How to Troubleshoot and Repair patio doors Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good working condition to protect your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors and their locks.
If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway, and latch.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and the convenient position within a home. A lock that is functional and secure is essential to ensure that your home's security. There are simple methods to fix patio door locks which have stopped working.
First, examine the lock and make sure there is nothing blocking it from locking or latching. You must address any issues you find such as loose screws or rust. In some instances an adjustment of the patio door's position may suffice to resolve the problem.
Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism to work properly. Clean your patio door and clean all hardware of the lock regularly to prevent this. You can use a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but be sure to dry the lock completely afterward.
It is also a good idea lubricate your lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are similar to those found in a precision-tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and get stuck just like any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant, can be used to remove any debris or dirt from the lock's cylinder. This will ensure that it is running smoothly.
It is essential to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you locate a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the current mechanism. If you're not sure how to go about this, it is advisable to speak with a locksmith or professional tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the delicate parts of your door lock to get blocked. These problems can compromise your home's security. But it's easy to fix these issues if you know how.
Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. With a damp cloth, remove any stains or debris that might hinder your lock from functioning properly. Make use of hot soapy water and a small amount of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio doors have mortise locks that is secure, however, it is susceptible to issues over time. If your uPVC lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Start by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that hold the body of the latch in place. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be able to remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame.
After the latch has been removed, you can lubricate it with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have a WD40 alternative, you could try using graphite pencils to help dislodge any grit or dirt in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may have to relocate the locks cylinders. This requires additional tools and should be done by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without having to take it off the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame inside 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 time to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is ideal to lubricate small metal parts such as locks, because it's not oily or sticky and lasts for longer than liquid lubricants. It's easy to apply and you can use it on sliding doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite powder, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other liquid fluids. They are efficient at high and low temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants could cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may replace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they last for a long time and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also great for cold climates since they'll stop the accumulation of ice within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a new cylinder matched to the keys you have. They can also perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with the lock cylinder, a professional can replace it to improve security and security. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your aluminium patio door repairs door that are in keeping with the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be that the latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or the frame of the door. To check this you need to open the sliding patio door repairs door, and look upwards and downwards from the opening of the latch to see if the door is parallel with the jamb or frame. If not, loosen screws holding the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the latch is firmly grasping the latch's hasp as the door is closed.
Sometimes, the latch is difficult to close due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, which is why you'll require an alternate. It is important to choose a new cylinder that is similar in size to the previous one and has the same style keyway, which means you can easily replace it by screwing the two halves of the lock apart and then inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll need to know the brand and model of the existing cylinder so you can buy one that matches it. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then visit your local hardware store to seek help.
Once you have the new cylinder installed remove it from the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame using a screwdriver. Place 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 in the door) and then loosen it enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could be a major risk to your security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to get stuck inside the lock's mechanisms, but if this isn't addressed quickly enough the lock could eventually break down and cease to provide security. Replacing the patio door handle repair near me door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires just a few tools and bit of time.
Begin by looking at the lock to determine what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication don't help, the lock latch could be bent too much to work properly. In this case it is recommended to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure that it's as strong and secure as possible.
If you're not confident in tackling this DIY task yourself, consult with an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you with the installation of an entirely new lock. They'll have the expertise and tools to complete the job correctly and ensure that the new lock will work with your patio door.
(Image: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/doorpanels-300x200.jpg)Maintaining your patio door frame repair door lock in good condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Make sure that the handle and knobs aren't loose and if they're tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least every year to avoid it from squeezing or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather should be lubricated more often. The type of lubricant you use is vital, so be sure to choose one that's specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). For best results apply the lubricant direct to the key hole of the lock mechanism.
