How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good in good condition will safeguard your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to your patio doors and their locks.
You can fix your patio door lock by yourself if it is not working correctly. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway, and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of the large amount of glass and convenient position within a home. A lock that is functional and secure is essential to ensure that your home is safe. There are simple ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that aren't functioning properly.
The first step is to inspect the lock to make sure nothing is hindering it from latching or locking. You should take care to address any issues you discover like loose screws or corrosion. In some cases, a slight adjustment to the patio door's position may suffice to resolve the problem.
Another common issue is debris or dust that could cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. To prevent this from occurring, be sure to clean your patio door on a regular basis and wipe down the lock's hardware. If you need to, apply mild soap. However, you must be sure to dry the lock completely afterward.
It is also a good idea to that you regularly lubricate your lock. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a finely tuned machine, and they could get stuck and jammed just like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant, can be used to clean any debris or dirt from the lock cylinder. This will keep it functioning smoothly.
Knowing the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is also crucial. This will help you choose the perfect lock to match your current mechanism. If you're not sure how to proceed get help, consult a professional tradesperson or locksmith for help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, hot and cold weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate components of your door lock to become jammed. These issues could compromise your home security. These issues are simple to fix if you know what to do.
Before making any repairs, clean your lock. With a damp cloth, wipe away any dirt or stains that could hinder your lock from working properly. Then, use a little hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of your lock and wash away any grit or grime that has built up over time. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are secured with a mortise locking system. patio doors repair near me Repair My Windows And Doors is a secure lock, but it can also cause problems with time. If your uPVC lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Start by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. 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, you can lubricate the lock with a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't have a WD40, you can also try using graphite pencils to help dislodge any grit or dirt within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work it is possible to relocate the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be performed by an expert. But you can practice shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by opening and closing the door with the cylinder in the lock position, and then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are located that hold the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
After your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to grease the keyhole and the locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant can keep your lock in good shape, extending its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is excellent for lubricating small metal components such as locks, because it's not sticky or oily, and it lasts longer than liquid lubricants. It's easy to use and can be used on sliding doors tracks for garage doors and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants may be more efficient than graphite powder particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other kinds of liquid fluids. They work well in high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants get accumulated over time, and can displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon lubricants can be an ideal substitute for silicone lubricants, as they are long-lasting and do not attract dust or dirt. They're also ideal for cold environments, as they can prevent ice buildup within the lock.
If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's probably damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will take apart the lock mechanism, and then install an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your existing keys. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. If your door doesn't have the lock cylinder, a professional can replace it to improve security and safety. They can also install a new lock faceplate on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If lubricating the lock and cleaning it do not work, the issue could be that the door's latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or frame of the door. To test this, open the sliding patio door and sight upwards and downwards from the opening of the latch to see whether the door is in line to the frame or jamb. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it up or down until the latch catches the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is shut.
The latch is also sometimes difficult to close as the cylinder is worn. You'll require a new cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is important to choose an alternative cylinder that is exactly the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same style keyway, which means you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two parts of the lock apart and inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll be required to know the name and model of the existing cylinder so you can buy one that matches it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number you can take a photograph of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and go to an hardware store for help.
Once you have a new cylinder, unscrew the flat screw that holds it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door and the door frame. Put the screw somewhere safe to ensure you aren't able to lose it. Then, loosen enough 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 not functioning properly could pose a serious risk to your security. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to become lodged in the lock mechanism, but if this isn't dealt with quickly enough the lock will eventually fail and no longer provide security. It's a simple DIY task to change the patio door lock. You only need just a few tools and a bit of time.
Begin by examining the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch does not work, it may be bent to far to function properly. In this case, it would be best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure it is as secure and strong as is possible.
Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're unsure in tackling this DIY task. They'll have the expertise and tools to complete the job correctly and ensure that the new lock will work with your patio door.
Regular maintenance is the key to ensure that your patio door lock functioning correctly. Make sure the knobs and handle aren't loose, and if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least once per year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant you use is crucial, so make certain to select one specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). For the best results, apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.