A Look In Repair Patio Door's Secrets Of Repair Patio Door
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good in good order will protect your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to your patio doors and their locks.
If your patio door lock does not perform as it should, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway, and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their large amount of glass and the convenient position within a home. It is essential that your locks are working correctly to keep your home safe. Luckily, there are some easy ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that aren't functioning properly.
First, inspect the lock to ensure nothing is blocking it from locking or latching. It is important to address any issues you find like loose screws or rust. In some cases, a small adjustment to the direction of the patio door might be enough to fix the problem.
Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to perform as it should. To prevent this from happening, ensure that you clean your patio door regularly and wipe down the lock hardware. You can use a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
It is also a good idea to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a finely tuned machine, and they could be jammed and stuck just like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant, can be used to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock's cylinder. This will ensure that it is functioning smoothly.
It is crucial to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you find a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you're unsure of how to proceed, contact a professional tradesperson or locksmith to get help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock could jam up over time because of dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These issues can compromise your security at home. These problems are easy to fix if you know what to do.
Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Using a damp cloth, clean any dirt or stains that could be hindering your lock from working correctly. Use soapy water with hot 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 safe but is susceptible to problems with time. If your uPVC lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Begin by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Then, take off the screws that hold the body of the latch in place. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you'll be able to remove the latch 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 a light engineering oil like WD40. If you don't have WD40 or similar product, you can use graphite pencils to help get rid of any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it is possible to move the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be handled by professionals. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without having to take it off the door. Close and open 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 located.
Lubricate the Lock
If your lock is clean from dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its life.
Dry graphite powder is ideal for lubricating small metal parts like locks since it's not oily or sticky and lasts for 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-type graphite lubricant that is specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other liquid fluids. They are suitable for high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants build up over time and eventually replace other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also great for cold environments because they can help prevent ice from building up inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it's probably worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith will dismantle the lock mechanism and install the cylinder of a new model that matches the keys you have. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder if the door isn't equipped with one. This will increase safety and security. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door to match the rest of the door.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If lubricating the lock and cleaning it do not perform, the issue could be that the door's latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. Open the sliding patio door and look up and down at the opening of the latch. If the door is aligned with the frame or jamb then you can test. If not, loosen screws holding the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly catching the latch's hasp when the door is closed.
Sometimes, the latch isn't closing properly due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. It is necessary to replace the cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. It's important to choose an alternative cylinder that is exactly 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 the name and model number of your current cylinder to purchase an alternative. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number then take a photo of the cylinder and its mounting screws and head to the hardware store for help.
When you have a new cylinder, unscrew the screw with a flat head that holds it in place, and remove the escutcheon plate. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and the door frame. Put the screw somewhere safe so you do not lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout in the door) and loosen it enough to turn the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that's not working properly can cause serious danger to your security. Dirt and debris can become stuck within the lock mechanism. If this is not taken care of promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and will no longer offer security. It's a simple DIY project to replace the patio door lock. You only need the tools you need and some time.
Begin by examining the lock and determining what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch doesn't work, it may be bent too much to work properly. If this is the case, you should replace the lock latch using a mortise locking system to ensure that it's as secure and strong as it can be.
If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project on your own, consult with a locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you in the installation of a new lock. They'll have the knowledge and tools to complete the task correctly and make sure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door.
Keeping your patio door lock in good working condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Verify that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to avoid it from squeezing or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. It is crucial to choose a lubricant that is specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism to get best results.