The Greatest Sources Of Inspiration Of Repair Patio Door
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in good condition to guard your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to your patio doors and their locks.
You can fix your patio door lock yourself in the event that it isn't functioning properly. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway and handle.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their huge glass size and their central location within a home. It is essential that your locks are working properly to ensure your home is secure. Luckily, there are some simple ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that have stopped working correctly.
First, examine the lock and ensure that nothing is blocking it from latching or locking. You must take care to address any issues you discover like loose screws or corrosion. In some instances, a small adjustment to the direction of the patio door may be enough to fix the issue.
Another issue that is common is dust or debris that could cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. To prevent this from happening, ensure that you clean your patio door on a regular basis and clean the lock hardware. You can make use of a mild detergent in the event of need, but ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
It is also a good idea to lubricate your lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those found in a finely tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant will help remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated within the lock cylinder and ensure that it is operating efficiently.
The exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also crucial. This can help you find a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the current mechanism. If you're unsure of how to do it get help, consult a professional tradesperson or locksmith to get help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, hot and cold weather, dust, and dirt can cause the intricate components of your door lock to become jammed. These problems can threaten your home's security. But it's simple to fix these issues if you know how.
Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. With a damp cloth, remove any debris or stains that may be preventing your lock from working correctly. Use hot soapy water and a little grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them.
Most patio doors are secured using mortise locking systems. This is a secure lock but can develop issues over time. If you're uPVC locks have become stuck, you must first 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. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you can remove the latch from its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch is removed, you can lubricate it with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have WD40 or similar product, you can try using a graphite pencil to help dislodge any grit or dirt within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you might need to move the your lock cylinder. This will require some additional tools and is best done by an expert. However, you can practice repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by closing and opening 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 keep the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to grease the lock and the keyhole themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant can keep your lock in top shape, extending its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is excellent to lubricate small metal parts like 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 type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other kinds of liquid lubricants. They are efficient at low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants can cause buildup over time and can displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they last for a long time and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also good for colder environments since they'll keep ice from accumulating within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely to be worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can remove the lock mechanism and install a new cylinder that matches your existing keys. They can also perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with an cylinder for your lock, a professional can replace it to increase security and security. They can also install the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating the door does not work, the issue could be due to the latch on the door is not aligned correctly with the frame or jamb. To test this open the sliding patio door and sight upwards and downwards from the latch opening to determine if the door is parallel to the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch's hasp when the door closes.
The latch may also be difficult to close as the cylinder has worn out. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, so you'll require an alternative. It is recommended to select one with the same keyway and size like the one that came before it. This will allow you to change it quickly by unscrewing the two halves before inserting the replacement cylinder.
Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your existing cylinder to buy the replacement. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number, take a picture of the cylinder and its mounting screws and go to a hardware store to get help.
When you have a new cylinder, loosen the flat screw that holds 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 as well as the door frame. Place the screw in a safe location so that you don't lose or damage it. Then, loosen the set screw that is on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock not working properly can be a major risk to your security. It's not common for dirt and other debris to get stuck inside the lock's mechanisms, but if this isn't addressed quickly enough the lock could eventually break down and stop providing security. It's a straightforward DIY project to replace the patio door lock. You'll only need a few tools and some time.
Start by inspecting the lock and determining what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the lock latch could be bent too much to perform as it should. If this is the case, you should replace the latch using mortise locking to ensure it's as solid and secure as it can be.
Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're not confident about tackling this DIY project. They'll have all the tools and experience to install the lock correctly.
Keeping your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Make patio door wheels that the knobs and handle aren't loose and if they're tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to avoid it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more often. It is crucial to select a lubricant which is specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to get best results.