Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Make Your Life Better

How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Doors Patio Door Locks

Maintaining your patio doors repairs doors in good in good condition will keep your home safe from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors and their locks.

You can fix your patio door lock by yourself if it is not working correctly. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway, and handle.

Inspect the Lock

Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their large quantity of glass and their convenient position within a home. It is crucial that your locks function properly to ensure your home is safe. There are easy ways to fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning.

The first step is to check the lock to see if anything is hindering it from locking or latching. It is important to address any issues you find like loose screws or rust. In some instances an adjustment of the patio door's position may be sufficient to fix the issue.

Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to perform as it should. To prevent this from happening, make sure to clean your patio door repair company near me door frequently and wipe down the lock's hardware. If needed, you can apply a mild soap solution. However, you must be sure that the lock is dried completely afterward.

Additionally, it's an ideal idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a fine-tuned machine, and they could get stuck and jammed just like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant, can be used to get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock's cylinder. This will help keep it running smoothly.

It is crucial to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will allow you to find a lock that perfectly matches your current mechanism. If you're not sure how to go about this, it's advisable to speak with a locksmith or professional tradesperson for help.

Clean the Lock

The intricate parts of the door lock could jam up over time due to dust, dirt and cold and hot weather. These problems can threaten your home security. But it's easy to fix these issues If you know how.

Before attempting any repairs, clean your lock. Clean up any stains or debris with a moist cloth. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to clean the lock mechanism and remove any dirt or grime that has accumulated over time. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again.

Most patio doors are secured by mortise locking mechanisms. This is a secure lock, but it is susceptible to issues over time. If your uPVC lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For an uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate with a little of hot soapy water. Then, take off the screws that hold the body of the latch in place. 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 removed it is possible to lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil like WD40. If you don't have WD40, a graphite pen can be used to clean any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work, you might need to reposition the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without having 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 where the screws holding the locking cylinder are located.

Lubricate the Lock

When your lock is free of dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant will keep your lock in good shape, which will extend its life.

Dry graphite powder is ideal to lubricate small metal parts such as locks, because it's not sticky or oily, and it lasts longer than liquid greases. It is easy to use and can be used on sliding doors tracks for garage doors and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders.

Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other liquid fluids. They are effective in high and low temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can build up over time, and displace other lubricants you've used.

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

If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, then it is probably worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith will dismantle the lock mechanism and put in the cylinder of a new model that matches the keys you have. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder if the door does not have one. This will improve safety and security. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door to match the rest of the door.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning it and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be that the latch on the door is not aligned properly with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio door repairs patio doors and examine the top and bottom of 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 upwards or downwards until the latch is firmly catching the latch hasp when the door is closed.

Sometimes, the latch can be difficult to close due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, and you'll require an alternate. It is essential to select a new cylinder that is exactly the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same style keyway, which means you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new one.

Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your existing cylinder to purchase the replacement. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then go to the local hardware store for help.

Once you have the new cylinder installed, unscrew it from the screw that holds 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 then loosen it enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that's not functioning properly could pose a serious risk to your security. Dirt and debris could get stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this is not taken care of immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and no will be able to provide security. It's a simple DIY project to replace the patio door lock. It's all you need are the tools you need and some time.

Begin by examining the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch fails, it may be bent too much to function properly. In this instance it is recommended to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock so that it's as sturdy and secure as is possible.

Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're not sure about tackling this DIY project. They'll have the equipment and know-how to properly install the lock.

Regular maintenance is the key to ensure that your patio door lock working properly. Make sure that the knobs and handle aren't loose, and if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. It is important to select a lubricant which has been specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). To get the best results apply the lubricant direct to the key hole of the lock mechanism.