How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good working condition to protect your home from intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors as well as their locks.
You can fix your patio door lock on your own when it's not working correctly. These steps can fix issues with the handle, keyway and latch.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their large amounts of glass and convenient place within a house. Having well-functioning locks is therefore essential to ensure that your home is secure. There are simple ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that aren't functioning properly.
The first step is to inspect the lock and make sure there is nothing blocking it from locking or latching. If you notice any issues like loose screws or rust, or the wrong alignment, these must be addressed immediately. In some cases, a slight adjustment to the door's location could suffice to resolve the problem.
Another issue that is common is dust or debris which can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To prevent this from occurring, be sure to clean your
patio glass repair door regularly and wipe down the lock's hardware. If needed, you can apply mild soap. However, make sure that you dry the lock completely afterwards.
In addition, it's a good idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a fine-tuned machine, and they could be jammed and stuck just as any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant, can be used to get rid of any debris or dirt from the lock's cylinder. This will help keep it running smoothly.
The exact dimensions of the patio door lock is important. This will help you find a lock that perfectly matches the existing mechanism. If you aren't sure how to do this, it's best to speak with an expert tradesperson or locksmith to get help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather, dust, and dirt can cause the intricate components of your door lock to become stuck. These problems can threaten your home security. But it's simple to fix these issues when you know how.
Before attempting any repairs, first clean your lock. Clean any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to clean the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any grime or grit that has accumulated over time. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before re-using them.
The majority of patio doors have mortise locks that is safe but is susceptible to issues over time. If you find that your uPVC locks have become stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. For a uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a little of soapy water. The next step is to remove the screws that keep the latch in the position. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be ready to take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch is removed then you can lubricate it by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't have a WD40, you can also try using a graphite pencil to remove any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it is possible to move the lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and should be done by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without needing to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
After your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to lubricate both the keyhole and the locks themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and extend its lifespan.
Dry graphite is an excellent way 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 use and can be utilized on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and door hinges. 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 powder especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other liquid lubricants. They are effective in both low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants may create accumulation over time and could be displaced by other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon oil can be a good alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also good for cold environments because they can prevent ice from building up within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will remove the lock mechanism and install an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your existing keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder in case your door does not have one. This will improve security and safety. They can also install a new lock faceplate on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating the door does not work, the issue could be that the latch on the door is not aligned correctly with the frame or jamb. To determine this open the
sliding patio door repairs near me patio door and sight upwards and downwards from the opening of the latch to determine if the door is parallel 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 lock latch catches the latch hasp tightly when the door is shut.
The latch is also sometimes difficult to close due to the cylinder is worn. It is necessary to replace the cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. It's important to choose a new cylinder that is exactly the same size as the previous one and has the same style keyway, so you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two parts of the lock apart and then inserting the new cylinder.
You can purchase replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll need the brand and model number of the existing cylinder to purchase a replacement. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then go to your
local patio door repairs hardware store to seek assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder installed take it off the flat screw holding it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and the door frame. Put the screw somewhere safe to ensure you aren't able to 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 turn the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that's not working properly can pose a serious risk to your security. It's not common for dirt and other debris to get stuck inside the lock's mechanisms however if the issue isn't addressed quickly enough the lock will eventually break down and cease to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires just some tools and a bit of time.
Start by examining the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubrication don't aid, the latch may be bent too much to work properly. If this is the case, replace the latch using mortise locking systems to ensure that it's as strong and secure as you can.
If you're not comfortable with this DIY task yourself contact an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you with the installation of the new lock. They will have the experience and tools to do it properly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door.
Regular maintenance is the key to keep your patio door lock functioning effectively. Make sure the knobs and
handles aren't loose and, if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is essential to use 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.