How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good working in good order will safeguard your home from intruders who aren't yours. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to your patio doors and their locks.
You can fix your patio door lock on your own when it's not working correctly. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway and handle.
Check the lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their large amounts of glass and their central place within a house. It is important to ensure your home is secure. There are easy ways to repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning.
First, examine the lock to ensure there is nothing blocking it from latching or locking. It is important to address any issues you find such as loose screws or rust. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio door could suffice to resolve the problem.
Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to fail to perform as it should. To prevent this from happening, make sure to clean your patio door frequently and wipe down the lock's hardware. You can apply a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but remember to dry the lock completely afterward.
Additionally, it's a good idea to lubricate the lock regularly. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to the parts of a fine-tuned machine, which means that they can be jammed and stuck just as any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant can be used to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock's cylinder. This will help keep it running smoothly.
Identifying the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also important. This can help you find an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to do it you can contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather, dust, and dirt can cause the intricate parts of your door lock to become blocked. These issues could compromise your home's security. But it's easy to fix these problems if you know how.
Before you attempt any repairs, you must first clean your lock. Wipe away any stains and debris with a moist cloth. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of your lock and wash away any grit or grime that has built up over time. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio doors are secured by mortise locking mechanisms. This is a secure lock, but it is susceptible to issues with time. If your uPVC locks have become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. Start by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. The next step is to remove the screws that keep the latch in the position. With the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be ready to remove the latch from its slot in the door frame.
After the latch has been removed it is possible to lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't own WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to remove dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work it may be necessary to reposition the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be performed by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without having to take it off the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws that hold the locking cylinder are located.
Lubricate the Lock
After your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to lubricate both the keyhole and the locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its lifespan.
Dry graphite is a fantastic method to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also more durable than liquids. It's easy to use and is suitable for use on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite powder especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They work well at high and low temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants could cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may replace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they're long-lasting and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also ideal for cold conditions, since they can prevent ice buildup within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism, and then install a new cylinder that matches your current keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door does not have the lock cylinder, a professional can replace it to increase security and security. They can also install a new lock faceplate on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning it and lubricating it do not work, then the issue could be that the latch on the door isn't properly aligned with the jamb or frame. To check this, open the sliding patio door and look upwards and downwards from the opening of the latch to determine whether the door is aligned with the frame or jamb. If not, remove the screws holding the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch's hasp when the door is closed.
Sometimes the latch can be difficult to close because of a worn-out cylinder. It is necessary to replace the cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. It's important to choose the new cylinder that's the same size as the previous one and has the same keyway, which means you can easily replace it by screwing the two halves of the lock apart and then inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need the name and model number of your current cylindrical to purchase the replacement. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then go to the local hardware store for help.
Once balcony door repair have the new cylinder installed take it off the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Place the screw in a secure place to ensure 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 in the door) and let it loose enough to rotate the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that's not functioning properly could pose a serious security risk. Dirt and debris can get caught within the lock mechanism. If this is not addressed promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and will no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires only some tools and a bit of time.
Start by inspecting the lock and determining what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication don't help, the lock latch could be bent too much to work properly. If this is the case, replace the lock latch with mortise locking to ensure it's as strong and secure as it can be.
If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY task yourself, consult with an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to help you with the installation of an entirely new lock. They'll have all the equipment and know-how to install the lock properly.
Routine maintenance is the key to ensure that your patio door lock working correctly. 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 have been subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. It is essential to use a lubricant that is specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve best results.