How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good working order will help protect your home from unwanted intruders. However, repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk may cause the doors and locks to become misaligned or damaged.
If your patio door lock does not operate properly it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway, and handle.
Check the lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their huge glass size and their convenient location within a home. It is crucial to ensure your home is secure. Fortunately, there are simple ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that aren't working correctly.
The first step is to examine the lock to see if anything hinders it from locking or latching. You should take care to address any issues you discover such as loose screws or corrosion. In some instances, a small adjustment to the location of the patio door might suffice to resolve the issue.
Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to perform as it should. Clean your patio door and clean all hardware of the lock regularly to avoid this. If needed, you can use mild soap. But, be sure that the lock is dried completely afterwards.
In addition, it is a good idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to the parts of a fine-tuned machine, and they could become stuck and jammed like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant will help dislodge any dirt or debris that may have accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and keep it operating smoothly.
It is important to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you locate an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you're unsure of what to do get help, consult an expert locksmith or tradesperson for assistance.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock can become jammed due to dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues can compromise your home security. These problems are easy to solve if you know what to do.
Before you attempt any repairs, first clean your lock. Clean any stains and debris with a moist cloth. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to clean the lock mechanism and remove any dirt or grime that has accumulated over time. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are secured with mortise locking systems. This is a safe lock, but it is susceptible to problems in time. If your uPVC lock is stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For an uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of soapy water. Then, take off the screws that are holding the body of the latch 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 is detached it is possible to lubricate the lock with an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have WD40 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to clean dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you may need to reposition your lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and is best done by a professional. You can try repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are located that secure the cylinder.
Lubricate the Lock
If your lock is clean of dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its life.
Dry graphite is a great way to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also more durable than liquids. It is easy to use and can be utilized on sliding doors, garage door tracks, 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 efficient than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and don't attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They work well in both low and high temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can get accumulated over time and eventually replace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent 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 keep ice from accumulating within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism, and then install an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with the keys you have. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door does not have a lock cylinder or faceplate, a professional can install it to increase security and safety. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door that match the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock and lubricating it don't perform, the issue could be that the door's latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. To determine this, open the sliding patio door and look upwards and downwards from the latch opening to see if the door is parallel with the jamb or frame. If not, loosen screws that hold the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the latch is firmly grasping the latch's hasp as the door closes.
The latch may also be difficult to close as the cylinder is worn out. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, and you'll require an alternate. It is essential to select an alternative cylinder that is exactly the same size as the old one and has the same keyway, so that you can easily replace it by screwing the two halves of the lock to one side and inserting the new cylinder.
You can find replacement cylinders in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your existing cylindrical to purchase the replacement. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number then take a photo of the cylinder and its mounting screws, and then go to an hardware store for assistance.
When you have a new cylinder, loosen the flat screw that holds it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door as well as the door frame. Set the screw in a safe place to ensure 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 inside the door) and loosen it enough to rotate the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock not functioning properly could cause serious danger to your security. Dirt and debris could become stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this issue isn't addressed promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and will no longer provide security. It's a simple DIY project to change the patio door lock. You only need the tools you need and some time.
Start by inspecting the lock to determine what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch fails it could be bent too much to work properly. If this is the case, replace the lock latch with a mortise locking system to ensure that it's as secure and strong as possible.
If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project yourself, consult with a locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you with the installation of a new lock. They'll have the expertise and tools to complete the job correctly and ensure that the new lock works with your patio door.
Keeping your patio door lock in good working condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Make sure the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is crucial to choose a lubricant that is specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism to get the best results.