How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio door repair company near me doors in good working in good condition will protect your home from intruders who aren’t yours. However, the elements can cause the doors and locks to be misaligned or damaged.
If your patio door lock doesn’t work properly, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway and latch.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their huge glass size and their central location within a home. It is important that your locks function correctly to keep your home secure. There are easy solutions to repair patio Door lock patio door locks that have stopped functioning.
First, examine the lock to ensure there is nothing that is hindering it from locking or latching. If you find any issues like loose screws or rust, or an issue with alignment, they should be addressed immediately. In some cases an adjustment of just a few inches to the location of the patio door repair company near me door could suffice to solve the problem.
Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to work properly. Clean your patio door and clean all lock hardware regularly to avoid this. You can use a mild detergent solution if necessary, but always ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterwards.
It is also a good idea to to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a fine-tuned machine, and they could get stuck and jammed just like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help to get rid of any dirt or debris that has collected in the lock’s cylinder, and keep it operating smoothly.
Identifying the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is also important. This can help you find a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you’re unsure of how to proceed, contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather, dust, and dirt can cause the intricate components of your door lock to get stuck. These issues can compromise your home’s security. But it’s easy to fix these issues If you know how.
Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Clean up any stains or debris using a damp cloth. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any grit or grime that has accumulated over time. After you’ve cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them.
The majority of patio doors have mortise locks that is safe however, it is susceptible to issues in the course of time. If you’re uPVC locks has become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. For an uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate with a little of soapy water. Next, you’ll want to loosen the screws that keep the latch in the position. After you have removed the latch plate and handle and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame.
After the latch has been removed, you can lubricate it with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don’t own WD40, a graphite pen can be used to eliminate dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn’t work it may be necessary to move the lock cylinder. This will require some 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, then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws secure the cylinder.
Lubricate the Lock
If your lock is clean from 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 excellent for lubricating small metal parts like 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 doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and won’t attract as much dust or dirt as other liquid lubricants. They are suitable for high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants build up over time, and displace other lubricants you’ve tried.
Teflon Lubricants are a good substitute for silicone lubricants, since they are long-lasting and don’t attract dirt or dust. They’re also suitable for colder environments since they can prevent ice from building up inside the lock.
If your lock’s cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it’s worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with the new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also repair patio doors or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder in case your door does not have one. This will improve safety and security. They can also put an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning it and lubricating it doesn’t work, the issue could be that the latch on the door is not aligned properly with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio doors and take a look upwards and downwards at 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 firmly catching the latch’s hasp as the door is closed.
Sometimes, the latch is difficult to close due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, which is why you’ll require a replacement. You should choose one with the same keyway and size as the previous one. This will allow you to change it quickly by removing the two halves and inserting the replacement cylinder.
Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You’ll have to know the manufacturer and model of your current cylinder to be able to purchase one that matches it. If you don’t have the model or manufacturer then take a photo of the cylinder along with its mounting screws, and then go to an hardware store for assistance.
When 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. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Place the screw in a secure place so that you don’t lose or damage it. Then, loosen the set screw that is located on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock repairs door lock that isn’t working properly can be a major risk to your security. Dirt and debris could get stuck within the lock mechanism. If this issue isn’t treated promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and will no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires just some tools and a small amount of time.
Begin by examining the lock to determine what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch does not work, it may be bent too far to work properly. If this is the case, replace the lock latch with a mortise locking system to ensure it’s as strong and secure as it can be.
Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you’re unsure about tackling this DIY project. They’ll have the knowledge and tools to complete the task properly and ensure that the new lock will work with your patio door.
Keeping your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Make sure that the knobs and handles aren’t loose and, if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least every year to avoid it from squeezing or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is essential to use a lubricant that has been specifically created for locks (WD-40’s Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve best results.