How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good in good condition will protect your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors as well as their locks.
If your patio door lock does not operate properly, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway and latch.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their huge glass size and their central position within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore crucial to ensure your home is safe. Fortunately, there are easy ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that aren't functioning properly.
The first step is to check the lock to make sure nothing is preventing it from latching or locking. If you spot any issues like loose screws, rust, or the wrong alignment, these must be addressed promptly. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the patio door's position may be sufficient to fix the issue.
Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to function properly. To prevent this from occurring, be sure to clean your patio door regularly and clean the lock's hardware. If needed, you can use a mild soap solution. However, you must be sure that the lock is dried completely afterward.
It is also a good idea to that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are similar to those used in a precision-tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help to dislodge any dirt or debris that may have accumulated inside the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly.
It is crucial to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you find an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with the current mechanism. If you're not sure how to proceed, 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 the security of your home. But it's easy to fix these problems if you know how.
Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. Wipe away any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Then, use a little hot soapy water to clean the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any grime or grit that has built up over time. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are fitted with mortise locks that is safe however, it is susceptible to issues in the course of time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Start by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to unfasten the screws that secure the latch body in the position. After removing the latch handle and plate then you can take it from its slot on 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 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to clean dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you may need to reposition lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and is best done by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without having to take it off the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws holding the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time for lubrication of the keyhole and the locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and extend its lifespan.
Dry graphite is a fantastic option to lubricate tiny metal parts, like locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It also lasts longer than liquids. It's easy to apply, and you can also use it on sliding doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and don't attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They are effective at both high and low temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants may create accumulation over time and could replace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone lubricants since they last longer and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also great for cold environments because they can prevent ice from building up inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith can dismantle the lock mechanism and put in a new cylinder that matches your current keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if your door isn't equipped with one. This will increase safety and security. They can also put an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating the door do not work, then the problem could be that the latch on the door is not aligned correctly with the frame or jamb. To check this, open the sliding patio door and look up and down from the door's opening to determine if the door is parallel to the frame or jamb. If not, loosen screws fixing the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly catching the latch's hasp when the door is closed.
Sometimes the latch is difficult to close due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, which is why you'll need an alternate. It's important to choose a new cylinder that is similar in size to the old one and has the same style keyway, so that you can easily replace it by screwing the two halves of the lock apart and then inserting the new one.
There are replacement cylinders available at a variety of home improvement stores. You'll need the brand and model number of your existing cylinder to purchase the replacement. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then go to the local hardware store for help.
Once you have the new cylinder in place, unscrew it from the flat screw holding it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame with the help of a screwdriver. Put Repair My Windows And Doors 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 of the door) and then loosen it enough to turn the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that's not functioning properly could pose an extremely risk to security. Dirt and debris can get stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this is not addressed promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and no longer offer security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires just some tools and a small amount of time.
Begin by examining the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the lock latch may be bent too much to function properly. If this is the case, you should replace the lock latch using mortise locking to ensure that it's as secure and strong as it can be.
If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY project on your own seek out an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to help you with the installation of an entirely new lock. They'll have the expertise and tools to complete the task correctly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door.
Keeping your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Make sure that the handle and knobs aren't loose, and if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant is vital, so be certain to select one specifically designed to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism for best results.