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 in good order will safeguard your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors and their locks.
You can fix your patio door lock on your own if it is not functioning properly. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their large amount of glass and the convenient location within a home. It is crucial that your locks function properly to ensure your home is secure. There are easy ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly.
The first step is to examine the lock to make sure nothing hinders it from locking or latching. You must deal with any issues you spot such as loose screws or rust. In some cases an adjustment of just a few inches to the position of the patio door could suffice to solve the issue.
Another issue that is common is debris or dust that can cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. Clean your patio doors repairs near me door and clean the lock hardware frequently to avoid this. You can apply a mild detergent solution when needed, but be sure to dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
It is also a good idea to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those used in a precision-tuned machine. They can jam or become stuck as with any mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant can help get rid of any dirt or debris that has collected in the lock's cylinder, and help keep it running smoothly.
It is important to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will allow you to find a lock that perfectly matches your existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to do this, it is advisable to speak with an expert tradesperson or locksmith 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 could compromise your home's security. These issues are simple to fix if you know what to do.
Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. With a damp cloth, remove any debris or stains that could be preventing your lock from working correctly. Use soapy water with hot water and a little grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are fitted with a mortise lock that is safe but can be prone to problems in the course of time. If you find that your uPVC locks are stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. For the uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of hot soapy water. The next step is to remove the screws that keep the latch in place. With the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be able to remove the latch itself from its slot in 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 have a WD40 or similar product, you can try using a graphite pencil to help get rid of any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you might need to move the locks cylinders. This requires additional tools and should be performed by an expert. You can try moving the cylinder around without removing it from the door by opening and closing the door with the cylinder in the lock position, then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are located that hold the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to grease the keyhole and the locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is great to lubricate small metal parts like locks because it's not sticky or oily, and it lasts longer than liquid greases. It's easy to apply, and you can also apply it to sliding patio doors repairs doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other liquid lubricants. They are suitable for both low and high temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can build up over time, and displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they last for a long time and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also ideal for cold conditions, since they can prevent ice buildup within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's likely damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your existing keys. They can also repair patio door or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder if the door isn't equipped with one. This will improve security and safety. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door that match the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock and lubricating it do not work, the problem may be that the door's latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or the frame of the door. Open the sliding patio doors repairs patio door, and take a look upwards and downwards at the opening for the latch. If the door is parallel to the jamb or the frame, then you can check. If not, remove the screws fixing the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch's hasp as the door closes.
Sometimes, the latch is difficult to close due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, so you'll need an alternate. It is recommended to select one with the same keyway and dimensions as the one you had previously. This will allow you to replace it easily by unbolting the two halves before inserting the replacement cylinder.
There are replacement cylinders available at a variety of home improvement stores. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your existing cylindrical to purchase a replacement. If you don't have the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws, and then go to an hardware store for help.
Once you have the new cylinder in place, unscrew it from the flat screw holding it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and the door frame. Put the screw somewhere safe to ensure you do not lose it. Then, loosen enough the set screw on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't working properly can be a major risk to your security. It's not common for dirt and other debris to get lodged inside the lock mechanisms, but if this isn't addressed quickly enough the lock could eventually break down and stop providing security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires some tools and a bit of time.
Begin by examining the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the latch may be too bent to work properly. In this situation it's best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure that it is as secure and strong as it can be.
If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY task yourself, consult with an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you with the installation of a new lock. They will have the experience and tools to complete the job properly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door repair door.
Routine maintenance is essential to ensure that your patio door lock operating properly. Verify that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least every year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant is vital, so be certain to select one specifically designed to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). For the best results apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.
