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 against unwanted intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors as well as their locks.
You can fix your patio door lock on your own when it's not working correctly. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway, and latch.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and convenient location within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore essential to ensure that your home is safe. There are a few easy ways to fix patio door locks which have stopped working.
The first step is to examine the lock to make sure nothing is hindering it from latching or locking. If you find any issues like loose screws, rust, or an issue with alignment, they should be addressed immediately. In some cases an adjustment of just a few inches to the location of the patio door may suffice to solve the problem.
Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism to fail to function properly. To prevent this from occurring, be sure to clean your patio door regularly and clean the lock's hardware. You can make use of a mild detergent when needed, but be sure to dry the lock thoroughly afterwards.
In addition, it's a good idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a finely tuned machine, and they could get stuck and jammed just like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant will help remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated inside the lock cylinder and ensure that it is operating efficiently.
It is essential to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you find an appropriate lock that is compatible with the existing mechanism. If you aren't sure how to accomplish this, it's advisable to speak with a locksmith or professional tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock could become jammed due to dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These issues could compromise your home's security. These problems are easy to solve if you know how to do.
Before you attempt any repairs, you must first clean your lock. Wipe away any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to wash the lock mechanism and remove any grit or grime that has accumulated over time. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before re-using them.
Most patio doors use a mortise lock, which is secure however, it is susceptible to issues in the course of time. If your uPVC locks are stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that hold the body of the latch in the position. After you have removed the latch plate and handle then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch is detached 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 try using a graphite pencil to help get rid of any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you might need to move the your lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and should be done by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without having to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame inside the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time for lubrication of the keyhole and the locks themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its life.
Dry graphite is a great way to lubricate small metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. patio door repairs is also more durable than liquids. It's easy to use and is suitable for use on sliding doors tracks for garage doors and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants may be more effective than graphite powder especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They work well at low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants can cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may be displaced by other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they last for a long time and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also ideal for cold conditions, since they can help prevent ice accumulation within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith will remove the lock mechanism, and then install a new cylinder that matches your existing keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if the door isn't equipped with one. This will improve security and safety. They can also install an entirely new faceplate for your 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 problem could be that the latch on the door isn't aligned correctly with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio door, and look up and down 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 closed.
The latch can also be difficult to close due to the cylinder is worn out. You'll need a replacement cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. You should select one with the same keyway and size as the previous one. This allows you to change it quickly by unbolting the two halves and inserting the replacement cylinder.
There are replacement cylinders available at many home improvement stores. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your existing cylindrical to purchase the replacement. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then go to your local hardware store for assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder installed, unscrew it from the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door as well as the door frame. Set the screw in a safe place so that you don't lose it 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 functioning properly could pose a serious risk to your security. It's not common for dirt and other debris to get lodged inside the lock mechanisms however if the issue isn't addressed promptly, the lock can eventually break down and stop providing security. It's a straightforward DIY project to change the patio door lock. It's all you need are the tools you need and some time.
Start by examining the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch does not work it could be bent too far to perform as it should. In this situation it is recommended to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure it's as strong and secure as it can be.
Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're not sure in tackling this DIY task. They will have the experience and tools to complete the task properly and ensure that the new lock will work with your patio door.
Keeping your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Make sure the knobs and handle aren't loose and if they're tighten them as required. Lubricate your lock at least every year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant you use is crucial, so make sure to choose one that's 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 to achieve the best results.