Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Change Your Life
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio door locks repair doors in good order will help keep your home safe from intruders who aren't yours. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors and their locks.
You can fix your patio door lock yourself when it's not working properly. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway, and handle.
Check the lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their large quantity of glass and their convenient location within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore important to ensure your home's security. There are easy ways to fix patio door repairs near me door locks that have stopped functioning.
The first step is to inspect the lock and make sure there is nothing that is hindering it from latching or locking. It is important to deal with any issues you spot such as loose screws or corrosion. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the direction of the patio door may suffice to resolve the problem.
Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism to work properly. To avoid this happening, ensure that you clean your patio door on a regular basis and clean the lock's hardware. You can make use of a mild detergent when needed, but be sure to dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
It is also a good idea to to regularly oil your lock. A lot of the moving parts of your upvc patio door repairs patio door lock are similar to those of a finely tuned machine, and they could become stuck and jammed like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant can be used to clean any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock cylinder. This will keep it running smoothly.
It is important to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you find the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to go about this, it's best to talk to an expert tradesperson or locksmith to get help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock can become jammed due to dust, dirt and cold and hot weather. These issues could compromise your home's security. These issues are simple to solve if you know how to do.
Before attempting any repairs, you must first clean your lock. With a damp cloth, clean any stains or debris that could be hindering your lock from functioning properly. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to wash the lock mechanism and remove any dirt or grime that has accumulated over time. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before re-using them.
Most patio doors are secured with a mortise locking system. This is a secure lock, but it can also cause issues over 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 soapy water. Then, remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. After you have removed the latch handle and plate and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch is detached, you can lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't have a WD40 or similar product, you can use a graphite pencil to remove any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work, you might need to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be handled by an expert. But you can practice shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, and then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws hold the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is free from dirt and debris, it's a good time to lubricate 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 powder is ideal for lubricating small metal parts like locks because it's not oily or sticky, and it lasts longer than liquid greases. It is easy to use and can be used on sliding doors tracks for garage doors 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 effective than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other types of liquid lubricants. They are suitable for low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants can cause buildup over time and can displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon lubricants can be an ideal substitute for silicone lubricants, because they last longer and do not attract dirt or dust. They're also good for cold environments because they can stop the accumulation of ice inside the lock.
If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a new cylinder matched to your keys. They can also Repair Patio Doors and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if the 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 be in line with the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If lubricating the lock and cleaning it don't perform, the issue could be that the door latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or frame of the door. Open the sliding patio doors and look up and down at the opening of the latch. If the door is in line with the jamb or the frame and you are able to check, then it is. If not, loosen screws holding the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch hasp when the door closes.
The latch is also sometimes difficult to close due to the cylinder is worn. You'll need a replacement for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is essential to select an alternative cylinder that is the same size as the old one 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 one.
You can find replacement cylinders at a variety of home improvement stores. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of the existing cylindrical to purchase the replacement. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number then take a photo of the cylinder and its mounting screws, and then go to an hardware store for help.
Once you have the new cylinder installed, unscrew it from the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame with the screwdriver. Place the screw in a secure location so that you don't lose or damage it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout in the door) and let it loose enough to turn the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could pose a serious risk to your security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to get lodged inside the lock mechanisms, but if this isn't dealt with quickly enough the lock will eventually break down and no longer provide 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 looking at the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch does not work, it may be bent too far to work properly. If this is the case, replace the lock latch with mortise locking systems to ensure that it's as secure and strong as it can be.
If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY task yourself contact a locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you with the installation of an entirely new lock. They will have all the tools and expertise needed to install the lock correctly.
Maintaining your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least once per year to avoid it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks subject to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated regularly. It is essential to select a lubricant which is specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For best results, apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.
