7 Secrets About Repair Patio Door That Nobody Will Tell You
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good condition to safeguard your home from intruders. However, the elements could cause the doors and locks to be misaligned or damaged.
You can repair your patio door lock on your own if it is not working properly. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway and handle.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and the convenient position within a house. A lock that is functional and secure is essential to ensure that your home is secure. Luckily, there are some easy ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly.
The first step is to check the lock to make sure nothing hinders it from latching or locking. If you find any issues like loose screws, rust, or the wrong alignment, these must be addressed immediately. In some instances, a slight adjustment to the position of the patio door could be enough to solve the issue.
Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism not to function properly. To prevent this from occurring, be sure to clean your patio door frequently and clean the lock's hardware. You can make use of a mild detergent in the event of need, but ensure that you dry the lock completely afterward.
It is also a good idea that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those used in a precision-tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and get stuck just like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant can be used to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock's cylinder. This will keep it running at a high speed.
It is important to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you choose the perfect lock to match the existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to go about this, it's best to talk to a locksmith or professional tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock can become jammed due to dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues could compromise your home's security. These problems are easy to solve if you know what to do.
Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, remove any debris or stains that may hinder your lock from working properly. Make use of hot soapy water and a little grit to clean the lock mechanism. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again.
Most patio doors are fitted with a mortise lock that is safe but can be prone to problems in the course of time. If your uPVC lock is stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Begin by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. After removing the latch plate and handle then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch is removed, you can lubricate it by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't have WD40 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to eliminate dirt and grit off the mechanism. If patio door repairs near me don't work you may have to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and is best done by an expert. However, you can practice repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by opening and closing the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, after which making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that hold the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to grease the keyhole and the locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is excellent for lubricating small metal components like locks since it's not oily or sticky and lasts longer than liquid greases. It's easy to apply and you can use it on sliding doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and don't attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They are effective at both high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may build up over time, and displace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon oil can be an ideal alternative to silicone lubricants since they are long-lasting and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also good for colder environments since they'll keep ice from accumulating inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can dismantle the lock mechanism, and then install the cylinder of a new model that matches your current keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door doesn't have an cylinder for your lock, a professional can replace it to improve security and safety. They can also put the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be that the door's latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or the frame of the door. Open the sliding patio door and take a look upwards and downwards at the opening for the latch. If the door is aligned with the jamb or the frame then you can test. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly catching the latch's hasp as the door is closed.
Sometimes the latch isn't closing properly due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. It is necessary to replace the cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. You should choose a cylinder with the same keyway and size like the one that came before it. This will allow you to replace it easily by unscrewing the two halves and putting in the replacement cylinder.
Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll need the name and model number of your existing cylindrical to purchase the replacement. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number, take a picture of the cylinder along with its mounting screws, and then go to a hardware store to get help.
Once you have the new cylinder in place remove it from the flat screw holding it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame using the help of a screwdriver. 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 in the door) and let it loose enough to turn the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that's not functioning properly could be a major risk to your security. Dirt and debris can get caught in the lock mechanisms. If this issue isn't treated promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and won't will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires just a few tools and little time.
Begin by examining the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch doesn't work the latch could be bent to far to function properly. In this case it is recommended to replace the latch with a new mortise lock so that it's as sturdy and secure as possible.
Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're not confident about tackling this DIY project. They'll have the knowledge and tools to do it correctly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door.
Routine maintenance is essential to keeping your patio door lock functioning correctly. Make sure that the knobs and handle aren't loose, and if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least once per year to avoid it from squeezing or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant used is important, so be certain to select one 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.