How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good in good condition will protect your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements may cause the doors and their locks to be damaged or misaligned.
(Image: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Replacement-Doors-300x200.jpg)You can repair your patio door lock by yourself if it is not functioning properly. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway, and latch.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their large amounts of glass and convenient position within a home. It is crucial that your locks are working properly to keep your home safe. There are easy methods to repair patio door glass repair door locks that have stopped working.
First, inspect the lock and make sure there is nothing that is hindering it from latching or locking. If you notice any issues like loose screws or rust, or even the wrong alignment, these must be addressed immediately. In some cases an adjustment of the position of the patio door could be enough to solve the problem.
Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to work properly. To avoid this happening, make sure to clean your patio door regularly and clean the lock's hardware. You can apply a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but ensure that you dry the lock completely afterward.
It is also a good idea to to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio sliding door repair near me lock are similar to those in a precision-tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck as with any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant could be used to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock's cylinder. This will help keep it running smoothly.
Knowing the exact dimensions of the patio door lock repair near me door lock is also important. This can help you choose the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you're unsure of how to proceed, contact a professional locksmith or tradesperson for assistance.
Clean the Lock
Over time, hot and cold weather, dust, and dirt can cause the intricate components of the door lock to become stuck. These issues could compromise your home's security. But it's simple to fix these problems if you know how to repair patio door lock.
Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, clean any debris or stains that may be hindering your lock from working correctly. Use soapy water with hot water and a little grit to clean the lock mechanism. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them.
Most patio doors are secured with mortise locking systems. This is a safe lock, but it can also cause problems over 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. The next step is to loosen the screws that secure the latch body in place. After you have removed the latch handle and plate and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame.
After the latch has been removed and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock using an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't own WD40, you can also try using a graphite pencil to help get rid of any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you might need to move the locks cylinders. This requires additional tools and should be done by professionals. However, you can practice repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door with 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
After your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to lubricate both the lock and the keyhole themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its lifespan.
Dry graphite is a great method to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also more durable than liquids. It's easy to apply and you can use it on sliding 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 powder, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They are effective at both low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants can cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may be displaced by other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants because they last for a long time and do not attract dirt and dust. They are also great for cold conditions, since they prevent the build-up of ice inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it's likely to be worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith can dismantle the lock mechanism and install a new cylinder that matches your current keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder in case your door does not have one. This will increase security and safety. They can also install a new lock faceplate on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning it and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be due to the latch on the door is not properly aligned with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio door and look up and down at the latch opening. If the door is parallel to the frame or jamb, then you can check. If not, remove the screws fixing the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the latch is securely catching the latch's hasp when the door is closed.
Sometimes the latch can be difficult to close due to a worn-out cylinder. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, and you'll require a replacement. You should choose a cylinder with the same keyway and size as the previous one. This allows you to change it quickly by unscrewing the two halves and inserting the new cylinder.
You can find replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of your existing cylinder to be able to purchase one that matches it. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then visit your local hardware store for assistance.
Once you have a new cylinder, loosen the screw with a flat head that holds it in place, and remove the escutcheon plate. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Place the screw in a safe place to ensure you do not lose it. Then, loosen enough the set screw on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door).
Replace the Lock
A aluminium patio door repairs door lock that isn't functioning properly can be a serious security risk. Dirt and debris can get caught in the lock mechanisms. If this issue isn't treated immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and won't longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires just a few tools and bit of time.
Begin by looking at the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication do not aid, the latch could be bent too much to work properly. In this case, it would be best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock so that it is as secure and strong as possible.
Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're unsure in tackling this DIY task. They'll have all the tools and expertise needed to properly install the lock.
Routine maintenance is essential to keep your patio door lock functioning properly. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least every year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are subject to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more often. The type of lubricant is important, so be certain to select one specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). For best results apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.