20 Things That Only The Most Devoted Repair Patio Door Fans Understand
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. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to your patio doors and their locks.
If your patio door lock doesn't operate properly, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway and handle.
Check the lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their huge quantity of glass and their convenient position within a house. Having well-functioning locks is therefore essential to ensure that your home is safe. There are a few easy methods to fix patio door locks that have stopped working.
The first step is to inspect the lock to ensure nothing hinders it from locking or latching. If you spot any issues like loose screws, rust, or the wrong alignment, these must be addressed promptly. In some instances an adjustment of just a few inches to the location of the patio door could suffice to resolve the issue.
Another common issue is dust or debris which can cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all hardware of the lock regularly to prevent this. If you need to, apply mild soap. However, make sure that you dry the lock completely afterwards.
In addition, it is recommended to oil the lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a fine-tuned machine, so they can become stuck and jammed like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant could be used to clean any dirt or debris from the lock cylinder. This will help keep it functioning smoothly.
Knowing the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is important. This can help you find a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the current mechanism. If you're not sure how to go about this, it's best to contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson for assistance.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather dust and dirt can cause the delicate parts of the door lock to become jammed. These problems can compromise your home's security. However, it's not difficult to fix these problems If you know how.
Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Using a damp cloth, wipe away any stains or debris that may be hindering your lock from functioning properly. Use soapy water with hot water and a small amount of grit to clean the lock mechanism. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before using them again.
Most patio doors use a mortise lock that is secure, but can be prone to issues in the course of time. If you find that your uPVC locks are stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. For a uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to remove the screws that keep the latch in the position. After removing the latch plate and handle, you can remove it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch has been removed and lubricated, you can apply by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't have a WD40 alternative, you could use a graphite pencil to remove any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work it may be necessary to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by a professional. You can practice repositioning a 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 the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
If your lock is clean from dirt and debris It's the perfect time to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant will keep your lock in top shape, extending its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is great for lubricating small metal components such as locks, because it's not sticky or oily and lasts for longer than liquid lubricants. It is easy to use and is suitable for use on sliding doors tracks for garage doors, and hinges for doors. 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 do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They are efficient at high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may accumulate over time, and can displace other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also ideal for cold climates, since they can prevent ice buildup within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will remove the lock mechanism and put in an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your existing keys. They can also perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if your door does not have one. This will increase security and safety. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door that match the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it don't perform, the issue could be that the latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or frame of the door. Open the sliding patio door and examine the top and bottom of the opening of the latch. If the door is parallel to the frame or jamb then you can test. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch is securely catching the latch's hasp when the door closes.
The latch is also sometimes 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. You should select a cylinder with the same keyway and dimensions as the previous one. This will allow you to change it quickly by unscrewing the two halves and putting in the replacement cylinder.
You can find replacement cylinders in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll need the brand and model number of your existing cylinder to buy the replacement. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number then take a photo of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws and head to the hardware store for help.
If you have a brand new cylinder, loosen the flat screw that holds it in place, and remove the escutcheon plate. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame with the help of a screwdriver. Place the screw in a secure place to ensure that you don't lose it or damage 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 turn the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that's not functioning properly could cause serious danger to your security. patio door repairs near me 's not unusual for dirt and other particles to get stuck inside the lock mechanisms, but if this isn't addressed quickly enough the lock will eventually break down and stop providing security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires some tools and a small amount of time.
Begin by examining the lock and determining what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch doesn't work the latch could be bent too far to function properly. If this is the case, you should replace the lock latch using mortise locking to ensure it's as secure and strong as you can.
If you're not comfortable with this DIY task yourself, consult with a locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you in the installation of the new lock. They will have the experience and tools to complete the job correctly and ensure that the new lock will work with your patio door.
Keeping your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and if they're, tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant is important, so be sure to select one that's specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism for best results.