Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Change Your Life
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good working in good order will protect your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements could cause the doors and their locks to be damaged or misaligned.
If your patio door lock doesn't operate properly You can make basic repairs at home. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway and latch.
Check the lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their huge glass size and their central location within a home. It is important that your locks function properly to ensure your home is secure. Luckily, there are some simple ways to troubleshoot and Repair Patio Doors patio repair near me door locks that aren't functioning properly.
The first step is to inspect the lock to see if anything hinders it from latching or locking. You must take care to address any issues you discover, such as loose screws or corrosion. In some cases, a slight adjustment to the position of the patio door could be enough to solve the issue.
Another issue that is common is debris or dust which can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To avoid this occurring, be sure to clean your patio door frequently and clean the lock hardware. If you need to, apply mild soap. But, be sure to dry the lock completely afterward.
It is also a good idea to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are similar to those in a machine that is finely tuned. They can jam or get stuck just like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a small amount of lubricant can be used to remove any dirt or debris from the lock cylinder. This will keep it functioning smoothly.
It is essential to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door glass repair door lock. This will help you choose the perfect lock to match your current mechanism. If you're not sure how to go about this, it is advisable to speak with a locksmith or professional tradesperson for assistance.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate components of the door lock to become blocked. These issues could compromise your home's security. But it's easy to fix these problems when you know how.
Clean your lock prior to attempting any who repairs sliding patio doors. With a damp cloth, remove any dirt or stains that may be preventing your lock from working correctly. Use hot soapy water and a little grit to clean the lock mechanism. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are secured using mortise locking systems. This is a safe lock, but it can also cause issues over time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Then, take off the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you'll be ready to remove the latch from its slot in the door frame.
After the latch has been removed, you can lubricate it with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't own WD40, you can also try using a graphite pencil to dislodge any grit or dirt within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you may have to relocate the your lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by professionals. However, you can practice shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, and then 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 keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant helps keep your lock in top condition, and extends its life.
Dry graphite powder is ideal to lubricate small metal parts such as locks, because it's not sticky or oily and lasts for longer than liquid lubricants. 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 made specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other types of liquid fluids. They are suitable for high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants accumulate over time, and displace other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon Lubricants are a good substitute for silicone lubricants, since they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They are also great for cold environments, as they prevent the build-up of ice inside the lock.
If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith will dismantle the lock mechanism, and then install a new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with an cylinder for your lock an expert can replace it to improve security and safety. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door to are in keeping with the rest of the door.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If lubricating the lock and cleaning it do not work, the issue could be that the door latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or frame of the door. Open the sliding patio door and look up and down at the opening of the latch. If the door is in line with the frame or jamb then you can test. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch catches the latch hasp tightly when the door is shut.
Sometimes the latch is difficult to close due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, and you'll require an alternate. It is essential to select 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 simply screwing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new one.
Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll be required to know the name and model of your current cylinder in order to buy one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number you can take a photograph of the cylinder along with its mounting screws, and then go to an hardware store for help.
Once you have the new cylinder installed remove it from the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door and the door frame. Put the screw somewhere safe so you aren't able to lose it. Then, loosen enough 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 not functioning properly could cause serious danger to your security. Dirt and debris can get stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this is not addressed 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 some tools and a little time.
Begin by looking at the lock to determine what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication don't help, the latch could be bent too much to perform as it should. If this is the case, replace the lock latch with mortise locking systems to ensure that it's as secure and strong as it can be.
If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY project yourself, consult with a locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you with the installation of a new lock. They'll have the equipment and know-how to install the lock correctly.
Maintaining your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Make sure the handle and knobs aren't loose, and if they are tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks subject to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated more often. It is important to select a lubricant which has been specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism for the best results.