Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Make Your Life Better
From Shiapedia
How to Troubleshoot and repair Patio doors Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in good working condition to protect your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements could cause the doors and their locks to become damaged or misaligned.
If your patio door lock doesn't work properly, you can make some 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 due to their huge amount of glass and convenient location within a home. It is important that your locks work properly to keep your home secure. There are simple methods to fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning.
The first step is to check the lock to make sure nothing is preventing it from latching or locking. It is important to address any issues you find such as loose screws or rust. In some cases, a slight adjustment to the door's location could be enough to solve the problem.
Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism not to perform as it should. Clean your patio door and clean all hardware of the lock regularly to prevent this. If you need to, use mild soap. However, you must be sure that the lock is dried completely afterward.
It is also a good idea that you regularly lubricate your lock. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a finely tuned machine, which means that they can be jammed and stuck just as any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant can be used to clean any debris or dirt from the lock cylinder. This will keep it running at a high speed.
It is essential to know the exact dimensions of the patio door repair service door lock. This can help you find an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to proceed you can contact a professional locksmith or tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock could get jammed over time because of dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These issues could compromise your home's security. But it's simple to fix these issues when you know how.
Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Clean any stains and debris using a damp cloth. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any dirt or grime that has built up over time. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio door repairs doors have a mortise lock, which is secure but is susceptible to issues in the course of time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Begin by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Then, take off the screws that hold the body of the latch in the position. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you can take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch is removed it is possible to lubricate the lock using an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have a WD40 alternative, you could use a graphite pencil to help get rid of any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work it may be necessary to reposition the lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and is best 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, then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that keep the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
If your lock is clean from dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant can keep your lock in top shape, extending its lifespan.
Dry graphite is an excellent method to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It also lasts longer than liquids. It's easy to apply, and you can also apply it to sliding patio door repairs 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 may be more effective than graphite powder particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and do not attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They work well at high and low temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants may create the formation of a buildup over time, and may be displaced by other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon Lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and do not attract dust or dirt. They're also ideal for cold conditions, since they prevent the build-up of ice within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith will take apart the lock mechanism and put in the cylinder of a new model that matches your existing keys. They can also perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. If your door doesn't have an cylinder for your lock, a professional can replace it to increase security and security. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door to are in keeping with the rest of the door.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If lubricating the lock and cleaning it doesn't work, the issue could be that the door's latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or frame of the door. To test this open the sliding patio door, and look up and down from the door's opening to see if the door is parallel with the jamb or frame. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it up or down until the lock latch catches the latch tightly when the door is closed.
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 need to get a replacement. You should choose one with the same keyway and dimensions like the one that came before it. This allows you to change it quickly by unscrewing the two halves before inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll be required to know the name and model of the existing cylinder in order to buy one that matches it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer you can take a photograph of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and head to a hardware store to get help.
Once you have the new cylinder installed take it off the flat screw holding it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame using the screwdriver. Place the screw in a safe location so that you don't lose it or damage it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly can be an immediate security risk. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to become lodged in the lock mechanisms, but if this isn't dealt with quickly enough the lock will eventually fail and stop providing security. Replacing the double glazed patio door repairs door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires only a few tools and a little time.
Begin by looking at the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubrication don't help, the latch may be bent too much to perform as it should. If this is the case, replace the lock latch with a mortise locking system to ensure it's as solid and secure as you can.
Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're not confident in tackling this DIY task. They will have the experience and tools to do it properly and ensure that the new lock will work with your patio glass repair near me door.
Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock functioning properly. Make sure that the handle and knobs aren't loose and if they're tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least once per year to avoid it from squeezing or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. It is essential to select a lubricant which has been specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve the best results.