How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Lock Patio Door LocksKeeping your patio doors in good working order will help protect your home from intruders who aren't yours. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors as well as their locks.
You can repair your patio door lock by yourself in the event that it isn't working correctly. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway, and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their large amount of glass and the convenient position within a house. It is essential that your locks are working properly to keep your home secure. There are simple ways to repair patio door track repair door locks that have stopped functioning.
The first step is to check the lock to see if anything is preventing it from latching or locking. It is important to address any issues you find like loose screws or corrosion. In some cases an adjustment of the position of the patio door could suffice to resolve the problem.
Another issue that is common is debris or dust that can cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all hardware of the lock regularly to avoid this. You can use a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but remember to dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
Additionally, it's recommended to oil the lock regularly. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are similar to those used in a machine that is finely tuned. They can jam or get stuck just like any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a small amount of lubricant can be used to get rid of any dirt or debris from the lock's cylinder. This will help keep it running smoothly.
Identifying the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is important. This can help you find a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to repair tilt and slide patio door to do it get help, consult a professional locksmith or tradesperson for assistance.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock may get jammed over time due to dirt, dust 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.
Before attempting any repairs, clean your lock. Clean any stains and debris using a damp cloth. Use hot soapy water and a small amount of grit to clean the lock mechanism. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors use a mortise lock that is secure, however, it is susceptible to issues in the course of time. If your uPVC locks has become stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. The next step is to unfasten the screws that hold the latch body in place. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you'll be ready to take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.
After the latch has been removed, you can lubricate it by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't have WD40 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to remove dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you might need to move the locks cylinders. This will require additional tools and should be done by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without having to remove it from the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame where the screws that hold the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to lubricate both the keyhole and the locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good condition and extend its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is excellent for lubricating small metal components such as locks, because it's not sticky or oily and lasts for longer than liquid greases. It's 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 may be more effective than graphite powder especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other kinds of liquid lubricants. They are efficient at high and low temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants can cause accumulation over time and could be displaced by other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon lubricants can be an ideal alternative to silicone lubricants as they are long-lasting and do not attract dirt or dust. They're also excellent for cold climates, since they can help prevent ice accumulation inside the lock.
If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, then it's likely to be worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with the new cylinder that matches your keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door does not 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 match the rest of the door.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning it and lubricating it does not work, the issue could be that the latch on the door isn't aligned correctly with the frame or jamb. To determine this, open the sliding glass patio door repair patio door, and look upwards and downwards from the latch opening to see whether the door is aligned with the jamb or frame. If not, remove the screws fixing the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch's hasp when the door closes.
Sometimes the latch can be difficult to close due to a worn-out cylinder. You'll require a new for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is recommended to select a cylinder with the same keyway and size as the one you had previously. 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 need the manufacturer and model number of the existing cylinder to purchase an alternative. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number you can take a photograph of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and go to a hardware store to get help.
Once you have the new cylinder in place take it off the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door and door frame. Put the screw in a secure place to ensure that you don't lose it or damage it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout of the door) and let it loose enough to turn the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could pose an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris could get stuck within the lock mechanism. If this is not addressed immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and no longer offer security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires just some tools and a small amount of time.
Begin by examining the lock and determining what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the lock latch may be too bent to perform as it should. If this is the case, you should replace the lock latch with mortise locking systems to ensure that it's as strong and secure as possible.
Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're unsure about undertaking this DIY project. They'll have the tools and expertise needed to install the lock correctly.
Keeping your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Check that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather should be lubricated more frequently. The type of lubricant is crucial, so make sure to choose one that's specifically designed to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism for the best results.