How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good condition to safeguard your home against unwanted intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors as well as their locks.
You can fix your patio door lock on your own in the event that it isn't working correctly. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway and latch.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their large amounts of glass and their convenient position within a home. It is essential to ensure that your home's security. Fortunately, there are easy ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that aren't functioning properly.
The first step is to examine the lock to see if anything is preventing it from locking or latching. You must take care to address any issues you discover such as loose screws or corrosion. In some instances, a slight adjustment to the position of the patio door could be enough to solve the issue.
Another common issue is dust or debris which can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. Clean your patio door and clean the lock hardware frequently to avoid this. If needed, you can apply a mild soap solution. However, make sure that the lock is dried completely afterwards.
In addition, it is a good idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a fine-tuned machine, which means that they can get stuck and jammed just as any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant can help dislodge any dirt or debris that may have accumulated inside the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly.
It is essential to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you find an appropriate lock that is compatible with your current mechanism. If you're not sure what to do get help, consult a professional tradesperson or locksmith to get help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, hot and cold weather, dust, and dirt can cause the delicate parts of your door lock to get jammed. These issues could compromise the security of your home. These problems are easy to fix if you know what to do.
Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Clean up any stains or debris with a moist cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a bit of grit to clean the lock mechanism. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio doors are secured using mortise locking systems. This is a secure lock, but it is susceptible to problems with time. If your uPVC lock is stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Then, take off patio door repair near me that hold the body of the latch in the position. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you'll be able to remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame.
After the latch has been removed and lubricated, you can apply by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't have a WD40 or similar product, you can try using graphite pencils to help remove any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work, you might need to relocate the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be done by professionals. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without needing to remove it from the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame inside the area where the screws that support the cylinder in place are.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to lubricate both the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant will keep your lock in good condition, and extends its life.
Dry graphite is a fantastic way to lubricate small metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It also lasts longer than liquids. It's easy to apply and you can apply it to sliding doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They are effective at both low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants can cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may replace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon oil can be an ideal alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also good for colder environments since they can keep ice from accumulating 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 can take apart the lock mechanism and put in a new cylinder that matches your existing keys. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. If your door doesn't have an cylinder for your lock an expert can replace it to improve security and safety. They can also put a new lock faceplate on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If lubricating the lock and cleaning it do not work, the issue could be that the door's latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or frame of the door. To test this open the sliding patio door and look up and down from the opening of the latch to determine whether the door is aligned with the frame or jamb. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it up or down until the lock latch catches the latch tightly when the door is shut.
Sometimes the latch is difficult to close due to a worn-out cylinder. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, which is why you'll require an alternate. It is important to choose an alternative cylinder that is similar in size to the previous one and has the same keyway, so you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock apart and then inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll need the brand and model number of your current cylinder to purchase the replacement. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number you can take a photograph of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws, and then go to the hardware store for assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder installed remove it from the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame using the help of a screwdriver. Set the screw somewhere secure to ensure you don't 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 not working properly can pose a serious risk to your security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to become lodged in the lock mechanisms, but if this isn't addressed quickly enough the lock could eventually fail and stop providing security. It's a simple DIY task to change the patio door lock. It's all you need are a few tools and some time.
Start by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If cleaning and lubrication don't aid, the latch may be bent too much to work properly. If this is the case, you should replace the latch using a mortise locking system to ensure that it's as solid and secure as it can be.
If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY project on your own, consult with a locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you in the installation of a new lock. They'll have the knowledge and tools to complete the task correctly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door.
Routine maintenance is essential to ensure that your patio door lock working correctly. Make sure the knobs and handles 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. Locks that have been subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is important to choose a lubricant that is specifically made 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 in the lock mechanism.