Repair Patio Door: The Secret Life Of Repair Patio Door
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in good condition to safeguard your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements may cause the doors and their locks to become misaligned or damaged.
You can repair your patio door lock yourself if it is not working properly. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway and latch.
Check the lock
patio doors repairs near me doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and the convenient position within a home. A lock that is functional and secure is important to ensure your home's security. There are easy ways to repair patio sliding doors repair door locks that have stopped functioning.
First, examine the lock and make sure there is nothing blocking it from locking or latching. If you notice any issues such as loose screws or rust, or misalignment, these should be addressed immediately. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the location of the patio door could suffice to solve the issue.
Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to perform as it should. To avoid this occurring, be sure to clean your patio door on a regular basis and clean the lock hardware. You can apply a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but remember to dry the lock completely afterward.
It is also a good idea to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio doors repairs lock are similar to those used 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 will help get rid of any dirt or debris that has collected in the lock's cylinder, and ensure that it is operating efficiently.
Knowing the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is crucial. This can help you find a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you aren't sure How To Repair Patio Door Lock to accomplish this, it's best to speak with a locksmith or professional tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock could get jammed over time because of dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These problems can compromise your home's security. But it's simple to fix these issues if you know how.
Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, clean any dirt or stains that might hinder your lock from functioning properly. Then, use a little hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any dirt or grime that has built up over time. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are secured with mortise locking mechanisms. This is a safe lock, but it can also cause issues with time. If your uPVC lock is stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For the uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of soapy water. The next step is to remove the screws that keep the latch in the position. With the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be ready to remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch is removed it is possible to lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't own WD40 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to clean dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work it is possible to reposition the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by an expert. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without having to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame inside the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is free from dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant helps keep your lock in top condition, and extends its life.
Dry graphite powder is ideal for lubricating small metal parts such as locks, because it's not sticky or oily and lasts for longer than liquid greases. It's easy to use and can be used on sliding doors tracks for garage doors, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and don't attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They are efficient at high and low temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants can cause accumulation over time and could be displaced by other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants because they last for a long time and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also ideal for cold climates, since they can help prevent ice accumulation inside the lock.
If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door doesn't have the lock cylinder or faceplate, a professional can install it to increase security and safety. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your aluminium patio door repairs door to are compatible with the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If lubricating the lock and cleaning it doesn't work, the problem may be that the latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the frame of the door. Open the sliding glass patio door repair patio doors and examine the top and bottom of the latch opening. If the door is in line with the jamb or the frame and you are able to check, then it is. If not, loosen screws holding the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch's hasp as the door is closed.
The latch can also be difficult to close as the cylinder has worn out. It is necessary to replace the cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. You should choose a cylinder with the same keyway and size like the one that came before it. This will allow you to replace it easily by unbolting the two halves and inserting the new cylinder.
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 matches it. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then go to your local hardware store for help.
Once you have the new cylinder in place take it off the flat screw holding it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame with a screwdriver. Set the screw somewhere secure so you do not lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout of the door) and loosen it enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock not working properly can pose a serious risk to your security. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to get stuck inside the lock mechanisms, but if this isn't addressed quickly enough, the lock can eventually break down and stop providing security. It's a simple DIY project to change the patio door lock. You only need the tools you need and some time.
Begin by examining the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the lock latch may be bent too much to work properly. In this instance it's best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock so that it's as sturdy and secure as it can be.
If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY project on your own seek out an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to help you with the installation of an entirely new lock. They'll have the equipment and know-how to install the lock correctly.
Regular maintenance is the key to keep your patio door lock working properly. Check that the knobs and handle aren't loose, and if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate your lock at least every year to avoid it 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 for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve the best results.
