How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good working in good order will safeguard your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements may cause the doors and their locks to be damaged or misaligned.
You can repair your patio door lock on your own if it is not working correctly. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway, and handle.
Check the Lock
wood patio door repair doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and convenient location within a home. A lock that is functional and secure is important to ensure your home is safe. There are simple ways to
repair patio door locks that have stopped working.
First, examine the lock and ensure that there is nothing blocking it from latching or locking. It is important to deal with any issues you spot like loose screws or rust. In some cases an adjustment of just a few inches to the location of the patio door could suffice to solve the issue.
Another common issue is dust or debris that could cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. Clean your patio door and clean the lock hardware frequently to avoid this. You can use a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but be sure to dry the lock thoroughly 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 like those of a fine-tuned machine, so they can get stuck and jammed just like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a small amount of lubricant, can be used to clean any dirt or debris from the lock's cylinder. This will ensure that it is running smoothly.
The exact dimensions of your patio door lock is important. This will help you choose an appropriate lock that is compatible with the existing mechanism. If you're unsure of how to do it, contact a professional locksmith or tradesperson for assistance.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock can become jammed due to dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These issues can compromise your home's security. These issues are simple to solve if you know how to do.
Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Clean any stains and debris using a damp cloth. 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.
The majority of patio doors have a mortise lock that is safe but is susceptible to problems in the course of time. If your uPVC lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For a uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in the position. After removing the latch plate and handle, you can remove it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch has been removed and lubricated, you can apply with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't own WD40 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to eliminate dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work, you might need to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and is best done by an expert. You can try shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are located that secure the cylinder.
Lubricate the Lock
After your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time for lubrication of the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant helps keep your lock in good shape, extending its lifespan.
Dry graphite is a great option to lubricate tiny metal parts, like locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It also lasts longer than liquids. It's easy 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 may be more effective than graphite powder, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and do not attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They work well in both low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants could cause accumulation over time and could replace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they're long-lasting and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also excellent for cold environments, as they can prevent ice buildup inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a new cylinder matched to the keys you have. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with a lock cylinder or faceplate, a professional can install it to improve security and security. They can also install an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If lubricating the lock and cleaning it doesn't work, the issue could be that the latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or frame of the door. Open the
sliding patio doors repair patio door and examine the top and bottom of the latch opening. If the door is parallel to the frame or jamb and you are able to check, then it is. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch body
tilt and slide patio door repairs near me adjust it up or down until the lock latch catches the latch tightly when the door is closed.
Sometimes the latch can be difficult to close because of a worn-out cylinder. It is necessary to replace the cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. You should choose a cylinder that has the same keyway and dimensions as the one you had previously. This allows you to change it quickly by unscrewing the two halves before inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your current cylinder to purchase an alternative. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then, visit the local hardware store for assistance.
When you have a new cylinder, loosen the flat screw that is holding it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame using a screwdriver. Put the screw in a secure location so 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 of the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't working properly can cause serious danger to your security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to get stuck inside the lock's mechanisms however if the issue isn't addressed promptly, the lock can eventually break down and no longer provide security. It's a straightforward DIY project to replace the patio door lock. You'll only need a few tools and some time.
Start by inspecting the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch does not work, it may be bent too far to perform as it should. If this is the case, replace the lock latch using a mortise locking system to ensure that it's as secure and strong as you can.
If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project on your own contact a locksmith or door hardware specialist to help you with the installation of an entirely new lock. They'll have the expertise and tools to do it properly and ensure that the new lock will work with your patio door.
