Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Change Your Life
how to repair tilt and slide patio door to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good working order will help keep your home safe from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors as well as their locks.
You can fix your patio door lock on your own if it is not functioning properly. These steps can fix 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 that your locks function properly to keep your home safe. There are simple ways to troubleshoot and Repair Patio Doors patio door locks that aren't functioning properly.
First, inspect the lock and make sure there is nothing that is hindering it from locking or latching. It is important to take care to address any issues you discover, such as loose screws or corrosion. In some instances an adjustment of the door's location could suffice to resolve the problem.
Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism to perform as it should. Clean your patio door and clean all hardware of the lock regularly to prevent this. If necessary, you can apply a mild soap solution. But, be sure that you dry the lock completely afterwards.
In addition, it's recommended to oil the lock on a regular basis. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like the parts of a fine-tuned machine, and they could get stuck and jammed just like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated within the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly.
It is important to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you find the perfect lock to match your current mechanism. If you're not sure how to do it you can contact a professional locksmith or tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock can become jammed due to dust, dirt and cold and hot weather. These issues could compromise your home's security. But it's easy to fix these issues when you know how.
Before you attempt any repairs, first clean your lock. Clean any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to wash the lock mechanism and remove any grit or grime that has built up over time. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are secured with mortise locking mechanisms. This is a secure lock but can develop issues with time. If your uPVC locks has become stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. After you have removed the latch handle and plate then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch is detached it is possible to lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil like WD40. If you don't have WD40 or similar product, you can try using graphite pencils to help dislodge any grit or dirt within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work it may be necessary to reposition the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by professionals. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without having to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are located.
Lubricate the Lock
Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to grease the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant helps keep your lock in top shape, which will extend its life.
Dry graphite is a fantastic method 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 also 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 efficient than graphite powder, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They are efficient at high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may accumulate over time, and can displace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon lubricants can be an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also good for colder environments since they can help stop the accumulation of ice within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your keys. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder in case your door does not have one. This will increase safety and security. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door that are in keeping with the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating it do not work, then the issue could be that the latch on the door isn't properly aligned with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio door, and take a look upwards and downwards at the latch opening. If the door is in line with the jamb or the frame and you are able to check, then it is. If not, remove the screws fixing the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly catching the latch hasp when the door closes.
The latch can also be difficult to close as the cylinder is worn out. You'll require a new cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. You should choose a cylinder that has the same keyway and dimensions as the one you had previously. This allows you to replace it with ease by removing the two halves and inserting the replacement cylinder.
Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll need the brand and model number of your existing cylindrical to purchase an alternative. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then visit the local hardware store for assistance.
When you have a new cylinder, remove the flat screw that holds it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame with a screwdriver. Put the screw somewhere safe so that you aren't able to lose it. Then, loosen enough 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 that's not working properly can pose a serious risk to your security. Dirt and debris could get caught in the lock mechanisms. If this is not taken care of immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires just a few tools and little time.
Begin by inspecting the lock to determine what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication do not aid, the latch could be bent too much to perform as it should. If this is the case, replace the lock latch with mortise locking to ensure it's as strong and secure as possible.
Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're unsure about tackling this DIY project. They'll have all the equipment and know-how to install the lock correctly.
Regular maintenance is the key to ensure that your patio door lock operating effectively. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant you use is crucial, so make sure to choose one that's specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism for the best results.