How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good in good order will keep your home safe from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to your patio doors and their locks.
If your patio door lock does not operate properly You can make basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway and handle.
Check the lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their huge glass size and their convenient position within a home. It is important to ensure your home is secure. There are simple ways to repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning.
The first step is to examine the lock to make sure nothing is preventing it from latching or locking. You should address any issues you find, such as loose screws or rust. In some instances, a slight adjustment to the patio door’s position may be enough to solve the issue.
Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to work properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all lock hardware regularly to avoid this. You can make use of a mild detergent when needed, but ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterwards.
In addition, it is recommended to oil the lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door repair company lock are comparable to those found in a precision-tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck like any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant can help remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated within the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly.
It is crucial 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 is advisable to contact an expert tradesperson or locksmith for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock can jam up over time because of dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These issues could compromise your home’s security. These issues are easy to fix if you know what to do.
Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. With a damp cloth, wipe away any debris or stains that could be hindering your lock from working properly. Make use of hot soapy water and a small amount of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. After you’ve cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before re-using them.
The majority of patio doors are secured with mortise locking mechanisms. This is a secure lock, but it can also cause problems in time. If your uPVC locks are stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Next, you’ll want to loosen the screws that keep the latch in place. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you’ll be able to remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch is removed then you can lubricate it by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don’t own WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to clean any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn’t work it is possible to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and is best done by an expert. However, you can practice shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by closing and opening the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, after which drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws hold the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
When 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 good condition, and extends its life.
Dry graphite is a fantastic way to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It’s non-sticky and oily. It is also longer-lasting than liquids. It’s easy to use and can be utilized on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite powder particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and won’t attract as much dust and dirt as other kinds of liquid lubricants. They are efficient at high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants build up over time and eventually replace other lubricants you’ve used.
Teflon Lubricants are a good substitute for silicone lubricants, since they are long-lasting and do not attract dirt or dust. They’re also good for cold climates since they’ll prevent ice from building up inside the lock.
If your lock’s cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it’s likely to be worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith will remove the lock mechanism, and then install an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your existing keys. They can also repair patio doors or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder in case your door does not have one. This will increase security and safety. They can also install the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it don’t perform, the issue could be that the door latch isn’t aligned with the side jamb or door frame. To test this you need to open the sliding patio door repairs door, and look both ways from the opening of the latch to see whether the door is in line to the frame or jamb. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it up or down until the latch catches the latch’s hasp with a tight snap when the door is closed.
The latch is also sometimes difficult to close as the cylinder has worn out. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, which is why you’ll require an alternate. It’s important to choose an alternative cylinder that is exactly the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same keyway, which means you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You’ll have to know the manufacturer and model of your existing cylinder to be able to purchase one that is compatible with it. If you don’t know the model or manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then go to your local hardware store for assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder installed, unscrew it from the flat screw holding it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door as well as the door frame. Put the screw somewhere safe so you don’t lose it. Then, loosen the set screw that is on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole in the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn’t functioning properly could cause serious danger to your security. Dirt and debris can get stuck within the lock mechanism. If this issue isn’t taken care of promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and no longer offer security. It’s a simple DIY project to replace the patio door lock. It’s all you need are just a few tools and a bit of time.
Start by examining the lock to determine what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch fails the latch could be bent too far to work properly. If this is the case, you should replace the latch using a mortise locking system to ensure it’s as solid and secure as you can.
Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you’re not sure in tackling this DIY task. They’ll have the expertise and tools to complete the job correctly and make sure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door.
Routine maintenance is the key to keep your patio door lock working properly. Check that the handle and knobs aren’t loose and, if they are, tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least every year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more frequently. It is important to use a lubricant that has been specifically designed for locks (WD-40’s Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For best results apply the lubricant direct to the key hole of the lock mechanism.