15 Things You Don t Know About Repair Patio Door

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

Keep your patio doors in a good condition to safeguard your home from 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 some basic repairs at home. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway and handle.

Check the Lock

Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their large amounts of sliding glass patio doors repair and their convenient position within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore important to ensure your home is secure. There are easy solutions to repair 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. It is important to deal with any issues you spot like loose screws or corrosion. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the patio door's position may be enough to solve the issue.

Another common issue is dust or debris that can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To avoid this occurring, be sure to clean your patio door on a regular basis and wipe down the lock hardware. You can use a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but remember to dry the lock thoroughly afterward.

In addition, it's a good idea to lubricate the lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like the parts of a fine-tuned machine, which means that they can be jammed and stuck just like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant can help get rid of any dirt or debris that has collected in the lock's cylinder, and help keep it running smoothly.

It is essential to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you find the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you're unsure of how to do it get help, consult a professional locksmith or tradesperson 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 could compromise the security of your home. These problems are easy to solve if you know what to do.

Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Wipe away any stains and debris with a moist cloth. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to wash 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 re-using them.

The majority of patio doors have a mortise lock, which is secure but can be prone to issues in the course of time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For the uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of soapy water. Next, you'll want to remove the screws that secure the latch body in the position. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be ready to take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.

After the latch has been removed, you can lubricate it with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have WD40 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to eliminate dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you may need to reposition lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and should be done by an expert. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without having to take it off the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are.

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 type of lubricant helps keep your lock in top shape, extending its lifespan.

Dry graphite powder is great for lubricating small metal components such as locks, because it's not oily or sticky and lasts for longer than liquid lubricants. It is easy to use and can be used on sliding patio doors repairs doors, garage door tracks, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is specifically designed for lock cylinders.

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

Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also excellent for cold environments, as they can prevent ice buildup inside the lock.

If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's probably damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can remove the lock mechanism, and then install 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 install a new lock cylinder if your door isn't equipped with one. This will improve security and safety. They can also put a new lock faceplate on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning the lock and lubricating it doesn't work, the problem may be that the latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the frame of the door. Open the sliding patio door repair service patio door and look up and down at the opening for the latch. If the door is aligned with the jamb or the frame, then you can check. If not, loosen screws holding the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the latch is securely catching the latch hasp when the door is closed.

The latch may also be difficult to close because the cylinder has worn out. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, which is why you'll need an alternative. It's important to choose an alternative cylinder that is similar in size to the previous one and has the same keyway, so that you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two halves of the lock apart and then inserting the new cylinder.

You can find replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of the existing cylinder so you can buy one that matches it. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then visit your local hardware store for help.

When you have a new cylinder, remove the screw with a flat head that is holding it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame with the screwdriver. Place the screw in a secure 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's not functioning properly could pose an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris can get caught in the lock mechanisms. If this is not treated immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and no longer provide security. It's a simple DIY task to replace the patio door lock. You'll only need just a few tools and a bit of time.

Begin by looking at the lock to determine what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch fails it could be bent to far to perform as it should. In this instance, it would be best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure it's as sturdy and secure as is possible.

Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're not confident in tackling this DIY task. They'll have the expertise and tools to complete the job correctly and make sure that the new lock will work with your repairing patio doors door.

Keeping your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Make sure the handle and knobs aren't loose, and if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least every year to avoid it from becoming stuck or stiff. Locks that are exposed to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant is crucial, so make sure to choose one that's specifically designed to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). For best results apply the lubricant direct onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.