How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good order will help safeguard your home from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements may cause the doors and their locks to become damaged or misaligned.
patio door repair near me can repair your patio door lock on your own when it's not working correctly. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway, and handle.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to the large amount of glass and their convenient position within a home. It is crucial to ensure your home is safe. There are simple ways to fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning.
The first step is to check the lock to ensure nothing is hindering it from locking or latching. You must address any issues you find such as loose screws or rust. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the door's location could be enough to solve the problem.
Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism not to function properly. To prevent this from occurring, be sure to clean your patio door regularly and wipe down the lock's hardware. You can make use of a mild detergent if necessary, but always be sure to dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
It is also a good idea to lubricate your lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are similar to those in a precision-tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck as with any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated within the lock cylinder and help 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 the existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to proceed you can contact a professional locksmith or tradesperson for assistance.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock could jam up over time due to dust, dirt, and hot and cold weather. These issues could compromise the security of your home. However, it's not difficult to fix these problems when you know how.
Before you attempt any repairs, first clean your lock. Using a damp cloth, wipe away any stains or debris that might be hindering your lock from working correctly. Use soapy water with hot water and a bit 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 issues with time. If your uPVC lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For the uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of hot soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that are holding 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 detached and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't have WD40 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to clean dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may have to relocate the locks cylinders. This requires additional tools and is best done by an expert. But you can practice shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by closing and opening the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, and then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that hold the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is free of dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and extend its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is great 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 also 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 are more efficient than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and do not attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They are suitable for both low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants may create accumulation over time and could be displaced by other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone lubricants because they last for a long time and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also ideal for cold conditions, since they prevent the build-up of ice 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 can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with a an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door does not have an cylinder for your lock or faceplate, a professional can install it to improve security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that match the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock and lubricating it do not work, the problem may be that the door's latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. Open the sliding patio door, and take a look upwards and downwards at the opening of the latch. If the door is aligned with the frame or jamb and you are able to check, then it is. If not, remove the screws fixing the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the latch is firmly grasping the latch hasp when the door closes.
The latch may also be difficult to close as the cylinder is worn. It is necessary to replace the for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is recommended to select a cylinder that has the same keyway and size as the previous one. This will allow you to change it quickly by unscrewing the two halves and putting in the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll need the name and model number of your current cylindrical to purchase a replacement. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then go to the local hardware store for assistance.
Once you have a new cylinder, loosen the flat screw that holds it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Set the screw in a safe place so 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 inside the door) and loosen it enough to rotate the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock not functioning properly could pose a serious risk to your security. Dirt and debris could get caught within the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't taken care of promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and won't will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires only some tools and a bit of time.
Begin by examining the lock to see what's causing the issue. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the lock latch could be bent too much to perform as it should. If this is the case, replace the lock latch using mortise locking systems to ensure that it's as secure and strong as you can.
If you're not comfortable with this DIY project on your own seek out an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you in the installation of a new lock. They will have all the tools and expertise needed to install the lock properly.
Maintaining your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Make sure the handle and knobs aren't loose and if they're, tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant used is important, so be certain to select one specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism for the best results.