The Repair Patio Door Mistake That Every Newbie Makes

How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

Keep your patio doors in good working condition to protect your home from intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and locks to become damaged or misaligned.

If your patio door lock does not perform as it should, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway, and handle.

Inspect the Lock

Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge glass size and their central place within a house. Having well-functioning locks is therefore crucial to ensure your home is secure. There are easy solutions to repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning.

The first step is to inspect the lock to ensure nothing is hindering it from latching or locking. It is important to take care to address any issues you discover like loose screws or corrosion. In some instances an adjustment of just a few inches to the position of the patio door may suffice to solve the problem.

Another common issue is dust or debris which can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. Clean your patio door glass repair door and wipe down the lock hardware frequently to avoid this. You can use a mild detergent solution when needed, but remember to dry the lock thoroughly afterwards.

In addition, it's recommended to oil the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are similar to those used in a finely tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck as with any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant could be used to remove any debris or dirt from the lock cylinder. This will keep it running at a high speed.

It is important to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you find a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you're unsure of how to do it, contact a professional locksmith or tradesperson for help.

Clean the Lock

The intricate parts of the door lock may become jammed due to dust, dirt and cold and hot weather. These problems can threaten your home's security. These issues are easy to solve if you know what to do.

Before attempting any repairs, you must first clean your lock. Using a damp cloth, wipe away any dirt or stains that may be hindering your lock from working correctly. Make use of hot soapy water and a little grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again.

Most patio doors are fitted with a mortise lock that is safe however, it is susceptible to issues in the course of time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that are holding 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 removed, you can lubricate the lock with a light engineering oil like WD40. If you don't have a WD40 alternative, you could use a graphite pencil to help get rid of any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may need to reposition lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be handled by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without having to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then, draw 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 of debris and dirt, it's a good time to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant helps keep your lock in top shape, extending its lifespan.

Dry graphite powder is excellent to lubricate small metal parts like locks because it's not sticky or oily and lasts for longer than liquid fluid lubricants. It's easy to apply and you can apply it to sliding glass patio doors repair doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders.

Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and do not attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They are effective at both low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may get accumulated over time and eventually replace other lubricants that you've used.

Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also great for cold environments because they'll stop the accumulation of ice inside the lock.

If your lock cylinder feels 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 an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with the keys you have. They can also repair Patio door lock and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if the door does not have one. This will increase safety and security. They can also install a new lock faceplate on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning it and lubricating it do not work, then the issue could be due to the latch on the door is not aligned correctly with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio door and take a look upwards and downwards at the opening for the latch. If the door is parallel to the jamb or the frame and you are able to check, then it is. If not, remove the screws fixing the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch hasp when the door is closed.

Sometimes, the latch is 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. You should choose a cylinder that has the same keyway and size as the one you had previously. This allows you to replace it easily by removing the two halves and inserting the replacement cylinder.

There are replacement cylinders available at many home improvement stores. You'll need the name and model number of the existing cylindrical to purchase the replacement. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number, take a picture of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws and head to an hardware store for assistance.

If you have a brand new cylinder, remove the flat screw that holds it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure so that you do not lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door).

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that's not working properly can pose a serious risk to your security. It's not common for dirt and other debris to get stuck inside the lock mechanisms If this isn't dealt with quickly enough the lock could eventually break down and cease to provide security. Replacing the patio door repair service near me door lock is a simple DIY project that requires just a few tools and a little time.

Start by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the lock latch may be bent too much to function properly. If this is the case, replace the lock latch using mortise locking to ensure it's as solid and secure as it can be.

If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project yourself contact a locksmith or door hardware specialist to help you with the installation of the new lock. They'll have all the tools and experience to install the lock correctly.

Regular maintenance is the key to keep your patio door lock functioning effectively. Make sure the knobs and handle aren't loose and if they're, tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. It is essential to use a lubricant that is specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For the best results apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.