Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Improve Your Life
How to Troubleshoot and repair patio doors (Full Guide) Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good working order will help safeguard your home from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements may cause the doors and their locks to become misaligned or damaged.
You can fix your patio door lock yourself when it's not working properly. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway and latch.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their large amounts of glass and their convenient position within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore essential to ensure that your home's security. There are easy ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that aren't functioning properly.
The first step is to examine the lock to see if anything is preventing it from latching or locking. You must address any issues you find, such as loose screws or rust. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio door glass repair door could suffice to resolve the problem.
Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to perform as it should. Clean your patio sliding door repair door and clean all lock hardware regularly to avoid this. You can make use of a mild detergent when needed, but ensure that you dry the lock completely afterward.
In addition, it's an ideal idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are similar to those used in a precision-tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and get stuck just like any mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant will help get rid of any dirt or debris that may have accumulated within the lock cylinder and keep it operating smoothly.
Identifying the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is also important. This will help you locate a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the current mechanism. If you're not sure what to do you can contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock can jam up over time due to dust, dirt, and hot and cold weather. These issues can affect your home's security. These issues are easy to fix if you know what to do.
Before making any repairs, first clean your lock. Wipe away any stains and debris with a moist cloth. Then, use a little hot soapy water to clean the lock mechanism and remove any grit or grime that has built up over time. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before using them again.
Most patio doors are secured by mortise locking systems. This is a safe lock, but it is susceptible to issues with time. If your uPVC lock is stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Then, you can 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, you can lubricate the lock using an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't own WD40 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to eliminate any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work, you might need to relocate the lock cylinder. This will require 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 lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws that hold the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is free of dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and extend its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is great for lubricating small metal parts such as locks, because it's not oily or sticky and lasts for longer than liquid greases. It's easy to apply, and you can also apply it to sliding patio door lock repair doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants may be more effective than graphite especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and do not attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They work well at high and low temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can accumulate over time, and displace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they last longer and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also good for cold environments because they'll keep ice from accumulating within the lock.
If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, it is probably worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will dismantle the lock mechanism and install the cylinder of a new model that matches your current keys. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. If your door doesn't have an cylinder for your lock an expert can replace it to increase security and safety. They can also install an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your local patio door repairs door to match the rest of your hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning it and lubricating it does not work, the problem could be that the latch on the door isn't aligned properly with the frame or jamb. To test this you need to open the sliding patio door, and look both ways from the latch opening to determine whether the door is in line with the frame or jamb. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it up or down until the latch catches the latch hasp tightly when the door is closed.
The latch may also be difficult to close due to the cylinder has worn out. You'll require a new for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. You should select one with the same keyway and size as the previous one. This allows you to change it quickly by removing the two halves and putting in the new cylinder.
You can purchase replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll need the brand and model number of your current cylindrical to purchase a replacement. If you don't have the model or manufacturer then take a photo of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and head to the hardware store for help.
Once you have the new cylinder in place, unscrew it from the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Place the screw in a safe place so you aren't able to lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole in the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that's not functioning properly can be a serious security risk. Dirt and debris can become stuck in the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't treated promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and will no will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires only a few tools and a bit of time.
Begin by inspecting the lock to determine what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch doesn't work, it may be bent too much to function properly. If this is the case, replace the lock latch with mortise locking to ensure it's as secure and strong as possible.
Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're not confident in tackling this DIY task. They'll have all the tools and expertise needed to properly install the lock.
Routine maintenance is the key to ensure that your patio door lock functioning effectively. Make sure the knobs and handle aren't loose and, if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to avoid it from becoming stuck or stiff. It is recommended that locks exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather should be lubricated more often. It is important to choose a lubricant that has been specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For the best results apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.