How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good working in good order will keep your home safe from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements can cause the doors and locks to become damaged or misaligned.
If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to the large amount of glass and their central position within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore important to ensure your home is safe. There are easy ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly.
The first step is to inspect the lock and ensure that nothing is blocking it from locking or latching. You must address any issues you find, such as loose screws or rust. In some cases, a slight adjustment to the door's location could be sufficient to fix the problem.
Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism not to perform as it should. Clean your patio door and wipe down all lock hardware regularly to prevent this. You can apply a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterwards.
It is also a good idea to that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a fine-tuned machine, which means that they can get stuck and jammed just like any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant can help get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and keep it operating smoothly.
Identifying the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also crucial. This can help you choose an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with the current mechanism. If you're unsure of how to do it get help, consult a professional tradesperson or locksmith to get help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock may jam up over time due to dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues could compromise your home security. These issues are easy to solve if you know how to do.
Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. Wipe away any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Make use of hot soapy water and a little grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are secured by mortise locking systems. This is a safe lock but can develop problems 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 using a small amount of hot soapy water. The next step is to loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place. With the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be able to remove the latch from its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch is removed and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock using a light engineering oil like WD40. If you don't have WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to eliminate dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work it may be necessary to reposition the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by a professional. 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, after which drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are located that 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 as well as the locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant helps keep your lock in top shape, extending its lifespan.
Dry graphite is a great method to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also more durable than liquids. It is 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-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and will not attract as much dust or dirt as other liquid lubricants. They are suitable for high and low temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants could cause accumulation over time and could displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon oil can be an ideal alternative to silicone lubricants as they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also great for cold environments because they'll prevent ice from building up inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith will take apart the lock mechanism and put in an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your existing keys. They can also make repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with a lock cylinder or faceplate, a professional can install it to increase security and safety. replacement patio door Repair My Windows And Doors can also put an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating it does not work, the issue could be due to the latch on the door is not aligned correctly with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio doors and look up and down at the opening for the latch. If the door is parallel to the frame or jamb then you can test. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch catches the latch hasp tightly when the door is closed.
Sometimes the latch can be difficult to close because of a worn-out cylinder. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, and you'll need a replacement. You should choose a cylinder that has the same keyway and dimensions like the one that came before it. This allows you to change it quickly by unbolting the two halves before inserting the replacement cylinder.
There are replacement cylinders available at many home improvement stores. You'll need the name and model number of your existing cylinder to purchase a replacement. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number then take a photo of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws, and then go to the hardware store for assistance.
If you have a brand new cylinder, loosen the screw with a flat head that is holding it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Place the screw in a safe place so you aren't able to 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's not functioning properly could pose an extremely risk to security. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to become lodged in the lock mechanisms, but if this isn't addressed promptly the lock will eventually fail and no longer provide security. It's a simple DIY project to change the patio door lock. You'll only need a few tools and some time.
Begin by examining the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch doesn't work the latch could be bent to far to work properly. In this instance it's best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure that it is as secure and strong as possible.
Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're not sure about undertaking this DIY project. They'll have the tools and experience to install the lock correctly.
Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock operating correctly. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose, and if they are, tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least once per year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant is important, so be sure to select one that's specifically designed to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve the best results.