How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good working in good order will keep your home safe 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 on your own if it is not working correctly. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway, and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their huge quantity of glass and their convenient position within a house. Having well-functioning locks is therefore important to ensure your home is safe. There are a few easy solutions to fix patio door locks which have stopped functioning.
First, examine the lock to ensure there is nothing blocking it from locking or latching. It is important to deal with any issues you spot like loose screws or corrosion. In some cases, a slight adjustment to the patio door's position may be sufficient to fix the issue.
Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism to fail to perform as it should. Clean your patio door and wipe down the lock hardware frequently to avoid this. If you need to, apply mild soap. However, you must be sure that you dry the lock completely afterward.
In addition, it is an ideal idea to lubricate the lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are similar to those used in a precision-tuned machine. They can jam and become stuck as with any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant could be used to get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock's cylinder. This will keep it running smoothly.
Knowing the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is crucial. This can help you find the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you aren't sure how to go about this, it's best to talk to a locksmith or professional tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock may get jammed over time due to dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These issues can affect your home's security. These issues are simple to solve if you know what to do.
Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, clean any debris or stains that might hinder your lock from working 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 a mortise lock that is safe however, it is susceptible to issues with time. If your uPVC lock is stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. The next step is to remove the screws that hold the latch body in place. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be able to remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch is removed, you can lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't have WD40, a graphite pen can be used to eliminate dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may need to reposition lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by an expert. You can practice repositioning the 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 inside where the screws that hold the locking cylinder are located.
Lubricate the Lock
Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to lubricate both the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk of lubricant will keep your lock in top condition, and extends its life.
Dry graphite powder is excellent to lubricate small metal parts like locks since it's not oily or sticky and lasts longer than liquid greases. 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-type graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and won't attract as much dust and dirt as other liquid lubricants. They are suitable for both low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants could cause accumulation over time and could displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they're long-lasting and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also good for colder environments since they'll prevent ice from building up within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door does not have an cylinder for your lock an expert can replace it to improve security and safety. They can also install the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it do not work, the problem may be that the latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. Open the sliding patio door, and examine the top and bottom of the latch opening. If the door is aligned with the frame or jamb then you can test. If not, loosen 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.
The latch can also be difficult to close due to the cylinder has worn out. You'll require a new for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is essential to select an alternative cylinder that is exactly the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same keyway, which means you can easily replace it by screwing the two parts of the lock apart and then inserting the new one.
You can find replacement cylinders in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your current cylindrical to purchase an alternative. If you don't have the model or manufacturer then take a photo of the cylinder and its mounting screws and go to a hardware store to get help.
Once you have a new cylinder, loosen the screw with a flat head that holds it in place, and remove the plate that holds it in place. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame with the screwdriver. Place the screw in a safe place so that you don't lose it or damage 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's not working properly can be a major risk to your security. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to get stuck inside the lock's mechanisms, but if this isn't dealt with quickly enough the lock will eventually fail and stop providing security. It's a simple DIY project to replace the patio door lock. You only need the tools you need and some time.
Start by examining the lock to determine what is causing the problem. If lubricating and cleaning don't aid, the latch may be bent too much to work properly. In this instance it's best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock so that it's as sturdy and secure as is possible.
If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY task yourself, consult with a locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you with the installation of the new lock. They will have all the tools and experience to install the lock correctly.
Routine maintenance is the key to keep your patio door lock working properly. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and if they're, tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least once per year to keep it from becoming stuck or stiff. It is recommended that locks exposed to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more frequently. The type of lubricant used is vital, so be certain to select one specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). For the best results, apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.