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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in good working condition to protect your home against unwanted intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and locks to be misaligned or damaged.
If your patio door handle repair near me door lock does not operate properly it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway and handle.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and the convenient position within a house. It is important that your locks work properly to keep your home secure. Fortunately, there are simple ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door repair door locks that aren't working correctly.
The first step is to inspect the lock to see if anything hinders it from locking or latching. You must address any issues you find, such as loose screws or rust. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the location of the patio door might suffice to resolve the problem.
Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism not to function properly. To prevent this from occurring, be sure to clean your patio door regularly and clean the lock hardware. If you need to, apply a mild soap solution. However, you must be sure that you dry the lock completely afterward.
In addition, it's recommended to oil the lock on a regular basis. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like the parts of a fine-tuned machine, which means that 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 clean any debris or dirt from the lock cylinder. This will help keep it running at a high speed.
It is crucial to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door repair service near me door lock. This will help you find the perfect lock to match your current mechanism. If you're not sure how to repair patio door lock to go about this, it's advisable to speak with an expert tradesperson or locksmith for help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the intricate parts of your door lock to get jammed. These problems can threaten your security at home. These issues are easy to solve if you know what to do.
Before making any repairs, clean your lock. Using a damp cloth, remove any debris or stains that might be hindering your lock from working correctly. Use soapy water with hot water and a bit of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio doors are secured by mortise locking mechanisms. This is a safe lock, but it is susceptible to issues with time. If you're uPVC locks are stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. For an uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of soapy water. Next, you'll want to unfasten the screws that hold the latch body in place. After removing the latch plate and handle then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch is detached it is possible to lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't own WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to remove dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may have to relocate the your lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be performed by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without needing to remove it from the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame the area where the screws that support the cylinder in place are.
Lubricate the Lock
After your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to grease the keyhole and the locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is ideal for lubricating small metal components such as locks, because it's not oily or sticky and lasts for longer than liquid greases. 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-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and will not attract as much dust or dirt as other liquid lubricants. They are effective at both high and low temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can accumulate over time, and displace other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon lubricants can be an excellent substitute for silicone lubricants, because they last longer and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also great for colder environments since they can stop the accumulation of ice within the lock.
If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, then it's probably worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith will remove the lock mechanism, and then install a new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if the door isn't equipped with one. This will improve safety and security. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door to are compatible with the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating it do not work, then the issue could be that the latch on the door isn't aligned properly with the jamb or frame. To determine this open the sliding patio door, and look upwards and downwards from the door's opening to see whether the door is in line with the jamb or frame. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it up or down until the latch catches the latch tightly when the door is closed.
The latch is also sometimes difficult to close as the cylinder is worn. It is necessary to replace the for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is recommended to select a cylinder that has the same keyway and size like the one that came before it. This will allow you to replace it with ease by unbolting the two halves and inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll need to know the brand and model of your current cylinder to be able to purchase one that matches it. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then go to the local hardware store for assistance.
Once you have a new cylinder, remove the screw with a flat head that is holding 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 and door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure to ensure you don't lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout of the door) and then loosen it enough to rotate the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock repairs near me door lock that's not working properly could pose an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris can get caught in the lock mechanisms. If this is not taken care of promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and will no will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires a few tools and a little time.
Begin by examining the lock to see what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch fails it could be bent to far to function properly. If this is the case, you should replace the latch with mortise locking systems to ensure that it's as secure and strong as you can.
Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're not confident about tackling this DIY project. They'll have all the tools and expertise needed to install the lock correctly.
Maintaining your patio door glass repair door lock in good working condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Check that the knobs and handle aren't loose and if they're tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to avoid it from squeezing or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is important to choose a lubricant that is specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For best results apply the lubricant direct onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.