Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Change Your Life
How to Troubleshoot and repair patio doors Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good working order will help keep your home safe from unwanted intruders. However, the elements may cause the doors and locks to become damaged or misaligned.
You can fix your patio door lock yourself if it is not functioning properly. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway, and handle.
Check the lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their large quantity of glass and their convenient location within a home. It is crucial that your locks work properly to keep your home secure. There are a few easy solutions to repair patio glass repair near me door locks that have stopped functioning.
The first step is to inspect the lock to see if anything is preventing it from locking or latching. You should take care to address any issues you discover, such as loose screws or corrosion. In some cases an adjustment of the door's location could be sufficient to fix the issue.
Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism not to work properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all hardware of the lock regularly to prevent this. If necessary, you can use a mild soap solution. However, you must be sure to dry the lock completely afterwards.
It is also a good idea to that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio screen door repair near me lock are comparable to those in a finely tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and get stuck just like any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a small amount of lubricant could be used to clean any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock's cylinder. This will keep it running at a high speed.
It is crucial to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will allow you to find a lock that perfectly matches your existing mechanism. If you're unsure of how to proceed get help, consult an expert locksmith or tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock may jam up over time because of dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These problems can compromise your home's security. But it's simple to fix these problems when you know how.
Before attempting any repairs, first clean your lock. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, wipe away any stains or debris that may be hindering your lock from functioning properly. Make use of hot soapy water and a small amount of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them.
Most patio doors are secured using a mortise locking system. This is a safe lock, but it can also cause issues over time. If your uPVC locks has become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. After you have removed the latch handle and plate, you can remove it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch has been removed, you can lubricate it using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't own WD40, a graphite pen can be used to eliminate dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work it may be necessary to move the lock cylinder. This will require some additional tools and is best done by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without having to take it off the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame where the screws holding the cylinder in place are.
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. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and extend its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is excellent for lubricating small metal components like locks because it's not oily or sticky and lasts for longer than liquid fluid lubricants. It's simple to use and can be utilized on sliding patio door repair service near me doors tracks for garage doors, and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and will not attract as much dust or dirt as other liquid lubricants. They are suitable for both low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants build up over time, and can displace other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon oil can be an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they are long-lasting and do not attract dust or dirt. They're also excellent for cold environments, as they prevent the build-up of ice within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's probably worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with the new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door does not have a lock cylinder an expert can replace it to increase security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door to are in keeping with the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock and lubricating it do not perform, the issue could be that the latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. To determine this, open the sliding patio door repair patio door and sight both ways from the opening of the latch to see if the door is parallel with the frame or jamb. If not, remove the screws fixing the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch's hasp as the door is closed.
Sometimes, the latch isn't closing properly due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, which is why you'll need an alternate. It is important to choose the new cylinder that's exactly the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same style keyway, so you can easily replace it by screwing the two parts of the lock apart and then inserting the new one.
Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your existing cylindrical to purchase a replacement. If you don't have the model or manufacturer then take a photo of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and go to a hardware store to get assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder in place take it off the flat screw holding it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame using the screwdriver. Set the screw somewhere secure 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 inside the door) and loosen it enough to rotate the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that's not working properly could pose an extremely risk to security. Dirt and debris can get caught within the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't taken care of promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and won't will be able to provide security. It's a simple DIY project to replace the patio door lock. You only need just a few tools and a bit of time.
Begin by examining the lock and determining the cause of the problem. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the latch may be too bent to work properly. If this is the case, replace the lock latch with a mortise locking system to ensure that it's as solid and secure as possible.
If you're not comfortable with this DIY project yourself, consult with a locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you with the installation of a new lock. They will have all the equipment and know-how to properly install the lock.
Keeping your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Check that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are subject to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more often. The type of lubricant you use is important, so be sure to select one that's specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). For best results, apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.