Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Improve Your Life
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good condition to safeguard your home against unwanted intruders. However, the elements may cause the doors and their locks to be misaligned or damaged.
You can repair patio doors your patio door lock yourself when it's not working correctly. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway, and latch.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge glass patio door repair size and their central location within a home. It is essential that your locks work properly to ensure your home is safe. Fortunately, there are easy ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that aren't functioning properly.
The first step is to inspect the lock to see if anything is hindering it from locking or latching. If you find any issues, such as loose screws or rust, or misalignment, these should be addressed promptly. In some cases an adjustment of just a few inches to the location of the patio door might suffice to resolve the problem.
Another common issue is debris or dust that could cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. Clean your patio door and clean all hardware of the lock regularly to avoid this. If needed, you can use a mild soap solution. However, you must be sure that you dry the lock completely afterward.
It is also a good idea to that you regularly lubricate your lock. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio glass repair door lock are similar to those of a fine-tuned machine, and they could be jammed and stuck just as any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help to dislodge any dirt or debris that has accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and help keep it running smoothly.
The exact dimensions of the patio door lock is important. This will allow you to find an appropriate lock that is compatible with the existing mechanism. If you are unsure about how to accomplish this, it is advisable to contact a locksmith or professional tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock could become jammed due to dust, dirt and cold and hot weather. These issues can affect the security of your home. However, it's not difficult to fix these issues when you know how to repair tilt and slide patio door.
Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Wipe away any stains and debris using a damp cloth. 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, let them dry completely before using them again.
Most patio doors are secured using a mortise locking system. This is a secure lock, but it is susceptible to issues over time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For the uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a little of soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in the position. After you have removed the latch plate and handle then you can take it from its slot on 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 alternative, you could use graphite pencils to help get rid of any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it is possible to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without needing 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 of debris and dirt it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant helps keep your lock in top shape, extending its lifespan.
Dry graphite is an excellent way to lubricate small metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also more durable than liquids. It's simple to use and is suitable for use on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants may be more effective than graphite powder particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and won't attract as much dust and dirt as other liquid fluids. They are effective in both low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants accumulate over time, and displace other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon lubricants can be an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants as they are long-lasting and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also excellent for cold environments, as they can help prevent ice accumulation inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with the new cylinder that matches your existing keys. They can also make repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. If your door does not have an cylinder for your lock, a professional can replace it to improve security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door to are compatible with the rest of the door.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If lubricating the lock and cleaning it do not perform, the issue could be that the door's latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or door frame. To determine this you need to open the sliding patio door and sight upwards and downwards from the opening of the latch to see 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 latch catches the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is closed.
The latch may also be difficult to close because the cylinder is worn. You'll need a replacement cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. It's important to choose an alternative cylinder that is the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same keyway, so that you can easily replace it by screwing the two halves of the lock to one side and inserting the new cylinder.
You can purchase replacement cylinders in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of your current cylinder so you can buy one that is compatible with it. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then, visit the local hardware store for help.
Once you have the new cylinder installed, unscrew it from the flat screw holding it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame with the screwdriver. Place the screw in a safe place to ensure that you don't lose it or damage 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's not functioning properly can be an extremely risk to security. It's not common for dirt and other debris to become lodged in the lock's mechanisms however if the issue isn't addressed quickly enough the lock could eventually break down and no longer provide security. It's a straightforward DIY project to change the patio door lock. It's all you need are just a few tools and a bit of time.
Begin by inspecting the lock and determining what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the latch could be bent too much to function properly. In this instance it is recommended to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure it is as secure and strong as is possible.
Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're unsure about undertaking this DIY project. They will have all the equipment and know-how to install the lock properly.
Routine maintenance is essential to keep your patio door lock operating effectively. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is important to select a lubricant which is specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to get the best results.