Ten Repair Patio Door-Related Stumbling Blocks You Should Not Share On Twitter
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in good condition to safeguard your home from intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to your patio doors and their locks.
If your patio door lock does not perform as it should You can make basic repairs at home. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway, and handle.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their huge glass size and their convenient location within a home. It is important that your locks function properly to ensure your home is safe. There are simple solutions to fix patio door locks which have stopped functioning.
The first step is to inspect the lock to ensure nothing hinders it from latching or locking. It is important to take care to address any issues you discover such as loose screws or rust. In some instances, a small adjustment to the location of the patio door may be enough to fix the issue.
Another issue that is common is debris or dust which can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To prevent this from happening, ensure that you clean your patio door frequently and clean the lock's hardware. You can use a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but remember to dry the lock thoroughly afterwards.
In addition, it is a good idea to lubricate the lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those in a machine that is finely tuned. They are susceptible to jamming and get stuck just like any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant will help get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated within the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly.
The exact dimensions of the patio door lock is important. This will help you find the perfect lock to match the existing mechanism. If you are unsure about how to do this, it's advisable to contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson for assistance.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather dust and dirt can cause the delicate parts of your door lock to become jammed. These problems can threaten your home security. However, it's not difficult to fix these issues if you know how.
Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Using a damp cloth, clean any debris or stains that might hinder your lock from working properly. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to clean the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any grime or grit that has built up over time. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again.
Most patio doors are fitted with mortise locks, which is secure but can be prone to problems over time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For an uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to loosen the screws that keep the latch in place. After removing the latch handle and plate and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame.
After the latch has been removed and lubricated, you can apply with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have WD40, a graphite pen can be used to remove any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it is possible to move the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be done by professionals. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without needing to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws that hold the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time for lubrication of the lock and the keyhole themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its lifespan.
Dry graphite is a great way to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It also lasts longer than liquids. It's easy to apply and you can use it on sliding doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants can be more efficient than graphite powder especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other kinds of liquid fluids. They work well in high and low temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants could cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may be displaced by other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon Lubricants are an excellent substitute for silicone lubricants, because they last longer and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also good for cold climates since they can help keep ice from accumulating inside the lock.
If your lock cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it is probably worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and put in an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your current keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if the door does not have one. This will improve security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that are compatible with the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock and lubricating it doesn't work, the problem may be that the door's latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or door frame. Open the sliding patio doors and examine the top and bottom of the opening of the latch. 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 downwards or upwards until the latch is firmly grasping the latch's hasp when the door is closed.
The latch may also be difficult to close due to the cylinder is worn. You'll need a replacement for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is essential to select a new cylinder that is the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same style keyway, so you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock apart and then inserting the new cylinder.
You can purchase replacement cylinders in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll be required to know the name and model of your existing cylinder so you can buy one that matches it. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then visit 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. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door as well as the door frame. Set the screw in a secure place to ensure that you don't lose it 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 then loosen it enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock not working properly can be a major risk to your security. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to become lodged in the lock's mechanisms, but if this isn't addressed quickly enough, the lock can eventually fail and stop providing security. It's a straightforward DIY project to change the patio door lock. You'll only need the tools you need and some time.
Begin by examining the lock to see what's causing the issue. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the lock latch may be too bent to perform as it should. If this is the case, replace the latch using mortise locking to ensure that it's as solid and secure as it can be.
Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're not sure about undertaking this DIY project. They'll have the tools and expertise needed to install the lock properly.
Keeping your patio door lock in good condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Check that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate repair patio door lock at least every year to avoid it getting stuck 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 has been specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve the best results.