5 Lessons You Can Learn From Repair Patio Door
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good condition to safeguard your home from intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors as well as their locks.
If your patio door lock does not work properly You can make basic repairs at home. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to the large amount of glass and their central place within a house. Having well-functioning locks is therefore important to ensure your home is secure. There are easy ways to fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning.
The first step is to inspect the lock to make sure nothing is hindering it from locking or latching. If you notice any issues like loose screws or rust, or an issue with alignment, they should be addressed immediately. In some instances an adjustment of the position of the patio door could suffice to resolve the problem.
Another issue that is common is dust or debris that could cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To avoid this occurring, be sure to clean your patio door regularly 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.
It is also a good idea to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those in a finely tuned machine. They can jam and get stuck just like any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant will help remove any dirt or debris that has collected inside the lock cylinder and ensure that it is operating efficiently.
The exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also important. This will allow you to find an appropriate lock that is compatible with the existing mechanism. If you aren't sure how to accomplish this, it is advisable to speak with a locksmith or professional tradesperson for assistance.
Clean the Lock
Over time, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the delicate parts of the 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.
Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, wipe away any dirt or stains that might be preventing your lock from working properly. Then, use a little hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any grime or grit that has accumulated over time. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are fitted with mortise locks that is safe but is susceptible to issues over time. If you're uPVC locks are stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. For an uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate with a little of hot soapy water. Then, 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 able to take the latch out of 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 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to remove dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you may need to reposition your lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and should be done by an expert. You can try shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by closing and opening the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws secure the cylinder.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to grease the keyhole and the locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant can keep your lock in top condition, and extends its life.
Dry graphite is a fantastic way to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also more durable 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-like graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants may be more effective than graphite particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and don't attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They are effective in high and low temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants may create accumulation over time and could displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon Lubricants are an ideal alternative to silicone lubricants since they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They are also great for cold conditions, since they prevent the build-up of ice inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with the new cylinder that matches your existing keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door doesn't have a lock cylinder or faceplate, a professional can install it to improve security and security. They can also put the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating the door do not work, then the issue could be that the latch on the door is not aligned correctly with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio doors and take a look upwards and downwards at the opening of 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 that hold the latch body in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch catches the latch tightly when the door is shut.
Sometimes, the latch can be 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 a replacement. It is important to choose an alternative cylinder that is exactly the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same style keyway, which means you can easily replace it by screwing the two halves of the lock apart and then inserting the new cylinder.
You can find replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll be required to know the name and model of the existing cylinder so you can buy one that is compatible with it. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then visit your local hardware store for help.
Once upvc patio door repairs have the new cylinder installed remove it from the flat screw holding 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 that you don't lose or damage it. Then, loosen enough the set screw that is located on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't working properly can cause serious danger to your security. Dirt and debris could get caught in the lock mechanism. If this is not addressed immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and won't will be able to provide security. It's a straightforward DIY project to replace the patio door lock. You only need a few tools and some time.
Begin by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch doesn't work the latch could be bent to far to perform as it should. In this situation it is recommended to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure that it's as strong and secure as possible.
If you're not comfortable with this DIY project yourself seek out a locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you in the installation of an entirely new lock. They'll have the tools and experience to install the lock correctly.
Maintaining your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Check that the knobs and handles aren't loose and if they're, tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is crucial to select a lubricant which is specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to get best results.