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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good working condition to protect your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and locks to be damaged or misaligned.
If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to the large amount of glass and their convenient position within a home. It is essential that your locks are working correctly to keep your home secure. There are simple ways to repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning.
First, examine the lock and make sure there is nothing that is hindering it from locking or latching. If you find any issues such as loose screws, rust, or an issue with alignment, they should be addressed immediately. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the location of the patio door might be enough to fix the issue.
Another common issue is debris or dust that could cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. To prevent this from happening, make sure to clean your patio door regularly and wipe down the lock hardware. You can make use of a mild detergent when needed, but ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
It is also a good idea that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are similar to those found in a precision-tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and get stuck just like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant, can be used to get rid of any debris or dirt from the lock's cylinder. This will keep it running at a high speed.
Identifying the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is important. This will help you find an appropriate lock that is compatible with the existing mechanism. If you're unsure of how to proceed get help, consult a professional locksmith or tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock can become jammed because of dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These problems can threaten your security at home. These issues are simple to fix if you know what to do.
Before making any repairs, first clean your lock. Wipe away any stains and debris using a damp cloth. Use hot soapy water and a little grit to clean the lock mechanism. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio doors are secured by a mortise locking system. This is a secure lock, but it can also cause problems in time. If you're uPVC locks are stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. Start by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. The next step is to loosen the screws that hold the latch body in the position. After you have removed the latch plate and handle and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch has been removed and lubricated, you can apply using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't own WD40 or similar product, you can try using graphite pencils to help dislodge any grit or dirt in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it may be necessary to move the lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and is best done by an expert. But you can practice repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, and then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are located that secure the cylinder.
Lubricate the Lock
If your lock is clean of debris and dirt it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant will keep your lock in good shape, extending its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is ideal for lubricating small metal parts such as locks, because it's not sticky or oily and lasts longer than liquid lubricants. It's easy to apply and you can use it on sliding patio door repair service near me 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 can be more efficient than graphite powder, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and do not attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They are efficient at low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants may create accumulation over time and could displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they last for a long time and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also ideal for cold environments, as they can prevent ice buildup inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's worn out and needs to be 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 and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if your door isn't equipped with one. This can increase security and safety. They can also put an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating the door doesn't work, the problem could be that the latch on the door isn't aligned correctly with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio door repair company doors and examine the top and bottom of the opening for the latch. If the door is in line with the jamb or the frame then you can test. If not, remove the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch is securely catching the latch's hasp when the door is closed.
The latch is also sometimes difficult to close because the cylinder is worn. You'll need a replacement for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is important to choose an alternative cylinder that is similar in size to the one you have had previously and has the same keyway, so you can easily replace it by removing the two parts of the lock apart and inserting the new cylinder.
There are replacement cylinders available at many home improvement stores. You'll need to know the brand and model of your current cylinder to be able to purchase one that matches it. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then go to the local hardware store for assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder in place remove it from the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door and door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure so that you don't lose it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout in the door) and let it loose enough to turn the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could pose an extremely risk to security. Dirt and debris could get stuck within the lock mechanism. If this is not taken care of immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and no will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock repair near me door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires some tools and a little time.
Begin by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the problem. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the latch may be bent too much to function properly. If this is the case, you should replace the latch with mortise locking to ensure that it's as strong and secure as it can be.
If you're not comfortable with this DIY project yourself seek out a locksmith or door hardware expert to help you with the installation of the new lock. They will have the experience and tools to complete the task correctly and ensure that the new lock will work with your patio doors repair door.
Maintaining your patio door lock in good condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Make sure that the knobs and handle aren't loose, and if they are, tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are subject to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated more often. It is important to use a lubricant that has been specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). To get the best results, apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.