Five Things You've Never Learned About Repair Patio Door
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good working in good order will protect your home from unwanted intruders. sliding patio door lock repair RepairMyWindowsAndDoors can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors as well as their locks.
If your patio door lock does not work properly, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will fix issues 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 convenient place within a house. It is essential to ensure that your home's security. There are a few easy solutions to fix patio door locks which have stopped working.
The first step is to check the lock to make sure nothing hinders it from latching or locking. It is important to deal with any issues you spot such as loose screws or rust. In some cases, a slight adjustment to the position of the patio door could be sufficient to fix the problem.
Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism to perform as it should. Clean your patio door and clean all lock hardware regularly to prevent this. If you need to, apply a mild soap solution. However, make sure that the lock is dried completely afterwards.
It is also a good idea lubricate your lock regularly. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are similar to those found in a machine that is finely tuned. They can jam and get stuck just like any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant, can be used to clean any debris or dirt from the lock cylinder. This will help keep it running smoothly.
Knowing the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is important. This can help you find the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you're not sure what to do, contact a professional locksmith or tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, hot and cold weather, dust, and dirt can cause the intricate parts of the door lock to become blocked. These problems can compromise the security of your home. But it's easy to fix these problems if you know how.
Before making any repairs, you must first clean your lock. With a damp cloth, remove any stains or debris that might hinder your lock from functioning properly. Use hot soapy water and a little grit to clean the lock mechanism. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before re-using them.
The majority of patio doors have mortise locks, which is secure but can be prone to problems in the course of time. If you find that your uPVC locks are stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. The next step is to unfasten the screws that secure the latch body 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 is removed and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock with a light engineering oil like WD40. If you don't own WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to clean dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you may need to reposition lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and is best done by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without having to take it off the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame where the screws that hold the locking cylinder are located.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is free of dirt and debris, it's a good time to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant will keep your lock in top condition, and extends its life.
Dry graphite is a fantastic way to lubricate small metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also more durable than liquids. It's easy to apply and you can use it on sliding doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite powder, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and don't attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They are efficient at low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants could cause accumulation over time and could displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they're long-lasting and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also suitable for cold climates since they'll keep ice from accumulating within the lock.
If your lock cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it's likely to be worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with a an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your existing keys. They can also make repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder in case your door does not have one. This will improve security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door to match the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating the door do not work, then the issue could be due to the latch on the door is not properly aligned with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio doors and take a look upwards and downwards at the latch opening. If the door is parallel to the jamb or the frame then you can test. If not, loosen the screws holding the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch is securely catching the latch hasp when the door is closed.
Sometimes, the latch isn't closing properly due to a worn-out cylinder. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, which is why you'll need to get a replacement. It is recommended to select a cylinder that has the same keyway and dimensions as the previous one. This will allow you to replace it easily by removing the two halves and inserting the replacement cylinder.
You can find replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll need the brand and model number of your existing cylinder to buy an alternative. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then visit the local hardware store for help.
Once you have the new cylinder installed take it off the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Place the screw in a secure place so you don't loose or damage it. Then, loosen the set screw 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 working properly can cause serious danger to your security. Dirt and debris could become stuck in the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't addressed promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and won't longer offer security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires only some tools and a bit of time.
Start by examining the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch fails, it may be bent to far to perform as it should. If this is the case, replace the lock latch using mortise locking systems to ensure that it's as strong and secure as possible.
If you're not comfortable with this DIY project on your own, consult with a locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you in the installation of a new lock. They'll have the expertise and tools to complete the job properly and ensure that the new lock works with your patio door.
Regular maintenance is the key to ensure that your patio door lock functioning properly. Make sure that the knobs and handles aren't loose and, if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to keep it from squeezing or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more frequently. It is essential to choose a lubricant that has been 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.