Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Help You Live Better

How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

Keep your patio doors in a good working condition to protect your home against unwanted intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and locks to become misaligned or damaged.

If your patio door lock doesn't operate properly it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway and handle.

Inspect the Lock

Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of the large amount of glass and their convenient location within a home. It is crucial that your locks work properly to keep your home safe. There are a few easy methods to repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning.

First, examine the lock to ensure there is nothing that is hindering it from latching or locking. If you notice any issues like loose screws or rust, or even an issue with alignment, they should be addressed immediately. In some instances an adjustment of just a few inches to the position of the patio door might suffice to resolve the problem.

Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism not to function properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all hardware of the lock regularly to avoid this. You can apply a mild detergent solution when needed, but remember to dry the lock thoroughly afterwards.

In addition, it's recommended to oil the lock on a regular basis. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a finely tuned machine, which means that they can get stuck and jammed just like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant will help dislodge any dirt or debris that has accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and ensure that it is operating efficiently.

Identifying the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is crucial. This will help you choose an appropriate lock that is compatible with your existing mechanism. If you are unsure about how to go about this, it is advisable to speak with an expert locksmith or tradesperson to get help.

Clean the Lock

The intricate parts of the door lock could become jammed due to dust, dirt and cold and hot weather. These issues could compromise your home security. These issues are simple to fix if you know what to do.

Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, remove any stains or debris that could hinder your lock from working properly. Use hot soapy water and a little grit to clean the lock mechanism. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before re-using them.

The majority of patio door lock repairs near me doors have a mortise lock that is safe however, it is susceptible to issues in the course of time. If your uPVC lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For a uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of soapy water. Next, you'll want to loosen the screws that hold the latch body 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 and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't have a WD40 or similar product, you can use graphite pencils to help remove any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work it may be necessary to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be handled by an expert. However, you can practice moving the cylinder around without removing it from the door by opening and closing the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are located that secure the cylinder.

Lubricate the Lock

When your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time for lubrication of the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant will keep your lock in top shape, which will extend its life.

Dry graphite is an excellent method to lubricate small metal parts, such as 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 patio door repair near me doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock cylinders.

Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other liquid fluids. They are effective in low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may get accumulated over time, and can displace other lubricants you've used.

Teflon lubricants can be a good substitute for silicone lubricants, because they last longer and do not attract dirt or dust. They're also great for cold environments because they'll keep ice from accumulating inside the lock.

If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it's likely to be worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can dismantle the lock mechanism and install a new cylinder that matches your existing keys. They can also repair patio doors and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder in case your door does not have one. This will increase security and safety. They can also put the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be that the latch on the door is not properly aligned with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio door repair near me patio door and examine the top and bottom of the latch opening. If the door is parallel to the frame or jamb and you are able to check, then it is. If not, loosen the screws holding the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the lock latch is securely catching the latch's hasp as the door closes.

The latch is also sometimes difficult to close as the cylinder is worn out. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, which is why you'll need an alternative. You should select one with the same keyway and dimensions like the one that came before it. This allows you to change it quickly by unscrewing the two halves before inserting the replacement cylinder.

You can find replacement cylinders in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of your existing cylinder in order to buy one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer 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. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Place the screw in a safe place so you aren't able to lose it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout of the door) and let it loose enough to rotate the cylinder.

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's mechanisms however if the issue isn't dealt with quickly enough the lock could eventually fail and cease to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires just a few tools and a bit of time.

Begin by examining the lock to determine what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication don't help, the lock latch may be too bent to function properly. If this is the case, you should replace the latch with mortise locking to ensure it's as secure and strong as possible.

Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're not sure in tackling this DIY task. They will have the experience and tools to complete the job correctly and make sure that the new lock will work with your patio door.

Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock working properly. Check that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to keep it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant is crucial, so make sure to select one that's specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve the best results.