A Peek Inside The Secrets Of Repair Patio Door
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in good working condition to protect your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and their locks to be damaged or misaligned.
You can fix your patio door lock on your own if it is not working properly. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway and handle.
Check the lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their large amount of glass and convenient position within a home. It is essential that your locks work properly to ensure your home is safe. There are easy ways to repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning.
First, inspect the lock to ensure there is nothing blocking it from locking or latching. If you find any issues like loose screws or rust, or an issue with alignment, they should be addressed promptly. In some cases an adjustment of the patio door's position may be sufficient to fix the issue.
Another common issue is dust or debris that can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. To avoid this happening, make sure to clean your patio door on a regular basis and clean the lock's hardware. You can apply a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but ensure that you dry the lock completely afterward.
It is also a good idea lubricate your lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a finely tuned machine, so they can get stuck and jammed just like any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant can help to get rid of any dirt or debris that may have accumulated inside the lock cylinder and ensure that it is operating efficiently.
It is crucial to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will allow you to find the perfect lock to match the existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to do this, it is advisable to speak with an expert locksmith or tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, hot and cold weather, dust, and dirt can cause the delicate parts of the door lock to become stuck. These issues could compromise your home's security. But it's easy to fix these problems when you know how.
Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. Clean up any stains or debris with a moist cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a small amount of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before using them again.
Most patio doors are secured by mortise locking mechanisms. This is a secure lock, but it can also cause problems over time. If you find that your uPVC locks have become stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. For an uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of soapy water. Then, take off the screws that hold the body of the latch in the position. After you have removed the latch plate and handle then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch is removed, 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 try using a graphite pencil to dislodge any grit or dirt within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work, you might need to move the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by a professional. You can try repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by opening and closing the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, after which making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws secure the cylinder.
Lubricate the Lock
After your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time for lubrication of the keyhole and the locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is ideal for lubricating small metal parts like locks because it's not sticky or oily, and it lasts longer than liquid lubricants. It's easy to apply and you can apply it to 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 are more efficient than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and will not attract as much dust or dirt as other liquid fluids. They are suitable for both low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants can cause accumulation over time and could replace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon Lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants since they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They are also great for cold climates, since they can prevent ice buildup within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it's likely to be 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 make repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if the door does not have one. This will improve security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door to match the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be that the latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or the frame of the door. Open the sliding patio door and take a look upwards and downwards at the latch opening. If the door is parallel to the jamb or the frame, then you can check. If not, loosen the screws fixing the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch is securely catching the latch's hasp when the door closes.
Sometimes the latch is difficult to close due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. You'll require a new cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is recommended to select a cylinder with the same keyway and dimensions as the one you had previously. patio door lock repair near me will allow you to replace it with ease by unscrewing the two halves and putting in the replacement cylinder.
There are replacement cylinders available at a variety of home improvement stores. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of the existing cylinder in order to buy one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number then take a photo of the cylinder and its mounting screws and head to an hardware store for assistance.
Once you have a new cylinder, unscrew the screw with a flat head that holds it in place, and remove the plate that holds it in place. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame with a screwdriver. Put the screw somewhere safe so that you aren't able to 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 that's not functioning properly could pose an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris can get stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this is not addressed promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires just a few tools and a little time.
Start by examining the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubrication do not aid, the latch may be too bent to function properly. In this situation it is recommended to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock so that it is as secure and strong as possible.
Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're not sure about undertaking this DIY project. They'll have the knowledge and tools to do it properly and ensure that the new lock works with your patio door.
Regular maintenance is the key to keep your patio door lock operating correctly. Make sure the knobs and handle aren't loose and if they're tighten them as required. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant used is crucial, so make certain to select one specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). For best results apply the lubricant direct onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.