Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Help You Live Better
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in good condition to safeguard your home against unwanted intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors as well as their locks.
If your patio door lock does not operate properly, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large amount of glass and convenient position within a home. It is important that your locks are working properly to keep your home secure. Luckily, there are some simple ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly.
First, inspect the lock to ensure there is nothing blocking it from locking or latching. If you notice any issues such as loose screws, rust, or the wrong alignment, these must be addressed promptly. In some cases an adjustment of the patio door's position may be sufficient to fix the issue.
Another common issue is dust or debris that can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. To prevent this from happening, ensure that you clean your patio door regularly and wipe down the lock's hardware. If you need to, apply mild soap. However, make sure to dry the lock completely afterwards.
In addition, it is recommended to oil the lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a finely tuned machine, and they could get stuck and jammed just as any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a small amount of lubricant can be used to clean any debris or dirt from the lock's cylinder. This will keep it running smoothly.
It is crucial to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you find a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you're not sure what to do, contact a professional locksmith or tradesperson for assistance.
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Over time, cold and hot weather, dust, and dirt can cause the delicate parts of the door lock to become blocked. These issues can compromise your security at home. These problems are easy to solve if you know how to do.
Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Clean any stains and debris with a moist cloth. Use hot soapy water and a bit of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them.
The majority of patio doors have a mortise lock that is secure, but can be prone to issues over time. If you find that your uPVC locks has become stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. For a uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate with a little of soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. After removing the latch plate and handle, 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 own WD40, a graphite pen can be used to clean dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you may need to reposition lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be performed by a professional. You can try shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by opening and closing the door with the cylinder in the lock position, then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws keep the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
After your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time for lubrication of the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant can keep your lock in top condition, and extends its life.
Dry graphite powder is excellent for lubricating small metal components such as locks, because it's not oily or sticky, and it lasts longer than liquid lubricants. It's easy to apply, and you can also use it on sliding doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants can be more effective than graphite powder particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They are effective in high and low temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants could cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may replace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants because they're long-lasting and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also good for cold climates since they can help keep ice from accumulating within the lock.
If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with a a new cylinder matched to the keys you have. They can also make repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. If your door does not have the lock cylinder or faceplate, a professional can install 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 and lubricating it doesn't work, the problem could be that the latch on the door is not properly aligned with the frame or jamb. 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 check. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch catches the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is shut.
The latch is also sometimes difficult to close due to the cylinder has worn out. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, which is why you'll need to get an alternate. It is important to choose a new cylinder that is the same size as the previous one and has the same style keyway, so you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock apart and then inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of the existing cylinder to buy a replacement. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then go to your local hardware store for assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder in place remove it from the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame using a screwdriver. Place the screw in a safe location so you don't loose or damage it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout inside the door) and let it loose enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.
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 stuck within the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't treated promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and will no longer offer security. It's a simple DIY project to change the patio door lock. You only need the tools you need and some time.
Start by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch doesn't work, it may be bent to far to work properly. If this is the case, replace the latch using mortise locking to ensure it's as solid and secure as you can.
Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're unsure in tackling this DIY task. They'll have the tools and expertise needed to install the lock correctly.
Routine maintenance is essential to keep your patio door lock working effectively. Verify that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather should be lubricated more frequently. It is important to use a lubricant that is specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). To get the best results apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.