How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good working condition to protect your home against unwanted intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and locks to be misaligned or damaged.
If your patio door lock doesn't operate properly it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway, and latch.
Check the lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge glass size and their central position within a home. A lock that is functional and secure is important to ensure your home is safe. There are simple ways to fix patio door locks which have stopped functioning.
The first step is to examine the lock to see if anything is hindering it from latching or locking. If you spot any issues like loose screws or rust, or even the wrong alignment, these must be addressed immediately. In some instances, a slight adjustment to the patio door's position may be sufficient to fix the issue.
Another common issue is debris or dust that could cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. Clean your patio door and clean all lock hardware regularly to avoid this. You can make use of a mild detergent if necessary, but always be sure to dry the lock thoroughly afterwards.
It is also a good idea lubricate your lock regularly. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those found in a machine that is finely tuned. They are susceptible to jamming and get stuck just like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant, can be used to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock's cylinder. This will keep it running smoothly.
It is crucial to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will allow you to find the perfect lock to match your current mechanism. If you're not sure how to do it, contact a professional tradesperson or locksmith to get help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather, dust, and dirt can cause the delicate parts of your door lock to get jammed. These issues could compromise your home security. These issues are simple to solve if you know what to do.
Before making any repairs, you must first clean your lock. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, wipe away any debris or stains that could hinder your lock from working properly. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to clean the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any dirt or grime that has accumulated over time. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio doors have a mortise lock that is secure, but is susceptible to problems with time. If you find that your uPVC locks have become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Then, take off the screws that hold the body of the latch in the position. After removing the latch plate and handle then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch is removed, you can lubricate it by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't have WD40 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to eliminate any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you may need to reposition locks cylinders. This will require some additional tools and should be done by an expert. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without having to take it off the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame where the screws holding the locking cylinder are located.
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 powder is great to lubricate small metal parts like locks because it's not sticky or oily, and it lasts longer than liquid greases. It's easy to apply and you can apply it to sliding doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants can be more efficient than graphite powder particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and do not attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They are suitable for low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants may create the formation of a buildup over time, and may be displaced by other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also great for cold climates since they can keep ice from accumulating within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with a a new cylinder matched to your existing keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door doesn't have the lock cylinder, a professional can replace it to increase security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door to match the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning it and lubricating it do not work, then the issue could be due to the latch on the door isn't aligned properly with the frame or jamb. To test this open the sliding patio door, and look up and down from the latch opening to determine if the door is parallel to the frame or jamb. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch catches the latch hasp tightly when the door is closed.
Sometimes the latch isn't closing properly due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. You'll require a new for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is essential to select a new cylinder that is exactly the same size as the old one and has the same keyway, so you can easily replace it by screwing the two parts of the lock apart and inserting the new cylinder.
You can purchase replacement cylinders in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll need the brand and model number of your existing cylinder to purchase an alternative. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number then take a photo of the cylinder and its mounting screws and head to an hardware store for assistance.
Once you have a new cylinder, unscrew the flat screw that holds it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door and door frame. Place the screw in a safe location so you don't loose or damage it. Then, loosen 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's not functioning properly could pose a serious security risk. Dirt and debris can become stuck within the lock mechanism. If this is not treated promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and no longer offer security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires a few tools and bit of time.
Begin by looking at the lock to see what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the latch may be bent too much to function properly. In this case it's best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure it's as strong and secure as possible.
If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project yourself seek out a locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you in the installation of an entirely new lock. patio door repairs 'll have the knowledge and tools to complete the job correctly and make sure that the new lock works with your patio door.
Regular maintenance is the key to keep your patio door lock operating correctly. Check that the knobs and handle aren't loose, and if they are tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate the lock at least every 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 more often. The type of lubricant is crucial, so make sure to choose one that's specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). To get the best results, apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.