Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Help You Live Better

how to repair patio door lock to Troubleshoot and Repair patio door repairs Door Locks

Keep your patio door repair service near me doors in a good condition to guard your home from intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to your patio doors and their locks.

If your patio door lock does not operate properly, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway and latch.

Inspect the Lock

Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their huge glass size and their central location within a home. It is important that your locks work correctly to keep your home safe. There are simple ways to repair patio doors patio door locks that have stopped functioning.

The first step is to examine the lock to see if anything hinders it from latching or locking. You should take care to address any issues you discover like loose screws or corrosion. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the direction of the patio sliding door repair near me door could suffice to resolve the problem.

Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to fail to function properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all hardware of the lock regularly to avoid this. You can make use of a mild detergent if necessary, but always be sure to dry the lock thoroughly afterwards.

It is also a good idea to to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are similar to those in a precision-tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck as with any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help dislodge any dirt or debris that has collected inside the lock cylinder and keep it operating smoothly.

Identifying the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is crucial. This will help you locate the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you're unsure of what to do get help, consult a professional tradesperson or locksmith for help.

Clean the Lock

The intricate parts of the door lock can become jammed because of dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These issues can affect your home's security. However, it's not difficult to fix these issues when you know how.

Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, remove any stains or debris that might be hindering your lock from working correctly. Use hot soapy water and a bit of grit to clean the lock mechanism. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before re-using them.

Most patio door repairs doors are fitted with a mortise lock, which is secure however, it is susceptible to problems with time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For a uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate with a little of hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to loosen the screws that secure the latch body in the position. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be ready to remove the latch from its slot in the door frame.

After the latch has been removed, you can lubricate the lock with an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't own WD40, a graphite pen can be used to remove dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you might need to move the lock cylinder. This will require some additional tools and should be done by an expert. 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, draw pencil marks on the frame the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are located.

Lubricate the Lock

Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to lubricate both the lock and the keyhole themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant can keep your lock in good shape, extending its lifespan.

Dry graphite powder is ideal to lubricate small metal parts like locks since it's not oily or sticky, and it lasts longer than liquid lubricants. It's easy to apply, and you can also use it on sliding doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is specifically designed for lock cylinders.

Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They work well at high and low temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants may create accumulation over time and could replace other lubricants you've tried.

Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants because they last for a long time and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also ideal for cold conditions, since they can help prevent ice accumulation within the lock.

If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it's likely to be worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith will remove the lock mechanism and put in a new cylinder that matches your current keys. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if your door isn't equipped with one. This can increase safety and security. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door to are in keeping with the rest.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning the lock and lubricating it do not work, the problem may be that the latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. Open the sliding patio doors and take a look upwards and downwards at the opening of the latch. If the door is parallel to the jamb or the frame and you are able to check, then it is. If not, loosen screws fixing the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the lock latch is securely catching the latch's hasp when the door is closed.

The latch can also be difficult to close as the cylinder is worn out. You'll require a new cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. It is important to choose an alternative cylinder that is similar in size to the old one and has the same style keyway, so you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new one.

You can purchase replacement cylinders in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll be required to know the name and model of your current cylinder in order to buy one that matches it. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then, visit your local hardware store to seek help.

If you have a brand new cylinder, unscrew the flat screw that is holding it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Put the screw in a secure place to ensure that you don't lose 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 can be a serious security risk. Dirt and debris could become stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this is not treated promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and won't longer offer security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires only a few tools and little time.

Begin by looking at the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch does not work, it may be bent to far to perform as it should. If this is the case, you should replace the latch with a mortise locking system to ensure that it's as strong and secure as it can be.

If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project on your own seek out a locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you with the installation of a new lock. They'll have the expertise and tools to complete the task correctly and ensure that the new lock will work with your patio door.

Routine maintenance is essential to ensure that your patio door lock operating effectively. Verify that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant is important, so be sure to select one that's specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). To get the best results apply the lubricant direct to the key hole of the lock mechanism.