The People Nearest To Repair Patio Door Uncover Big Secrets
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good working in good order will safeguard your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to your patio doors and their locks.
If your patio door lock does not operate 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 due to the large amount of glass and their convenient place within a house. A lock that is functional and secure is essential to ensure that your home's security. There are a few easy methods to repair patio door locks that have stopped working.
The first step is to check the lock to make sure nothing hinders it from locking or latching. It is important to deal with any issues you spot such as loose screws or rust. In some instances, a small adjustment to the position of the patio door might suffice to solve the problem.
Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to work properly. Clean your patio door and clean the lock hardware frequently to avoid this. You can use a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but remember to dry the lock completely afterward.
In addition, it's an ideal idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to the parts of a fine-tuned machine, so they can be jammed and stuck just like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant can be used to get rid of any debris or dirt from the lock's cylinder. This will keep it running smoothly.
Knowing the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also crucial. This will help you choose the perfect lock to match your existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to accomplish this, it's advisable to speak with an expert tradesperson or locksmith for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock could become jammed due to dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These problems can compromise the security of your home. These problems are easy to solve if you know how to do.
Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. With a damp cloth, clean any debris or stains that may be preventing your lock from functioning properly. Then, use a little hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any grime or grit that has built up over time. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors use mortise locks that is secure, however, it is susceptible to problems over time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For a uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of soapy water. Next, you'll want to remove the screws that secure the latch body in place. With the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be able to take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch has been removed and lubricated, you can apply by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't have WD40, you can also use a graphite pencil to help remove any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you may have to relocate the lock cylinder. This will require some additional tools and is best done by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without needing to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame where the screws that hold the cylinder in place are.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to grease the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its lifespan.
Dry graphite is a fantastic way to lubricate small metal parts, like locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also more durable than liquids. It's simple to use and is suitable for use on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants may be more effective than graphite powder especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other types of liquid fluids. They are suitable for low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may accumulate over time and eventually replace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also excellent for cold conditions, since they can help prevent ice accumulation inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's probably damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your existing keys. They can also perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if the door isn't equipped with one. This will improve safety and security. They can also install the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating it does not work, the issue could be that the latch on the door is not aligned properly with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio door and examine the top and bottom of the latch opening. If the door is aligned with the frame or jamb then you can test. If not, remove the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch is firmly grasping the latch hasp when the door closes.
The latch is also sometimes difficult to close as the cylinder is worn out. It is necessary to replace the for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It's important to choose a new cylinder that is similar in size to the old one and has the same style keyway, which means you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two parts of the lock apart and then inserting the new one.
You can purchase replacement cylinders at a variety of home improvement stores. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of your existing cylinder in order to buy one that matches it. If patio door repair don't have the model or manufacturer you can take a photograph of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws and head to the hardware store for help.
Once you have the new cylinder installed take it off the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Place the screw in a safe place so you don't 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 loosen it enough to rotate the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that's not functioning properly could pose a serious security risk. It's not common for dirt and other debris to get lodged inside the lock mechanism, but if this isn't addressed quickly enough the lock could eventually break down and stop providing security. It's a simple DIY project to change the patio door lock. You'll only need just a few tools and a bit of time.
Begin by looking at the lock to determine what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the lock latch could be bent too much to perform as it should. In this instance it is recommended to replace the latch with a new mortise lock so that it is as secure and strong as is possible.
If you're not comfortable with this DIY project yourself contact a locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you in the installation of an entirely new lock. They'll have the expertise and tools to complete the job correctly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door.
Regular maintenance is the key to ensure that your patio door lock working correctly. Verify that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is important to use a lubricant that is specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). To get the best results, apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.