at least once per year to avoid it from becoming stuck or stiff. Locks that are subjected 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 Anti Friction Dry PTFE). For the best results apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.