Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Help You Live Better
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good in good condition will safeguard your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements could cause the doors and locks to be damaged or misaligned.
If your patio door lock doesn't work properly it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway and handle.
Check the lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge quantity of glass and their convenient location within a home. It is essential that your locks work correctly to keep your home safe. Luckily, there are some simple ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that aren't functioning properly.
The first step is to inspect the lock to make sure nothing is preventing it from latching or locking. You must address any issues you find such as loose screws or rust. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the patio door's position may suffice to resolve the issue.
Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to fail to function properly. To avoid this happening, make sure to clean your patio door regularly and wipe down the lock's hardware. You can apply a mild detergent solution if necessary, but always be sure to dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
It is also a good idea to to regularly oil your lock. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a finely tuned machine, so they can get stuck and jammed just like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant, can be used to clean any dirt or debris from the lock cylinder. This will ensure that it is functioning smoothly.
It is important to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you find an appropriate lock that is compatible with your current mechanism. If you are unsure about how to do this, it is advisable to speak with an expert locksmith or tradesperson for assistance.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock may get jammed over time due to dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These problems can compromise your home's security. These problems are easy to solve if you know how to do.
Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Wipe away any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to clean the mechanism of your lock and wash away any grime or grit that has built up over time. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before using them again.
The majority of patio door repair service doors are secured using mortise locking mechanisms. This is a secure lock, but it can also cause issues over time. If your uPVC lock is stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For the uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a little of soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in the position. After removing the latch plate and handle and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch is removed it is possible to lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil like WD40. If you don't own WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to clean dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you might need to move the your lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be performed by a professional. You can try repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, and then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that keep the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is free of debris and dirt, it's a good time to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant will keep your lock in top condition, and extends its life.
Dry graphite powder is excellent to lubricate small metal parts such as locks, because it's not sticky or oily and lasts for longer than liquid lubricants. 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-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants can be more effective than graphite powder particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and will not attract as much dust or dirt as other kinds of liquid lubricants. They are suitable for both low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may build up over time, and displace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon lubricants can be an excellent substitute for silicone lubricants, since they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also good for cold environments because they can prevent ice from building up inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will take apart the lock mechanism and install an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your existing keys. They can also repair patio doors (visit the following post) and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if the door isn't equipped with one. This can increase safety and security. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door that match the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it do not work, the issue could be that the door latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. Open the sliding glass patio door repair patio door and look up and down at the opening of the latch. If the door is aligned with the frame or jamb and you are able to check, then it is. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it up or down until the lock latch catches the latch tightly when the door is shut.
Sometimes, the latch is difficult to close because of a worn-out cylinder. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, which is why you'll require a replacement. You should choose a cylinder with the same keyway and dimensions like the one that came before it. This will allow you to replace it easily by removing the two halves and putting in the new cylinder.
You can find replacement cylinders in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of the existing cylinder to buy the replacement. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then go to your local hardware store for assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder installed remove it from the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Put the screw in a safe location so that you don't lose 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 doors repair door lock that's not functioning properly could pose an extremely risk to security. Dirt and debris can get caught in the lock mechanisms. If this issue isn't taken care of promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and no longer offer security. It's a simple DIY task to change the patio door lock. You only need a few tools and some time.
Begin by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch does not work the latch could be bent to far to function properly. If this is the case, replace the lock latch with mortise locking to ensure that it's as secure and strong as you can.
If you're not confident in tackling this DIY task yourself seek out a locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you in the installation of a new lock. They will have all the equipment and know-how to install the lock correctly.
Keeping your patio door lock in good working condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Check that the knobs and handles aren't loose, and if they are tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks subject to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated regularly. It is crucial to choose a lubricant that has been specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism for the best results.