Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Improve Your Life
How to Troubleshoot and Repair patio doors Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good working in good condition will safeguard your home from intruders who aren't yours. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to your patio door locks repair doors and their locks.
You can fix your patio door lock yourself if it is not working correctly. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway, and latch.
Check the Lock
patio sliding door repair doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large amounts of glass and their central place within a house. A lock that is functional and secure is important to ensure your home is secure. There are easy solutions to fix patio door locks that have stopped working.
The first step is to inspect the lock and ensure that nothing is blocking it from latching or locking. You must take care to address any issues you discover such as loose screws or corrosion. In some cases an adjustment of just a few inches to the direction of the patio glass door repair near me door might suffice to solve the issue.
Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to fail to function properly. Clean your patio door handle repair near me 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 ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterwards.
It is also a good idea lubricate your lock regularly. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a fine-tuned machine, which means that they can be jammed and stuck just as any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant can help to get rid of any dirt or debris that has collected in the lock's cylinder, and keep it operating smoothly.
Knowing the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is important. This can help you find an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with the current mechanism. If you are unsure about how to accomplish this, it is advisable to contact an expert tradesperson or locksmith for assistance.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather, dust, and dirt can cause the delicate parts of your door lock to become blocked. These issues could compromise your home security. These issues are simple to solve if you know how to do.
Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. Clean any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Make use of hot soapy water and a bit of grit to clean the lock mechanism. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio doors are secured using mortise locking mechanisms. This is a safe lock, but it is susceptible to problems in 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, remove the screws that hold the body of the latch in place. After removing the latch handle and plate and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch is detached, you can lubricate the lock with a light engineering oil like WD40. If you don't have WD40, you can also use a graphite pencil to remove any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working, you might need to move the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be handled by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without needing to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame inside the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are located.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is free from dirt and debris It's the perfect time to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its life.
Dry graphite is a great option to lubricate tiny metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also longer-lasting than liquids. 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 that is designed specifically 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 are effective in low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants can cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may be displaced by other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon lubricants can be a good alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also ideal for cold conditions, since they can prevent ice buildup inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can remove the lock mechanism, and then install the cylinder of a new model that matches the keys you have. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. If your door doesn't have a lock cylinder, a professional can replace it to improve security and safety. They can also put a new lock faceplate on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock and lubricating it don't perform, the issue could be that the door's latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the frame of the door. Open the sliding patio door, and take a look upwards and downwards at the latch opening. If the door is in line with the jamb or the frame and you are able to check, then it is. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it up or down until the latch catches the latch hasp tightly when the door is closed.
Sometimes, the latch is difficult to close because of 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 essential to select an alternative cylinder that is similar in size to the previous one and has the same style keyway, so you can easily replace it by screwing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need the name and model number of your current cylinder to buy the replacement. If you don't have the model or manufacturer then take a photo of the cylinder along with its mounting screws, and then go to the hardware store for help.
Once you have the new cylinder in place take it off the flat screw holding it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and the door frame. Place the screw in a safe place so you don't loose or damage it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout inside the door) and 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. Dirt and debris can get caught within the lock mechanism. If this is not addressed promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and will no will be able to provide security. It's a simple DIY project to change the patio door lock. You only need the tools you need and some time.
Begin by examining the lock and determining the cause of the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch does not work it could be bent to far 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 is possible.
Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're unsure about tackling this DIY project. They'll have the expertise and tools to complete the job correctly and ensure that the new lock works with your patio door.
Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock functioning correctly. Verify that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is important to use a lubricant that is specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). To get the best results apply the lubricant direct onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.
