The Next Big Trend In The Repair Patio Door Industry
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good condition to guard your home from intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors and their locks.
If your patio door lock does not work properly it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps can fix issues with the handle, keyway and latch.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of the large amount of glass and their central place within a house. Having well-functioning locks is therefore crucial to ensure your home is safe. Luckily, there are some easy methods to troubleshoot or fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly.
First, examine the lock and ensure that nothing is blocking it from latching or locking. You must deal with any issues you spot like loose screws or corrosion. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio door could suffice to resolve the issue.
Another common issue is debris or dust that could cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To avoid this happening, ensure that you clean your patio door regularly and wipe down the lock hardware. You can use a mild detergent solution when needed, but remember to dry the lock completely afterward.
It is also a good idea lubricate your lock regularly. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those in a finely tuned machine. They can jam or get stuck just like any mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated within the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly.
Knowing the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also important. This can help you choose the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you are unsure about how to accomplish this, it's best to speak with an expert locksmith or tradesperson for assistance.
Clean the Lock
Over time, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the intricate components of the door lock to become jammed. These problems can threaten your home security. But it's simple to fix these problems If you know how.
Before attempting any repairs, you must first clean your lock. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, clean any dirt or stains that might be preventing your lock from working correctly. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to clean the lock mechanism and remove any grime or grit that has built up over time. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again.
Most patio doors are fitted with mortise locks that is secure, but is susceptible to problems in the course of time. If you're uPVC locks has become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. Start by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. The next step is to unfasten the screws that keep the latch in place. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be ready to take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch has been removed and lubricated, you can apply by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't have a WD40 alternative, you could use graphite pencils to help get rid of any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work it may be necessary to reposition the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be handled by professionals. However, you can practice repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by opening and closing the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that hold the cylinder in place.
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 right type of lubricant can keep your lock in good shape, extending its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is ideal for lubricating small metal components like locks since it's not oily or sticky and lasts longer than liquid greases. It's easy to apply and you can apply it to 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 water resistant and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other liquid lubricants. They are efficient at high and low temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can accumulate over time and eventually replace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon oil can be a good alternative to silicone lubricants as they are long-lasting and do not attract dust or dirt. They're also great for cold environments because they'll prevent ice from building up inside the lock.
If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, then it's likely to be worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith will remove the lock mechanism and install an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your current keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with an cylinder for your lock an expert can replace it to increase security and security. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door to are compatible with the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If lubricating the lock and cleaning it doesn't work, the problem may be that the door latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or door frame. Open the sliding patio doors and examine the top and bottom of the opening for the latch. If the door is parallel to the frame or jamb and you are able to check, then it is. If not, loosen the screws holding the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch's hasp as the door is closed.
The latch is also sometimes difficult to close because the cylinder is worn out. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, and you'll need an alternate. It's important to choose a new cylinder that is the same size as the previous one and has the same style keyway, which means you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock apart and inserting the new cylinder.
You can find replacement cylinders at a variety of home improvement stores. You'll be required to know the name and model of your existing cylinder to be able to purchase one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder and its mounting screws and head to an hardware store for help.
If you have a brand new cylinder, unscrew the screw with a flat head that is holding it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and the door frame. Place the screw in a safe place to ensure you do not lose it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout of the door) and loosen it enough to turn the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't working properly could pose an extremely risk to security. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to get stuck inside the lock mechanism however if the issue isn't addressed promptly the lock could eventually break down and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires only a few tools and a small amount of time.
Begin by inspecting the lock and determining what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch does not work the latch could be bent too far to perform as it should. If this is the case, replace the lock latch using a mortise locking system to ensure that it's as secure and strong as it can be.
If you're not confident in tackling this DIY task yourself contact an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to help you with the installation of the new lock. They'll have all the tools and expertise needed to install the lock properly.
Maintaining your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate Repair My Windows And Doors at least every year to keep it from squeezing or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant used is crucial, so make sure to choose one that's specifically designed to be used on 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.