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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good working in good order will protect your home from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements may cause the doors and locks to become damaged or misaligned.
You can repair your patio door lock yourself when it's not working correctly. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their large amount of glass and convenient location within a home. It is important that your locks work properly to keep your home secure. There are easy ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that aren't functioning properly.
The first step is to inspect the lock and ensure that there is nothing that is hindering it from latching or locking. You should deal with any issues you spot, such as loose screws or corrosion. In some instances, a small adjustment to the position of the patio door might suffice to resolve the problem.
Another common issue is dust or debris that can cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. To prevent this from happening, ensure that you clean your patio door regularly and wipe down the lock's hardware. If you need to, apply a mild soap solution. However, you must be sure to dry the lock completely afterwards.
Additionally, it's recommended to oil the lock regularly. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are similar to those in a machine that is finely tuned. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck like any mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant can help to remove any dirt or debris that has collected in the lock's cylinder, and keep it operating smoothly.
The exact dimensions of the patio door lock is important. This will help you choose the perfect lock to match the existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to do it, contact a professional locksmith or tradesperson 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 blocked. These problems can threaten your home's security. But it's simple to fix these issues when you know how.
Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Wipe away any stains and debris with a moist cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a little 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 by mortise locking mechanisms. This is a secure lock but can develop issues with time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that hold the body of the latch in place. After removing the latch plate and handle, you can remove it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch is removed, 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 remove dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it is possible to relocate the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be handled by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without having to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame where the screws that hold the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to lubricate both the lock and the keyhole themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant will keep your lock in top shape, which will extend its life.
Dry graphite powder is great for lubricating small metal parts like locks since it's not oily or sticky and lasts longer than liquid lubricants. It's simple to use and can be utilized on sliding doors tracks for garage doors, and door hinges. sliding patio door repair suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants may be more efficient than graphite powder especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They work well at high and low temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants may create the formation of a buildup over time, and may replace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon oil can be a good substitute for silicone lubricants, as they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also good for colder environments since they can stop the accumulation of ice within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will take apart the lock mechanism and put in the cylinder of a new model that matches your current keys. They can also make repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. If your door doesn't have a lock cylinder, a professional can replace it to improve security and safety. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door to are in keeping with the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating the door does not work, the problem could be that the latch on the door isn't aligned properly with the frame or jamb. To test this, open the sliding patio door, and look up and down from the latch opening to see whether the door is in line with the frame or jamb. If not, loosen screws that hold the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the latch is firmly catching the latch hasp when the door is closed.
Sometimes, the latch can be difficult to close because of a worn-out cylinder. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, and you'll require an alternate. It is essential to select a new cylinder that is the same size as the previous one and has the same style keyway, so you can easily replace it by screwing the two parts of the lock apart and then inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll be required to know the name and model of your existing cylinder to be able to purchase one that matches it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer then take a photo of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws and head to an hardware store for assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder in place remove it from the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Place the screw in a secure place so you don't loose or damage it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout in the door) and loosen it enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could pose a serious security risk. Dirt and debris can get caught in the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't addressed promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and won't will be able to provide security. It's a simple DIY project to replace the patio door lock. You'll only need just a few tools and a bit of time.
Start by inspecting the lock to determine what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch doesn't work the latch could be bent to far to perform as it should. If this is the case, replace the lock latch with mortise locking systems to ensure it's as secure and strong as it can be.
Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're not confident about undertaking this DIY project. They will have all the tools and expertise needed to install the lock correctly.
Maintaining your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Make sure that the knobs and handles aren't loose, and if they are tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to keep it from squeezing or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant you use is vital, so be sure to choose one that's specifically designed to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). For best results apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.
