Everything You Need To Learn About Repair Patio Door
From Shiapedia
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Lock Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good condition to guard your home against unwanted intruders. However, the elements could cause the doors and their locks to become damaged or misaligned.
If your patio door lock does not work properly it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway and latch.
Check the lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their large quantity of glass and their convenient location within a home. A lock that is functional and secure is important to ensure your home is safe. There are simple ways to repair patio door locks that have stopped working.
The first step is to examine the lock to see if anything hinders it from latching or locking. It is important to address any issues you find like loose screws or rust. In some cases an adjustment of just a few inches to the position of the patio door could be enough to fix the problem.
Another common issue is dust or debris that can cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down the lock hardware frequently to prevent this. You can apply a mild detergent solution if necessary, but always be sure to dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
In addition, it is recommended to oil the lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are similar to those used in a machine that is finely tuned. They can jam and become stuck as with any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant can be used to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock cylinder. This will help keep it running smoothly.
Identifying the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is also important. This can help you choose a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the current mechanism. If you're unsure of how to do it you can contact a professional locksmith or tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock may become jammed due to dust, dirt and cold and hot weather. These issues could compromise your home's security. These problems are easy to fix if you know what to do.
Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Using a damp cloth, wipe away any stains or debris that may be hindering your lock from working correctly. Use soapy water with hot water and a small amount of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors use mortise locks, which is secure however, it is susceptible to problems in the course of time. If you're uPVC locks have become stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Then, take off the screws that are holding the body of the latch in the position. After you have removed the latch plate and handle then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch is detached it is possible to lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't own WD40, you can also try using a graphite pencil to get rid of any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you might need to move the your lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be handled by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without needing to remove it from the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is free of debris and dirt it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its life.
Dry graphite is a fantastic option to lubricate tiny metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It also lasts longer than liquids. It's easy to apply and you can apply it to sliding doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants can be more efficient than graphite powder especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They are effective at both high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants accumulate over time, and can displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants because they're long-lasting and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also ideal for cold climates, since they can help prevent ice accumulation within the lock.
If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's probably worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with the keys you have. They can also perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if your door does not have one. This will increase security and safety. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door to are in keeping with the rest of the door.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock and lubricating it do not perform, the issue could be that the latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or door frame. Open the sliding patio door repairs near me patio door frame repair doors and take a look upwards and downwards at the latch opening. If the door is aligned with the jamb or the frame, then you can check. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch is able to catch the latch tightly when the door is closed.
The latch may also be difficult to close because the cylinder is worn out. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, which is why you'll require a replacement. It is essential to select an alternative cylinder that is exactly the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same keyway, so you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new cylinder.
There are replacement cylinders available in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll need to know the brand and model of the existing cylinder in order to buy one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number, take a picture of the cylinder and its mounting screws and head to a hardware store to get help.
Once you have the new cylinder installed, unscrew it from the flat screw holding it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame with a screwdriver. Set the screw somewhere secure 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 of the door) and loosen it enough to turn the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock not functioning properly could cause serious danger to your security. Dirt and debris can get caught within the lock mechanism. If this is not taken care of immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and won't will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires only some tools and a bit of time.
Begin by looking at the lock to see what is causing the problem. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the lock latch may be too bent to work properly. In this case, it would be best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure that it's as strong tilt and slide patio door repairs near me secure as possible.
If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project on your own, consult with an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you with the installation of an entirely new lock. They will have all the tools and experience to properly install the lock.
Maintaining your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is crucial to use a lubricant that is specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). To get the best results, apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.
