Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Improve Your Life
How to Troubleshoot and Repair patio Doors Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in good working condition to protect your home against unwanted intruders. However, the elements could cause the doors and locks to become misaligned or damaged.
If your patio door lock does not perform as it should, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway, and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and convenient position within a house. It is important that your locks work properly to keep your home safe. There are simple methods to repair patio door locks that have stopped working.
The first step is to inspect the lock and make sure there is nothing blocking it from locking or latching. If you notice any issues like loose screws or rust, or misalignment, these should be addressed promptly. In some cases, a slight adjustment to the door's location could be enough to solve the problem.
Another common issue is debris or dust that could cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. Clean your patio door and clean all hardware of the lock regularly to prevent this. If necessary, you can apply a mild soap solution. However, you must be sure to dry the lock completely afterward.
It is also a good idea to that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio screen door repair near me lock are comparable to those in a precision-tuned machine. They can jam and become stuck as with any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and help keep it running smoothly.
It is essential to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you locate the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you aren't sure how to do this, it is advisable to contact a locksmith or professional tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the intricate components of the door lock to become blocked. These issues can compromise your home security. However, it's not difficult to fix these issues If you know how.
Before making any repairs, clean your lock. With a damp cloth, remove any stains or debris that could be preventing your lock from working properly. Use hot soapy water and a little 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 with mortise locking mechanisms. This is a safe lock but can develop problems over time. If your uPVC locks have become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to unfasten the screws that hold the latch body in the position. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you'll be ready to remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch is removed then you can lubricate it by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't own WD40 alternative, you could use a graphite pencil to get rid of any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you might need to move the your lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and is best done 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 the lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws that hold the cylinder in place are.
Lubricate the Lock
Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time for lubrication of the keyhole and the locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant can keep your lock in top shape, which will extend its life.
Dry graphite powder is ideal to lubricate small metal parts such as locks, because it's not oily or sticky, and it lasts longer than liquid greases. It's easy to apply and you can use it on sliding patio door repairs 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 are more effective than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They are suitable for high and low temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants may create the formation of a buildup over time, and may displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon Lubricants are an ideal substitute for silicone lubricants, because they last longer and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also great for cold climates since they'll keep ice from accumulating within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it is probably worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your keys. They can also repair patio door lock or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with the lock cylinder an expert can replace it to improve security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door to match the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning it and lubricating it does not work, the problem could be that the latch on the door is not aligned properly with the jamb or frame. To determine this, open the sliding wood patio door repair door and sight upwards and downwards from the opening of the latch to determine if the door is parallel to the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it up or down until the latch is able to catch the latch hasp tightly when the door is closed.
The latch can also be difficult to close as the cylinder has worn out. You'll need a replacement cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is recommended to select a cylinder with the same keyway and size like the one that came before it. This allows you to replace it with ease by unscrewing the two halves before 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 the existing cylinder in order to buy one that is compatible with it. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then visit your local hardware store for help.
Once you have a new cylinder, remove the screw with a flat head that holds it in place, and remove the escutcheon plate. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame using a screwdriver. Put the screw somewhere safe so that you aren't able to lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole in the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could be a major risk to your security. Dirt and debris could get stuck in the lock mechanism. If this is not addressed immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and won't longer offer security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires a few tools and little time.
Begin by looking at the lock to determine what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch does not work, it may be bent too far to function properly. In this instance it's best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure it's as sturdy and secure as it can be.
If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project yourself contact an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you in the installation of the new lock. They will have all the tools and experience to install the lock properly.
Maintaining your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Verify that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate the lock at least every year to keep it from squeezing or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks exposed to heavy use or extreme weather 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). To get the best results, apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.