How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good working in good condition will keep your home safe from unwanted intruders. However, the elements could cause the doors and locks to be damaged or misaligned.
You can fix your patio door lock yourself in the event that it isn't working properly. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway and latch.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their large quantity of glass and their convenient location within a home. It is essential that your locks function correctly to keep your home secure. There are simple ways to repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning.
patio door glass replacement cost uk is to inspect the lock and ensure that nothing is blocking it from locking or latching. It is important to deal with any issues you spot such as loose screws or rust. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio door could suffice to resolve the problem.
Another issue that is common is debris or dust that could cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To avoid this occurring, be sure to clean your patio door on a regular basis and clean the lock hardware. If needed, you can apply mild soap. However, make sure that the lock is dried completely afterwards.
Additionally, it's an ideal idea to lubricate the lock regularly. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those used in a finely tuned machine. They can jam and get stuck just like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant could be used to clean any dirt or debris from the lock's cylinder. This will keep it functioning smoothly.
It is crucial to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will allow you to find the perfect lock to match your existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to do this, it's advisable to speak with an expert tradesperson or locksmith for assistance.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the intricate parts of your door lock to become stuck. These issues could compromise your home security. These problems are easy to fix if you know what to do.
Before making any repairs, clean your lock. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, remove any debris or stains that might be preventing your lock from working properly. Use soapy water with hot water and a little grit to clean the lock mechanism. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio doors are secured using a mortise locking system. This is a secure lock but can develop issues with time. If you find that your uPVC locks have become stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. The next step is to remove the screws that secure the latch body in place. After you have removed the latch handle and plate then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch has been removed and lubricated, you can apply using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have WD40, a graphite pen can be used to remove dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working, you might need to relocate the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be performed by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without needing to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time for lubrication of the keyhole and the locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant helps keep your lock in good shape, extending its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is great for lubricating small metal components like locks since it's not sticky or oily and lasts for longer than liquid greases. It is easy to use and is suitable for use on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite powder, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other types of liquid fluids. They work well in both low and high temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can build up over time, and can displace other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants because they're long-lasting and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also excellent for cold environments, as they can prevent ice buildup inside the lock.
If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with a the new cylinder that matches your keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if your door does not have one. This will improve safety and security. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that match the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If lubricating the lock and cleaning it don't work, the problem may be that the latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or door frame. Open the sliding patio door, and examine the top and bottom of the latch opening. If the door is parallel to the jamb or the frame then you can test. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it up or down until the latch catches the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is closed.
Sometimes the latch isn't closing properly because of a worn-out cylinder. You'll require a new cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. You should select a cylinder that has the same keyway and size as the one you had previously. This allows you to change it quickly by removing the two halves and putting in the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need the name and model number of your current cylindrical to purchase the replacement. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number you can take a photograph of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws and go to a hardware store to get assistance.
When you have a new cylinder, unscrew the screw with a flat head that is holding it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door and the door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure to ensure you do not lose it. Then, loosen enough the set screw that is located on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole in the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly can be a serious security risk. It's not common for dirt and other debris to become lodged in the lock mechanisms, but if this isn't addressed quickly enough the lock will eventually fail and stop providing security. It's a simple DIY task to replace the patio door lock. You'll only need the tools you need and some time.
Start by inspecting the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the lock latch may be too bent to function properly. In this situation it's best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure that it's as strong and secure as possible.
If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY project on your own contact a locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you with the installation of an entirely new lock. They'll have the expertise and tools to complete the task properly and ensure that the new lock will work with your patio door.
Routine maintenance is essential to keep your patio door lock working correctly. Check that the knobs and handles aren't loose and if they're, tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to avoid it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks exposed to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more frequently. It is essential to select a lubricant which is specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to get the best results.