Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Improve Your Life
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good working condition to protect your home from unwanted intruders. fix patio door www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors as well as their locks.
You can repair your patio door lock yourself when it's not functioning properly. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway and handle.
Check the lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their huge glass size and their convenient position within a home. A lock that is functional and secure is essential to ensure that your home is safe. Fortunately, there are simple ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly.
The first step is to examine the lock to see if anything is preventing it from latching or locking. You should take care to address any issues you discover such as loose screws or rust. In some instances, a slight adjustment to the patio door's position may be sufficient to fix the problem.
Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism not to work properly. To avoid this happening, ensure that you clean your patio door on a regular basis and wipe down the lock hardware. You can use a mild detergent solution when needed, but ensure that you dry the lock completely afterward.
It is also a good idea to to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like the parts of a fine-tuned machine, and they could become stuck and jammed as any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant can help to dislodge any dirt or debris that has collected within the lock cylinder and keep it operating smoothly.
The exact dimensions of your patio door lock is crucial. This will help you find the perfect lock to match your current mechanism. If you aren't sure how to go about this, it's best to talk to a locksmith or professional tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock could jam up over time due to dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These problems can threaten your security at home. These issues are easy to solve if you know how to do.
Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. Using a damp cloth, clean any dirt or stains that could hinder your lock from functioning properly. Make use of hot soapy water and a bit of grit to clean the lock mechanism. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before using them again.
The majority of patio doors have mortise locks that is secure, but is susceptible to problems in the course of time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Then, take off the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. After you have removed the latch handle and plate then you can take it from its slot on 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 have a WD40 alternative, you could try using a graphite pencil to help dislodge any grit or dirt within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you might need to move the locks cylinders. This requires additional tools and should be handled by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without having to take it off 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 locking cylinder are located.
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 right kind of lubricant helps keep your lock in top shape, which will extend its life.
Dry graphite powder is ideal to lubricate small metal parts like locks because it's not oily or sticky and lasts for longer than liquid greases. It's easy to apply, and you can also use it on sliding doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants may be more efficient than graphite powder particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and won't attract as much dust and dirt as other types of liquid fluids. They work well at high and low temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can accumulate over time, and displace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants since they're long-lasting and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also good for colder environments since they can help stop the accumulation of ice within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it's likely to be worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with the new cylinder that matches your existing keys. They can also make repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if your door does not have one. This will increase safety 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 cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it don't work, the issue could be that the door latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. Open the sliding patio door, and look up and down at the opening of the latch. If the door is aligned with the jamb or the frame then you can test. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the latch is firmly grasping the latch's hasp when the door is closed.
Sometimes the latch is difficult to close due to a worn-out cylinder. You'll need a replacement for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. You should select a cylinder that has the same keyway and dimensions like the one that came before it. This allows you to replace it easily by unbolting the two halves before inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll be required to know the name and model of your existing cylinder in order to buy one that matches it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer then take a photo of the cylinder along with its mounting screws, and then go to an hardware store for assistance.
Once you have a new cylinder, unscrew the flat screw that is holding it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame with the screwdriver. Place the screw in a safe place so you don't loose 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 let it loose enough to rotate the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that's not working properly could pose a serious security risk. Dirt and debris can get stuck within the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't taken care of promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and will no will be able to provide security. It's a simple DIY task to replace the patio door lock. You only need just a few tools and a bit of time.
Begin by looking at the lock to see what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch fails the latch could be bent too far to perform as it should. In this instance, it would be best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure that it is as secure and strong as is possible.
Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're unsure about undertaking this DIY project. They'll have all the tools and experience to properly install the lock.
Maintaining your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Verify that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are subject to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more often. It is crucial to select a lubricant which is specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). To get the best results apply the lubricant direct to the key hole of the lock mechanism.