Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Help You Live Better
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Doors patio door repair company Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good in good condition will safeguard your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to your patio doors and their locks.
You can fix your patio door lock yourself in the event that it isn't working properly. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway and latch.
Check the Lock
patio glass repair doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of the large amount of glass and their central place within a house. It is crucial that your locks work properly to ensure your home is secure. There are a few easy solutions to fix patio door locks that have stopped working.
The first step is to check the lock to ensure nothing hinders it from locking or latching. It is important to address any issues you find like loose screws or corrosion. In some instances, a slight adjustment to the door's location could be sufficient to fix the problem.
Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism to fail to work properly. Clean your patio door handle repair near me door and wipe down all lock hardware regularly to prevent this. You can apply a mild detergent solution when needed, but remember to dry the lock completely afterward.
In addition, it's recommended to oil the lock on a regular basis. 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 light lubricant will help dislodge any dirt or debris that has accumulated inside the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly.
The exact dimensions of the patio door lock is crucial. This will help you find a lock that perfectly matches your current mechanism. If you're not sure how to go about this, it is advisable to speak with an expert locksmith or tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock could become jammed due to dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These issues can affect the security of your home. But it's simple to fix these problems if you know how.
Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, clean any dirt or stains that might hinder your lock from functioning properly. Use soapy water with hot water and a small amount of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again.
Most patio doors are secured using mortise locking systems. This is a secure lock, but it is susceptible to problems in time. If you find that your uPVC locks have become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to loosen the screws that secure the latch body in the position. After you have removed the latch handle and plate then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.
After the latch has been removed and lubricated, you can apply using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have WD40 or similar product, you can try using a graphite pencil to dislodge any grit or dirt in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work it may be necessary to relocate the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be handled by an expert. However, you can practice shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by opening and closing the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws keep the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
If your lock is clean from dirt and debris It's the perfect time to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant can keep your lock in top shape, which will extend its life.
Dry graphite powder is excellent to lubricate small metal parts like locks since it's not sticky or oily and lasts for longer than liquid fluid lubricants. It's easy to use and is suitable for use 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 efficient than graphite powder particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They work well in both low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants can cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may replace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon lubricants can be a good alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also good for colder environments since they can keep ice from accumulating within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will remove 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 does not have an cylinder for your lock or faceplate, a professional can install it to improve security and safety. They can also put an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating it does not work, the issue could be that the latch on the door is not properly aligned with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio door, and examine the top and bottom of the latch opening. If the door is aligned with the frame or jamb then you can test. If not, loosen the screws fixing the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the latch is firmly catching the latch hasp when the door is closed.
Sometimes, the latch isn't closing properly because of a worn-out cylinder. 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 exactly the same size as the old one and has the same style keyway, so that you can easily replace it by screwing the two parts of the lock apart and inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll need the name and model number of the existing cylindrical to purchase an alternative. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then visit your local hardware store for help.
Once you have the new cylinder installed take it off the flat screw holding it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure to ensure you don't lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout in the door) and let it loose enough to rotate the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could pose a serious security risk. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to get lodged inside the lock mechanisms If this isn't addressed quickly enough, the lock can eventually fail and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires some tools and a bit of time.
Begin by inspecting the lock and determining what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch doesn't work the latch could be bent to far to function properly. If this is the case, you should replace the latch using mortise locking systems to ensure that it's as secure and strong as you can.
Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're unsure in tackling this DIY task. They'll have all the equipment and know-how to install the lock correctly.
Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock working effectively. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and, if they are, tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more often. It is essential to choose a lubricant that is specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism for best results.