How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good in good order will keep your home safe from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to your patio doors and their locks.
If your patio door lock doesn't 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 often targeted by burglars due to the large amount of glass and their central position within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore essential to ensure that your home is safe. Fortunately, there are simple ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that aren't working correctly.
First, examine the lock and ensure that there is nothing blocking it from latching or locking. If you notice any issues such as loose screws or rust, or the wrong alignment, these must be addressed promptly. In some cases, a slight adjustment to the patio door's position may be enough to solve the issue.
Another common issue is debris or dust which can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. Clean your
patio door repair service door and wipe down all hardware of the lock regularly to avoid this. You can use a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterwards.
It is also a good idea lubricate your lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are similar to those used in a finely tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck like any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant, can be used to remove any debris or dirt from the lock cylinder. This will keep it functioning smoothly.
It is important to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you locate an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with the current mechanism. If you're not sure
how to repair patio door lock to proceed you can contact a professional locksmith or tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock can jam up over time due to dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These issues can affect your home's security. These issues are easy to solve if you know what to do.
Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. With a damp cloth, wipe away any dirt or stains that may hinder your lock from working correctly. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of your lock and wash away any dirt or grime that has built up over time. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio doors are secured with mortise locking systems. This is a secure lock but can develop problems in time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck, the first step is to clean
tilt and slide patio door repairs near me lubricate it. For the uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of soapy water. Then, take off the screws that are holding the body of the latch in the position. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you'll be able to remove the latch from its slot in the door frame.
After the latch has been removed, you can lubricate the lock using an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have a WD40, you can also try using a graphite pencil to get rid of any dirt or grit within 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 done by professionals. 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, draw pencil marks on the frame where the screws that hold the cylinder in place are.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is free from dirt and debris It's the perfect time to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its lifespan.
Dry graphite is a great option to lubricate tiny metal parts, such as locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It also lasts longer than liquids. It's simple to use and can be used on
sliding patio door repair near me doors tracks for garage doors, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other liquid fluids. They work well at low and high temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can get accumulated over time, and can displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone lubricants since they're long-lasting and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also excellent for cold conditions, since they can prevent ice buildup within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with the new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder if your door does not have one. This can increase security and safety. They can also put the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware.
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 isn't aligned properly with the jamb or frame. To check this open the
sliding patio door repair service near me patio door, and look upwards and downwards from the door's opening to see whether the door is aligned to the frame or jamb. If not, remove the screws holding the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch is firmly grasping the latch's hasp when the door is closed.
Sometimes, the latch is difficult to close due to a worn-out cylinder. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, which is why you'll need to get an alternate. You should choose a cylinder that has the same keyway and size like the one that came before it. This will allow you to change it quickly by unbolting the two halves and inserting the new cylinder.
There are replacement cylinders available in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll be required to know the name and model of the existing cylinder so you can buy one that is compatible with it. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then go to your local hardware store to seek help.
If you have a brand new cylinder, remove 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. Put the screw somewhere safe to ensure you don't lose it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout in the door) and then loosen it enough to rotate the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could pose an immediate security risk. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to become lodged in the lock's mechanisms however if the issue isn't addressed promptly the lock could eventually break down and cease to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires just some tools and a small amount of time.
Begin by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch does not work the latch could be bent too much to perform as it should. If this is the case, you should replace the latch using mortise locking systems to ensure that it's as solid and secure as possible.
If you're not confident in tackling this DIY task yourself seek out an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you in the installation of a new lock. They will have all the tools and expertise needed to install the lock correctly.
Keeping your
repairing patio doors door lock in good condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Make sure that the knobs and handles aren't loose and if they're, tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant used is crucial, so make sure to select one that's specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). For the best results apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.
