20 Reasons Why Repair Patio Door Cannot Be Forgotten

How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

Keep your patio doors in a good condition to safeguard your home from intruders. However, the elements may cause the doors and locks to become misaligned or damaged.

You can repair your patio door lock on your own if it is not functioning properly. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway and handle.

Check the Lock

Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their huge glass size and convenient position within a home. It is important to ensure your home is safe. There are a few easy ways to fix patio door locks which have stopped functioning.

First, examine the lock and make sure there is nothing that is hindering it from latching or locking. You must take care to address any issues you discover, such as loose screws or corrosion. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio door might be enough to fix the issue.

Another common issue is debris or dust that could cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. To avoid this happening, ensure that you clean your patio door regularly and wipe down the lock hardware. You can make use of a mild detergent if necessary, but always be sure to dry the lock thoroughly afterward.

It is also a good idea that you regularly lubricate your lock. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like the parts of a fine-tuned machine, so they can get stuck and jammed just as any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant will help remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated inside the lock cylinder and keep it operating smoothly.

It is essential to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will allow you to find the perfect lock to match your existing mechanism. If you aren't sure how to accomplish this, it's advisable to contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson for help.

Clean the Lock

Over time, hot and cold weather dust and dirt can cause the delicate parts of your door lock to get jammed. These issues can affect the security of your home. These issues are easy to solve if you know how to do.

Before making any repairs, first clean your lock. Wipe away any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to wash the lock mechanism and remove any dirt or grime that has built up over time. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them.

Most patio doors are secured by a mortise locking system. This is a safe lock but can develop problems over time. If your upvc patio door repairs lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For an uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of soapy water. Next, you'll want to remove the screws that secure the latch body in the position. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be able to remove the latch from its slot in the door frame.

After the latch has been removed then you can lubricate it using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't own WD40, a graphite pen can be used to eliminate any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you may have to relocate the locks cylinders. This requires some additional tools and should be done by an expert. You can try moving the cylinder around without removing 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 located that hold the cylinder in place.

Lubricate the Lock

When your lock is free of dirt and debris It's the perfect time to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant will keep your lock in top shape, which will extend its life.

Dry graphite powder is ideal to lubricate small metal parts such as locks, because it's not oily or sticky, and it lasts longer than liquid greases. It's easy to apply, and you can also apply it to sliding glass patio doors repair doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is specifically designed for lock cylinders.

Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They work well at low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants could cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may displace other lubricants you've used.

Teflon oil can be an ideal substitute for silicone lubricants, as they are long-lasting and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also great for cold climates since they'll keep ice from accumulating within the lock.

If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's probably damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a new cylinder matched to your existing keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door doesn't have a lock cylinder, a professional can replace it to increase security and safety. They can also put an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If lubricating the lock and cleaning it doesn't work, the problem may be that the latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or frame of the door. To test this open the sliding patio door repair near me patio door, and look upwards and downwards from the opening of the latch to see whether the door is aligned to the frame or jamb. 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 tightly when the door is closed.

The latch can also be difficult to close as the cylinder is worn. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, and you'll need an alternate. You should select a cylinder that has the same keyway and size as the one you had previously. This will allow you to change it quickly by removing the two halves and inserting the replacement cylinder.

You can find replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll need the brand and model number of your current cylinder to buy the replacement. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then visit your Local Patio Door Repairs hardware store to seek assistance.

Once you have a new cylinder, remove the screw with a flat head that holds it in place, and remove the escutcheon plate. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame with a screwdriver. Set the screw in a safe place to ensure you don't loose or damage it. Then, loosen enough the set screw that is located on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door).

Replace the Lock

A sliding patio doors repairs door lock that isn't functioning properly can be an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris can get caught in the lock mechanisms. If this issue isn't taken care of promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and will no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires just a few tools and little time.

Begin by examining the lock and determining what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch doesn't work it could be bent to far to perform as it should. If this is the case, replace the lock latch with mortise locking systems to ensure it's as secure and strong as it can be.

Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're not confident in tackling this DIY task. They will have all the tools and expertise needed to install the lock properly.

Maintaining your patio door lock in good condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Check that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant you use is vital, so be sure to choose one that's specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). To get the best results apply the lubricant direct onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.