Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Change Your Life
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio doors Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good order will help protect your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and locks to be misaligned or damaged.
If your patio door lock does not operate properly, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps can fix issues with the handle, keyway and latch.
Check the Lock
patio doors repair doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large amount of glass and the convenient position within a house. It is essential that your locks function properly to keep your home secure. There are simple solutions to fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning.
First, examine the lock and make sure there is nothing blocking it from latching or locking. You should deal with any issues you spot like loose screws or rust. In some instances an adjustment of just a few inches to the location of the patio door may suffice to resolve the issue.
Another issue that is common is dust or debris that can cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down the lock hardware frequently to prevent this. You can make use of a mild detergent if necessary, but always remember to dry the lock thoroughly afterwards.
It is also a good idea to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts of your upvc patio door repairs patio door lock are similar to the parts of a fine-tuned machine, so they can become stuck and jammed like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help get rid of any dirt or debris that has collected within the lock cylinder and keep it operating smoothly.
Knowing the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also important. This can help you choose a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to do it you can contact a professional tradesperson or locksmith for assistance.
Clean the Lock
Over time, hot and cold weather dust and dirt can cause the delicate parts of your door lock to become blocked. These issues could compromise your home's security. But it's simple to fix these issues if you know how.
Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Using a damp cloth, clean any stains or debris that might be preventing 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, allow them to dry completely before using them again.
Most patio doors use a mortise lock that is secure, but is susceptible to issues in the course of time. If you find that your uPVC locks are stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in the position. After you have removed the latch handle and plate, you can remove it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch is removed then you can lubricate it using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have a WD40 alternative, you could try using graphite pencils to help remove any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may have to relocate the your lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be 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 lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame where the screws holding the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time for lubrication of the lock and the keyhole themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant helps keep your lock in top shape, extending its lifespan.
Dry graphite is a fantastic option to lubricate tiny metal parts, such as locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also more durable than liquids. It is easy to use and can be used on sliding patio door repair service near me doors tracks for garage doors, and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants may be more effective than graphite especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other types of liquid lubricants. They are effective at both low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants can cause buildup over time and can displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they're long-lasting and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also ideal for cold environments, as they prevent the build-up of ice within the lock.
If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with the new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if your door isn't equipped with one. This can increase safety and security. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door to match the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning it and lubricating it do not work, then the issue could be that the latch on the door is not aligned properly with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio glass repair near me doors and look up and down at the latch opening. If the door is parallel to the frame or jamb then you can test. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it up or down until the latch catches the latch tightly when the door is shut.
The latch can also be difficult to close as the cylinder is worn out. You'll require a new for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is essential to select the new cylinder that's similar in size to the previous one and has the same style keyway, which means you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new one.
There are replacement cylinders available in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your current cylinder to buy a replacement. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then, visit your local hardware store to seek assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder in place remove it from the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Place the screw in a safe place to ensure you don't lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole in the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly can be an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris can get stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this issue isn't treated promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and no longer offer security. It's a straightforward DIY project to replace the patio door repair near me door lock. It's all you need are a few tools and some time.
Start by examining the lock to see what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch doesn't work it could be bent too far to perform as it should. In this situation it is recommended to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure that it's as strong and secure as is possible.
If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project on your own contact a locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you with the installation of the new lock. They will have the experience and tools to complete the task properly and ensure that the new lock will work with your patio door.
Routine maintenance is the key to ensure that your patio door lock functioning correctly. Verify that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least every year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. It is essential to choose a lubricant that has been specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For the best results apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.