How to Troubleshoot and repair patio doors Patio Door Locks

Keep your patio doors in a good working condition to protect your home from intruders. However, the elements could cause the doors and locks to be misaligned or damaged.

If your patio sliding doors repair door lock doesn't operate properly, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway, and handle.

Inspect the Lock

Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to the large amount of glass and convenient place within a house. Having well-functioning locks is therefore important to ensure your home's security. There are a few easy ways to repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning.

The first step is to examine the lock to make sure nothing is preventing it from latching or locking. It is important to deal with any issues you spot such as loose screws or rust. In some instances an adjustment of the patio door's position may be sufficient to fix the problem.

Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism not to function properly. To avoid this occurring, be sure to clean your patio door frequently and clean the lock's hardware. You can use a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterwards.

Additionally, it's recommended to oil the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those used in a precision-tuned machine. They can jam and get stuck just like any mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant will help dislodge any dirt or debris that has collected within the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly.

It is crucial to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you locate a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the current mechanism. If you aren't sure how to go about this, it's advisable to speak with a locksmith or professional tradesperson to get help.

Clean the Lock

Over time, hot and cold weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate parts of the door lock to become jammed. These problems can threaten your security at home. These issues are simple to solve if you know what to do.

Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Using a damp cloth, remove any dirt or stains that may hinder your lock from working properly. Then, use a little 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.

The majority of patio doors have mortise locks that is safe but is susceptible to problems in the course of time. If your uPVC locks has become stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. For the uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate with a little of hot soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in the position. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be ready to remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame.

Once the latch is removed and lubricated, you can apply with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to clean dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you might need to move the locks cylinders. This requires additional tools and should be performed by professionals. But you can practice moving the cylinder around without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that keep the cylinder in place.

Lubricate the Lock

When your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to lubricate both the keyhole and the locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good shape and extend its lifespan.

Dry graphite is an excellent option to lubricate tiny metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It also lasts longer than liquids. It is easy to use and can be used on sliding doors tracks for garage doors and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant specifically designed for lock cylinders.

Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They are effective in low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants can cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may replace other lubricants you've tried.

Teflon lubricants can be an ideal substitute for silicone lubricants, as they are long-lasting and don't attract dust or dirt. They are also great for cold environments, as they prevent the build-up of ice within the lock.

If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble 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 install a new lock cylinder in case your door does not have one. This will improve safety and security. They can also install an entirely new faceplate for your 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 that the latch on the door is not aligned properly with the frame or jamb. To test this you need to open the sliding patio doors repair patio door, and look upwards and downwards from the latch opening to see whether the door is aligned with the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws holding the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the lock latch is securely catching the latch hasp when the door is closed.

Sometimes the latch can be difficult to close due to a worn-out cylinder. You'll require a new for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. You should select a cylinder that has the same keyway and size as the previous one. This allows you to replace it easily by unscrewing the two halves and putting in the replacement cylinder.

You can purchase replacement cylinders in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll be required to know the name and model of the existing cylinder in order to buy one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number you can take a photograph of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws and head to the hardware store for assistance.

If you have a brand new cylinder, remove the flat screw that is holding it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door as well as the door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure so you aren't able to lose it. Then, loosen enough the set screw on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door).

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly can be an extremely risk to security. Dirt and debris can get caught within the lock mechanism. If this is not taken care of immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and no will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires only a few tools and a small amount of time.

Start by examining the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch does not work, it may be bent to far to work properly. In this case, it would be best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure that it's as strong and secure as possible.

If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project yourself seek out an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you with the installation of an entirely new lock. They'll have all the equipment and know-how to properly install the lock.

Maintaining your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Make sure that the handle and knobs aren't loose and if they're tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to avoid it from squeezing or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant you use is important, so be sure to choose one that's specifically designed to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). For the best results, apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.