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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good working in good order will keep your home safe from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors as well as their locks.
You can repair 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.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their large amount of glass and the convenient position within a home. It is important that your locks work properly to ensure your home is safe. Fortunately, there are simple ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly.
The first step is to inspect the lock to see if anything hinders it from locking or latching. It is important to address any issues you find such as loose screws or rust. In some cases an adjustment of the door's location could be enough to solve the problem.
Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism not to perform as it should. To avoid this occurring, be sure to clean your patio door regularly and clean the lock's hardware. If you need to, apply mild soap. But, be sure that you dry the lock completely afterwards.
It is also a good idea that you regularly lubricate your lock. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to the parts of a fine-tuned machine, so they can become stuck and jammed as any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant can help get rid of any dirt or debris that may have accumulated inside the lock cylinder and ensure that it is operating efficiently.
It is crucial to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will allow you to find the perfect lock to match your current mechanism. If you're not sure how to proceed you can contact a professional locksmith or tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate components of the door lock to become jammed. These issues can affect your home's security. These issues are simple to fix if you know what to do.
Before making any repairs, first clean your lock. Utilizing patio doors repairs near me , clean cloth, clean any stains or debris that could hinder your lock from working properly. Use hot soapy water and a bit of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before using them again.
The majority of patio doors have a mortise lock, which is secure but is susceptible to issues in the course of time. If your uPVC locks are stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. For a uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of hot soapy water. The next step is to loosen the screws that secure the latch body in place. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you'll be ready to take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.
After the latch has been removed it is possible to lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't have WD40 alternative, you could try using a graphite pencil to help dislodge any grit or dirt in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may need to reposition your 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 lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame where the screws holding the locking cylinder are located.
Lubricate the Lock
If your lock is clean from dirt and debris It's the perfect time to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant will keep your lock in good condition, and extends its life.
Dry graphite is a great method to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also more durable than liquids. It's simple to use and can be utilized on sliding doors tracks for garage doors, and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants can be more effective than graphite especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other types of liquid fluids. They are suitable for low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants could cause buildup over time and can replace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants because they're long-lasting and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also excellent for cold conditions, since they prevent the build-up of ice within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with a a new cylinder matched to your existing keys. They can also make repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. If your door does not have the lock cylinder or faceplate, a professional can install it to improve security and safety. They can also put a new lock faceplate on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating it do not work, then the issue could be due to the latch on the door isn't properly aligned with the frame or jamb. To test this, open the sliding patio door, and look up and down from the latch opening to determine if the door is parallel with the frame or jamb. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch catches the latch tightly when the door is closed.
Sometimes, the latch is difficult to close because of a worn-out cylinder. It is necessary to replace the for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. You should choose one with the same keyway and size as the previous one. This will allow you to replace it with ease by unbolting the two halves before inserting the new cylinder.
There are replacement cylinders available at a variety of home improvement stores. You'll be required to know the name and model of your current cylinder to be able to purchase one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number, take a picture of the cylinder and its mounting screws and go to an hardware store for help.
Once you have the new cylinder installed, unscrew it from the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Place the screw in a safe place so that you aren't able to lose it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout inside the door) and then loosen it enough to turn the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock not working properly can cause serious danger to your security. Dirt and debris could get stuck in the lock mechanism. If this is not treated immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and no will be able to provide security. It's a simple DIY task to replace the patio door lock. You'll only need a few tools and some time.
Begin by looking at the lock to determine what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch does not work, it may be bent too far to perform as it should. In this instance, it would be best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure that it's as strong and secure as it can be.
Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're not confident in tackling this DIY task. They will have the experience and tools to do it properly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door.
Maintaining your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Make sure that the knobs and handle aren't loose and if they're, 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 regularly. It is essential to use a lubricant that is specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism for the best results.
