5 Reasons To Be An Online Repair Patio Door Shop And 5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good working in good order will protect your home from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements may cause the doors and locks to be damaged or misaligned.
You can fix your patio door lock yourself in the event that it isn't working properly. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway, and handle.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their large amount of glass and convenient location within a home. It is crucial that your locks are working properly to ensure your home is safe. Luckily, there are some simple ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly.
The first step is to examine the lock to ensure nothing is hindering it from locking or latching. You should take care to address any issues you discover like loose screws or corrosion. In some cases an adjustment of just a few inches to the direction of the patio door may suffice to resolve the issue.
Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism not to perform as it should. Clean your patio door and wipe down all lock hardware regularly to avoid this. If needed, you can apply a mild soap solution. However, make sure that you dry the lock completely afterwards.
It is also a good idea that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those found in a finely tuned machine. upvc patio door repairs near me Repair My Windows And Doors can jam or get stuck just like any mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant can help to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and keep it operating smoothly.
It is crucial to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you locate the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you're unsure of what to do you can contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock may become jammed due to dust, dirt, and hot and cold weather. These issues could compromise your home security. But it's simple to fix these issues if you know how.
Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. Wipe away any stains and debris with a moist cloth. Make use of hot soapy water and a small amount of grit to clean the lock mechanism. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are secured by mortise locking mechanisms. This is a secure lock but can develop issues with time. If your uPVC locks are stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Then, take off the screws that hold the body of the latch in the position. With the latch plate and handle removed, you can remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame.
After the latch has been removed then you can lubricate it using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't own WD40 alternative, you could try using graphite pencils to help remove any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it may be necessary to move the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by a professional. However, you can practice moving the cylinder around without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, after which drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws secure the cylinder.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is free of dirt and debris 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 top condition, and extends its life.
Dry graphite is a fantastic method to lubricate small metal parts, like locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also more durable than liquids. It's easy to apply and you can use it on sliding 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 are resistant to water and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other kinds of liquid lubricants. They are effective in low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants could cause buildup over time and can displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon Lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants as they are long-lasting and do not attract dust or dirt. They're also great for cold climates since they can help keep ice from accumulating inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it is probably worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith can dismantle the lock mechanism and put in an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with the keys you have. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if the door does not have one. This will increase safety and security. They can also put the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock and lubricating it don't perform, the issue could be that the door latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or door frame. Open the sliding patio doors and examine the top and bottom of the opening of the latch. If the door is in line with the jamb or the frame and you are able to check, then it is. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it up or down until the latch catches the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is shut.
Sometimes the latch isn't closing properly due to a worn-out cylinder. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, which is why you'll require an alternate. It is important to choose an alternative cylinder that is the same size as the old one and has the same keyway, so that you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need the name and model number of your current cylinder to buy an alternative. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number, take a picture of the cylinder along with its mounting screws, and then go to the 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. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door and the door frame. Place the screw in a safe location 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 let it loose enough to rotate the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock not working properly can be a major risk to your security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to become lodged in the lock mechanisms however if the issue isn't dealt with quickly enough the lock will eventually break down and stop providing security. It's a straightforward DIY project to replace the patio door lock. You only need the tools you need and some time.
Begin by examining the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch doesn't work it could be bent too much to function properly. In this instance, it would be best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure that it's as strong and secure as it can be.
If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project on your own seek out a locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you in the installation of the new lock. They will have all the equipment and know-how to install the lock properly.
Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock functioning effectively. Check that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate your lock at least every year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. It is crucial to use a lubricant that has been specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism for best results.