How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good order will help protect your home from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements may cause the doors and locks to be misaligned or damaged.
You can fix your patio door lock by yourself in the event that it isn't working properly. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway and handle.
Check the lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their large amounts of glass and their central place within a house. A lock that is functional and secure is important to ensure your home's security. There are simple solutions to fix patio door locks which have stopped working.
The first step is to check the lock to make sure nothing is hindering it from latching or locking. It is important to take care to address any issues you discover such as loose screws or rust. In some instances an adjustment of the position of the patio door could suffice to resolve the problem.
Another common issue is debris or dust that can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. To avoid this occurring, be sure to clean your patio door regularly and clean the lock hardware. You can apply a mild detergent solution when needed, but remember to dry the lock thoroughly afterwards.
It is also a good idea that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are similar to those found in a precision-tuned machine. They can jam and become stuck like any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant, can be used to get rid of any dirt or debris from the lock cylinder. This will ensure that it is functioning smoothly.
Identifying the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is important. This will help you find an appropriate lock that is compatible with your current mechanism. If you're not sure how to go about this, it is advisable to contact an expert tradesperson or locksmith for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock could get jammed over time because of dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues can compromise your home's security. However, it's not difficult to fix these issues when you know how.
Before attempting any repairs, first clean your lock. Using a damp cloth, wipe away any stains or debris that might be preventing your lock from working properly. Use soapy water with hot water and a small amount of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio doors are secured using mortise locking systems. This is a safe lock, but it is susceptible to problems with time. If your uPVC locks has become stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning patio door repair near me www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk with hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to remove the screws that secure the latch body in the position. After removing the latch plate and handle and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch has been removed, you can lubricate it by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't own WD40 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to clean any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it is possible to move the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by a professional. But you can practice shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, after which making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are located that keep the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
If your lock is clean of debris and dirt, it's a good time to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and extend its lifespan.
Dry graphite is a great way to lubricate small metal parts, like locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also longer-lasting 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 recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They are effective in both low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may build up over time, and displace other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon Lubricants are an excellent substitute for silicone lubricants, because they last longer and don't attract dust or dirt. They are also great for cold environments, as they can help prevent ice accumulation inside the lock.
If your lock cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it is probably worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with a the new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder if your door isn't equipped with one. This will improve security and safety. They can also put a new lock faceplate on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it do not work, the issue could be that the latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the frame of the door. To test this, open the sliding patio door, and look upwards and downwards from the latch opening to see if the door is parallel to the frame or jamb. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch is able to catch the latch tightly when the door is shut.
Sometimes, the latch can be difficult to close because of a worn-out cylinder. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, so you'll need an alternate. You should select a cylinder that has the same keyway and size as the previous one. This will allow you to replace it with ease by unscrewing the two halves and putting in the new cylinder.
You can find replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll need the name and model number of your current cylindrical to purchase the replacement. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then go to your local hardware store to seek assistance.
If you have a brand new cylinder, loosen the flat screw that holds it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure to ensure you do not lose it. Then, loosen 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's not functioning properly can be an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris can become stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this is not treated immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and will no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires just a few tools and a small amount of time.
Start by examining the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch does not work the latch could be bent to far to work properly. In this case it is recommended to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure it's as strong and secure as possible.
If you're not comfortable with this DIY project yourself contact a locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you with the installation of an entirely new lock. They'll have the equipment and know-how to install the lock correctly.
Maintaining your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Make sure the knobs and handle aren't loose and, if they are tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather should be lubricated more frequently. The type of lubricant is crucial, so make sure to select one that's specifically designed to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). To get the best results apply the lubricant direct onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.