How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good in good order will protect your home from intruders who aren't yours. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to your patio doors and their locks.
You can repair your patio door lock by yourself in the event that it isn't 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 large quantity of glass and their convenient position within a house. It is important that your locks function properly to ensure your home is safe. Luckily, there are some easy methods to troubleshoot or fix patio door locks that aren't working correctly.
First, examine the lock and ensure that nothing is blocking it from locking or latching. You must deal with any issues you spot, such as loose screws or corrosion. In some instances an adjustment of the position of the patio door could be enough to solve the issue.
Another common issue is debris or dust that can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. Clean your patio door and clean all lock hardware regularly to prevent this. If necessary, you can apply a mild soap solution. But, be sure to dry the lock completely afterwards.
In addition, it's an ideal idea to lubricate the lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a finely tuned machine, so they can become stuck and jammed like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a small amount of lubricant could be used to get rid of any debris or dirt from the lock's cylinder. This will keep it running smoothly.
Knowing the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is crucial. This will help you choose an appropriate lock that is compatible with your existing mechanism. If you're not sure what to do, contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock may become jammed because of dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These issues can compromise your security at home. These issues are easy to solve if you know how to do.
Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Clean any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to clean the lock mechanism and remove any grime or grit that has accumulated over time. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before using them again.
Most patio doors use mortise locks that is secure, but is susceptible to problems over time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Begin by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Then, take off the screws that hold the body of the latch in place. After you have removed the latch plate and handle and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch is detached it is possible to lubricate the lock using an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't own WD40, you can also use a graphite pencil to help dislodge any grit or dirt in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work, you might need to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without having to remove it from the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame inside the area where the screws that support the cylinder in place are.
Lubricate the Lock
If your lock is clean of debris and dirt it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its lifespan.
Dry graphite is a fantastic method to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also more durable than liquids. 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 specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other kinds of liquid fluids. They are suitable for low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants can cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon oil can be an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants as they are long-lasting and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also good for colder environments since they can help stop the accumulation of ice within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with the new cylinder that matches your keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door does not have an cylinder for your lock or faceplate, a professional can install it to improve security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that are in keeping with the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If lubricating the lock and cleaning it do not work, the issue could be that the door's latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or door frame. To determine this you need to open the sliding patio door and look both ways from the opening of the latch to see whether the door is in line to the frame or jamb. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it up or down until the latch is able to catch the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is shut.
The latch may also be difficult to close due to the cylinder is worn out. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, and you'll need an alternate. 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 unscrewing the two halves before inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of your existing cylinder in order to buy one that matches it. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then visit your local hardware store for assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder installed, unscrew it from the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door and the door frame. Place the screw in a safe place so you don't 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 could pose an extremely risk to security. It's not common for dirt and other debris to become lodged in the lock's mechanisms however if the issue isn't dealt with quickly enough the lock will eventually fail and stop providing security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires only some tools and a little time.
Start by inspecting the lock to determine what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch fails the latch could be bent too far to work properly. If sliding glass door replacement is the case, you should replace the lock latch using mortise locking systems to ensure that it's as solid and secure as it can be.
If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project yourself contact an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to help you with the installation of the 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.
Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock working properly. Verify that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are subject to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant used is important, so be sure to choose one that's specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve best results.