How to Troubleshoot and repair patio doors Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good working order will help keep your home safe from unwanted intruders. However, the elements could cause the doors and locks to be misaligned or damaged.
You can fix your patio door lock by yourself when it’s not functioning properly. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway, and latch.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to the large amount of glass patio door repair and convenient location within a home. It is important that your locks are working correctly to keep your home secure. There are easy solutions to fix patio door repair company door locks which have stopped functioning.
First, inspect the lock to ensure nothing is blocking it from latching or locking. You should deal with any issues you spot like loose screws or rust. In some cases an adjustment of the door’s location could be enough to solve the issue.
Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism to fail to perform as it should. To avoid this happening, ensure that you clean your patio door repair company near me door frequently and clean the lock hardware. You can make use of a mild detergent when needed, but ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterwards.
It is also a good idea to lubricate your lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio doors repairs near me lock are similar to those used in a finely tuned machine. They can jam and become stuck as with any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant will help remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated within the lock cylinder and ensure that it is operating efficiently.
The exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also crucial. This will help you find an appropriate lock that is compatible with your existing mechanism. If you’re not sure how to proceed, contact a professional locksmith or tradesperson for help.
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 can affect the security of your home. These issues are simple to solve if you know how to do.
Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Using a damp cloth, wipe away any debris or stains that might hinder your lock from working correctly. Use hot soapy 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 re-using them.
The majority of patio door frame repair doors are secured with mortise locking systems. This is a safe lock, but it can also cause issues over time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. After removing the latch handle and plate and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch is detached it is possible to lubricate the lock using an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don’t own WD40, you can also try using a graphite pencil to dislodge any grit or dirt within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you may need to reposition your lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and is best done by an expert. You can try repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by opening and closing the door with the cylinder in the lock position, and then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are located that secure the cylinder.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is free of dirt and debris, it’s a good time to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant helps keep your lock in good shape, extending its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is ideal for lubricating small metal components like locks because it’s not oily or sticky and lasts longer than liquid greases. It is easy to use and can be utilized on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants may be more effective than graphite particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and don’t attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They are efficient at low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants may create the formation of a buildup over time, and may replace other lubricants you’ve tried.
Teflon oil can be a good alternative to silicone lubricants since they are long-lasting and don’t attract dust or dirt. They’re also great for cold climates since they can help keep ice from accumulating within the lock.
If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it’s worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can remove the lock mechanism and put in the cylinder of a new model that matches your current keys. They can also make repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. If your door doesn’t have the lock cylinder, a professional can replace it to increase security and security. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door to match the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If lubricating the lock and cleaning it do not work, the issue could be that the latch isn’t aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. Open the sliding patio doors and take a look upwards and downwards at the latch opening. If the door is aligned with the jamb or the frame then you can test. If not, remove the screws holding the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly catching the latch hasp when the door closes.
Sometimes the latch can be difficult to close due to a worn-out cylinder. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, so you’ll need to get a replacement. It is essential to select the new cylinder that’s exactly the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same style keyway, so that you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock apart and inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You’ll need the name and model number of your current cylinder to purchase the replacement. If you don’t have the manufacturer or model number, take a picture of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws and go to an hardware store for assistance.
Once you have a new cylinder, remove 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. Set the screw somewhere secure so that you aren’t able to lose it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder’s keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout inside the door) and let it loose enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn’t working properly can cause serious danger to your security. Dirt and debris could get stuck in the lock mechanism. If this is not taken care of immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and will no longer provide security. It’s a simple DIY task to change the patio door lock. You only need the tools you need and some time.
Begin by examining the lock to determine what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the latch may be too bent to perform as it should. In this case it’s best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock so that it is as secure and strong as is possible.
If you aren’t comfortable tackling this DIY task yourself, consult with an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to help you with the installation of a new lock. They’ll have the knowledge and tools to complete the job correctly and ensure that the new lock works with your patio door.
Routine maintenance is essential to ensure that your patio door lock operating correctly. Check that the knobs and handle aren’t loose and if they’re tighten them as required. Lubricate your lock at least every year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant you use is vital, so be sure to select one that’s specifically designed to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40’s Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). For the best results apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.