How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in good condition to safeguard your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors as well as their locks.
If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should, 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 large amounts of glass and their convenient position within a home. It is important that your locks function correctly to keep your home secure. There are a few easy solutions to fix patio door locks which have stopped functioning.
First, inspect the lock to ensure there is nothing that is hindering it from latching or locking. If you notice any issues such as loose screws, rust, or the wrong alignment, these must be addressed immediately. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the double glazed patio door repairs door's position may be sufficient to fix the issue.
Another issue that is common is debris or dust that could cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. Clean your patio door and clean all hardware of the lock regularly to prevent this. You can make use of a mild detergent in the event of need, but remember to dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
It is also a good idea to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those in a finely tuned machine. They can jam or get stuck just like any mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant will help dislodge any dirt or debris that has collected in the lock's cylinder, and help keep it running smoothly.
It is essential to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you choose the perfect lock to match your existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to do it you can contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson to get help.
(Image: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Replacement-Windows-150x150.jpg)Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock can jam up over time due to dust, dirt and cold and hot weather. These problems can threaten your security at home. These issues are simple to fix if you know what to do.
Before making any who repairs sliding patio doors, clean your lock. With a damp cloth, wipe away any debris or stains that might be preventing your lock from working correctly. Use hot soapy water and a bit of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio doors have a mortise lock that is safe but can be prone to problems in the course of time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For the uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of soapy water. The next step is to loosen the screws that hold the latch body in the position. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be ready to remove the latch from its slot in the door frame.
After the latch has been removed then you can lubricate it with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have WD40 or similar product, you can try using a graphite pencil to help dislodge any grit or dirt within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you may have to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by a professional. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without having to take it off the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
If your lock is clean from dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant can keep your lock in top shape, which will extend its life.
Dry graphite is a great way to lubricate small metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also more durable than liquids. It's easy to apply, and you can also apply it to sliding glass patio door repair doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants can be more effective than graphite especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and do not attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They are efficient at high and low temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants may create accumulation over time and could replace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon oil can be a good alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also ideal for cold conditions, since they prevent the build-up of ice inside the lock.
If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, it is probably worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with the keys you have. They can also Repair Patio doors and modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with an cylinder for your lock or faceplate, a professional can install it to improve security and security. They can also install a new lock faceplate on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be due to the latch on the door isn't properly aligned with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio door repairs patio door, and look up and down at the latch opening. If the door is aligned with the frame or jamb and you are able to check, then it is. If not, remove the screws holding the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch hasp when the door closes.
The latch can also be difficult to close because the cylinder is worn out. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, so you'll need an alternative. It is recommended to select a cylinder that has the same keyway and size as the previous one. This will allow you to change it quickly by removing the two halves before inserting the replacement cylinder.
Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need to know the brand and model of your existing cylinder to be able to purchase one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number then take a photo of the cylinder along with its mounting screws, and then go to an hardware store for help.
When you have a new cylinder, remove the screw with a flat head that holds it in place, and remove the plate that holds it in place. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Put the screw in a safe place to ensure that you don't lose it or damage it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could pose a serious risk to your security. Dirt and debris could get caught in the lock mechanisms. If this issue isn't addressed promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and no will be able to provide security. It's a simple DIY project to change the patio door lock. It's all you need are the tools you need and some time.
Begin by examining the lock and determining what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubrication don't help, the lock latch may be bent too much to work properly. If this is the case, replace the lock latch with mortise locking to ensure that it's as strong and secure as it can be.
Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're unsure about tackling this DIY project. They'll have the expertise and tools to do it correctly and make sure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door.
Regular maintenance is the key to ensure that your patio door lock functioning properly. 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 sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are subject to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more frequently. The type of lubricant you use is crucial, so make certain to select one specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism for the best results.(Image: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/doorpanels-300x200.jpg)
