Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Help You Live Better

How to Troubleshoot and repair patio door lock Patio Door Locks

Maintaining your patio doors in good in good order will keep your home safe from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements can cause the doors and their locks to become damaged or misaligned.

If your patio door lock does not work 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 frequently targeted by burglars because of their huge glass size and their convenient position within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore essential to ensure that your home is safe. There are a few easy ways to repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning.

The first step is to inspect the lock and ensure that there is nothing that is hindering it from latching or locking. You must take care to address any issues you discover like loose screws or corrosion. In some cases, a small adjustment to the location of the patio door may be enough to fix the problem.

Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to perform as it should. Clean your patio door and wipe down the lock hardware frequently to prevent this. You can make use of a mild detergent in the event of need, but ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterwards.

In addition, it is an ideal idea to lubricate the lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a finely tuned machine, so they can get stuck and jammed just like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant can help to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated inside the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly.

The exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also important. This will help you find a lock that perfectly matches your current mechanism. If you're unsure of how to proceed get help, consult a professional tradesperson or locksmith for help.

Clean the Lock

The intricate parts of the door lock could become jammed due to dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues can affect the security of your home. However, it's not difficult to fix these problems If you know how.

Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, clean any dirt or stains that could be hindering your lock from functioning properly. Make use of hot soapy water and a little grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them.

Most patio doors are secured by a mortise locking system. This is a secure lock, but it is susceptible to problems with time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you can take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.

After the latch has been removed it is possible to lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't own WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to clean any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work, you might need to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be performed by professionals. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without having to take it off the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame inside the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are located.

Lubricate the Lock

When your lock is free of dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant helps keep your lock in top condition, and extends its life.

Dry graphite powder is excellent for lubricating small metal parts like locks because it's not oily or sticky, and it lasts longer than liquid lubricants. It is easy to use and is suitable for use on sliding patio door repairs near me doors tracks for garage doors and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock cylinders.

Liquid lubricants can be more efficient than graphite powder particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other liquid lubricants. They work well in high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may accumulate over time, and displace other lubricants that you've used.

Teflon oil can be an ideal substitute for silicone lubricants, because they last longer and do not attract dirt or dust. They're also ideal for cold environments, as they can help prevent ice accumulation inside the lock.

If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's probably worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a a new cylinder matched to the keys you have. They can also repair patio doors and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder in case your door isn't equipped with one. This can 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 it and lubricating it do not work, then the issue could be due to the latch on the door isn't aligned correctly with the jamb or frame. To test this open the sliding patio door, and look both ways from the opening of the latch to determine whether the door is aligned with the jamb or frame. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch catches the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is shut.

The latch can also be difficult to close because the cylinder is worn out. You'll require a new cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is recommended to select one with the same keyway and dimensions like the one that came before it. This allows you to replace it easily by removing the two halves before inserting the new cylinder.

Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need the brand and model number of the existing cylinder to buy an alternative. If you don't have the model or manufacturer you can take a photograph of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and go to an 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. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure so that you do not lose it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout in the door) and loosen it enough to rotate the cylinder.

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that isn't working properly could pose an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris could become stuck in the lock mechanism. If this is not addressed promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and will no will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires only a few tools and little time.

Start by examining the lock to see what's causing the issue. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the lock latch may be too bent to function properly. In this instance, it would be best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure it's as strong and secure as it can be.

Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're not sure about undertaking this DIY project. They will have the experience and tools to do it properly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door.

Maintaining your patio door lock repairs door lock in good working condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Check that the handle and knobs 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 have been subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. It is important to use a lubricant that is specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For the best results, apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.