How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good in good condition will safeguard your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and locks to be damaged or misaligned.
You can fix your patio door lock on your own if it is not working properly. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and convenient position within a home. It is crucial that your locks are working correctly to keep your home secure. There are a few easy ways to fix patio door locks which have stopped working.
The first step is to inspect the lock to ensure nothing is preventing it from locking or latching. You must take care to address any issues you discover, such as loose screws or corrosion. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the location of the patio door may suffice to solve the problem.
Another issue that is common is dust or debris which can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To prevent this from occurring, be sure to clean your patio door regularly and clean the lock's hardware. You can make use of a mild detergent in the event of need, but remember to dry the lock completely afterward.
In addition, it's an ideal idea to lubricate the lock regularly. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those found in a machine that is finely tuned. They can jam or become stuck as with any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant can help get rid of any dirt or debris that has collected in the lock's cylinder, and keep it operating smoothly.
Knowing the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is crucial. This will help you choose an appropriate lock that is compatible with your current mechanism. If you're unsure of what to do you can contact a professional locksmith or tradesperson for 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 problems can threaten your home security. But it's simple to fix these problems If you know how.
Before you attempt any repairs, you must first clean your lock. Clean any stains and 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 grime or grit that has accumulated over time. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them.
Most patio doors are fitted with a mortise lock that is safe however, it is susceptible to problems with time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For a uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate with a little of soapy water. Then, remove the screws that hold the body of the latch in the position. After you have removed the latch handle and plate, you can remove it from its slot on the door frame.
After the latch has been removed it is possible to lubricate the lock using an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have WD40, you can also try using graphite pencils to help remove any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may need to reposition your lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be handled by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without having to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame where the screws that hold the locking cylinder are located.
Lubricate the Lock
If your lock is clean of dirt and debris It's the perfect time to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant helps keep your lock in good condition, and extends its life.
Dry graphite is a fantastic way to lubricate small metal parts, like locks. patio doors repairs Repair My Windows And Doors -free and non-sticky. It is also more durable than liquids. It is easy to use and can be used on sliding doors tracks for garage doors and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and will not attract as much dust or dirt as other liquid lubricants. They are efficient at high and low temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants may create the formation of a buildup over time, and may displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon lubricants can be an ideal substitute for silicone lubricants, because they last longer and do not attract dirt or dust. They're also suitable for cold climates since they can help keep ice from accumulating inside the lock.
If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith can remove the lock mechanism and install an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with the keys you have. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door doesn't have the lock cylinder an expert can replace it to increase security and security. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that match the rest of the door.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it do not work, the issue could be that the door latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or the frame of the door. To determine this open the sliding patio door and sight up and down from the door's opening to see if the door is parallel to the frame or jamb. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it up or down until the latch is able to catch the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is shut.
Sometimes the latch is difficult to close due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. You'll need a replacement for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It's important to choose an alternative cylinder that is exactly the same size as the old one and has the same style keyway, which means you can easily replace it by screwing the two halves of the lock apart and then inserting the new cylinder.
You can purchase replacement cylinders at a variety of home improvement stores. 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 know the model and manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then go to your local hardware store to seek help.
Once you have the new cylinder in place take it off the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure so you do not lose it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout of 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 become stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this issue isn't addressed immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and will no will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires only a few tools and a small amount of time.
Begin by looking at the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the latch may be bent too much to work properly. In this instance it's best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure that it is as secure and strong as it can be.
If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project yourself seek out a locksmith or door hardware expert to help you with the installation of a new lock. They will have all the tools and experience to install the lock properly.
Maintaining your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Make sure the knobs and handle aren't loose, and if they are tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate your lock at least every year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks exposed to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant used is important, so be certain to select one specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). For the best results apply the lubricant direct onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.