Maintaining your patio doors in good working in good order will 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 You can make basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway, and latch.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass patio door repair and the convenient position within a house. Having well-functioning locks is therefore crucial to ensure your home's security. There are simple ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly.
The first step is to inspect the lock to make sure nothing hinders it from locking or latching. It is important to address any issues you find such as loose screws or rust. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio door could suffice to resolve the problem.
Another common issue is debris or dust that can cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. To prevent this from happening, ensure that you clean your patio door frequently and wipe down the lock's hardware. You can make use of a mild detergent in the event of need, but ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
In addition, it is a good idea to lubricate the lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a fine-tuned machine, so they can become stuck and jammed as any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant could be used to clean any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock's cylinder. This will ensure that it is running at a high speed.
Knowing the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also crucial. This can help you find an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with the current mechanism. If you're unsure of how to proceed, contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson for assistance.
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 issues can affect your home's security. But it's simple to fix these problems if you know how.
Before attempting any repairs, you must first clean your lock. Clean any stains and debris using a damp cloth. Make use of hot soapy water and a little grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are fitted with mortise locks that is safe but can be prone to issues over time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For an uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a little of soapy water. Then, take off the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. After you have removed the latch handle and plate and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch is detached it is possible to lubricate the lock with a light engineering oil like WD40. If you don't have WD40, a graphite pen can be used to clean dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it is possible to move the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be performed by a professional. You can try shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, after which drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are located that keep the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to lubricate both the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant helps keep your lock in good condition, and extends its life.
Dry graphite powder is excellent for lubricating small metal parts like locks because it's not oily or sticky and lasts longer than liquid greases. It's easy to apply and you can apply it to sliding patio doors repairs 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, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They are efficient at high and low temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants could cause buildup over time and can displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon oil can be an excellent substitute for silicone lubricants, because they last longer and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also great for cold environments because they'll keep ice from accumulating inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a new cylinder matched to your existing keys. They can also perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if the door does not have one. This will improve safety and security. They can also put an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio Screen door repair near me door to be in line with the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating it does not 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 near me patio door, and look up and down at the latch opening. If the door is aligned with the frame or jamb then you can test. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it up or down until the latch is able to catch the latch tightly when the door is shut.
The latch may also be difficult to close because the cylinder is worn. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, and you'll need to get a replacement. You should select one with the same keyway and size like the one that came before it. This will allow you to change it quickly by removing the two halves before inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll be required to know the name and model of your current cylinder to be able to purchase one that is compatible with it. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then go to the local hardware store for assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder installed take it off the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door and door frame. Place the screw in a safe place so you aren't able to lose it. Then, loosen the set screw that is on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole in the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly can be an extremely risk to security. It's not unusual for dirt tilt and slide patio door repairs other particles to get lodged inside the lock mechanisms If this isn't addressed promptly the lock will eventually break down and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires just some tools and a small amount of time.
Start by inspecting the lock and determining what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the lock latch could be bent too much to perform as it should. If this is the case, replace the lock latch using a mortise locking system to ensure it's as strong and secure as possible.
Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're not confident in tackling this DIY task. They'll have all the tools and expertise needed to properly install the lock.
Routine maintenance is essential to ensure that your patio repair near me door lock functioning correctly. Make sure 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. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more often. It is essential to choose a lubricant that has been specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For the best results apply the lubricant direct to the key hole of the lock mechanism.
If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should You can make basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway, and latch.
