Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Help You Live Better
how to repair tilt and slide patio door to Troubleshoot and repair patio doors Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good condition to safeguard your home against unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors as well as their locks.
If your patio door lock does not operate properly You can make basic repairs at home. These steps can fix issues with the handle, keyway and latch.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their large amount of glass and convenient position within a home. It is crucial that your locks are working correctly to keep your home secure. Luckily, there are some easy ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that aren't working correctly.
The first step is to inspect the lock to see if anything is preventing it from locking or latching. You should take care to address any issues you discover like loose screws or rust. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the direction of the patio door may be enough to fix the problem.
Another common issue is debris or dust which can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To avoid this occurring, be sure to clean your patio door regularly and clean the lock's hardware. If you need to, apply mild soap. But, be sure to dry the lock completely afterward.
It is also a good idea to that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those found in a machine that is finely tuned. They are susceptible to jamming and get stuck just like any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a small amount of lubricant can be used to clean any debris or dirt from the lock cylinder. This will help keep it running smoothly.
Knowing the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is also crucial. This will allow you to find an appropriate lock that is compatible with your current mechanism. If you aren't sure how to accomplish this, it's best to speak with a locksmith or professional tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather, dust, and dirt can cause the intricate parts of the door lock to become stuck. These problems can compromise your home's security. However, it's not difficult to fix these issues when you know how.
Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, remove any stains or debris that may be hindering your lock from functioning properly. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any grit or grime that has accumulated over time. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio doors have mortise locks that is secure, however, it is susceptible to problems over time. If your uPVC lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For the uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a little of soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in the position. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you'll be ready to remove the latch itself from its slot in 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 have WD40, a graphite pen can be used to eliminate dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work, you might need to move the lock cylinder. This will require some additional tools and is best done by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without having to take it off the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws that hold the cylinder in place are.
Lubricate the Lock
After 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 helps keep your lock in good condition, and extends its life.
Dry graphite powder is excellent for lubricating small metal parts like locks because it's not oily or sticky and lasts for longer than liquid greases. It's easy to apply and you can apply it to sliding doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel 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 get accumulated over time, and displace other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon lubricants can be a good alternative to silicone lubricants as they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also great for colder environments since they can prevent ice from building up inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's probably worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a the new cylinder that matches your keys. They can also perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder if the door isn't equipped with one. This will increase security and safety. They can also put an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock and lubricating it doesn't perform, the issue could be that the door's latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. Open the sliding patio door repair near me patio door and look up and down at the opening for the latch. If the door is parallel to the jamb or the frame and you are able to check, then it is. If not, loosen the screws fixing the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the latch is firmly grasping the latch hasp when the door is closed.
The latch can also be difficult to close because the cylinder has worn out. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, so you'll need to get an alternate. You should choose a cylinder with the same keyway and dimensions as the one you had previously. This will allow you to replace it with ease by removing the two halves before inserting the new cylinder.
You can purchase replacement cylinders in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of the existing cylinder to buy a replacement. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number you can take a photograph of the cylinder and its mounting screws and go to an hardware store for help.
Once you have a new cylinder, loosen the flat screw that holds it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame with the screwdriver. Place the screw in a safe place so you do not 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 not functioning properly could pose a serious risk to your security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to get stuck inside the lock's mechanisms If this isn't addressed quickly enough, the lock can eventually fail and stop providing security. It's a straightforward DIY project to replace the patio door lock. It's all you need are just a few tools and a bit of time.
Start by examining the lock to determine what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch doesn't work the latch could be bent too much to work properly. If this is the case, replace the lock latch using mortise locking to ensure that it's as secure and strong as possible.
If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY project on your own seek out a locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you in the installation of an entirely new lock. They will have the experience and tools to do it correctly and make sure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door.
Keeping your patio door lock in good working condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate the lock at least every year to prevent it from squeezing or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant you use is important, so be certain to select one specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve the best results.