How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good condition to guard your home from intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors and their locks.
You can fix your patio door lock by yourself if it is not functioning properly. 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 quantity of glass and their convenient location within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore essential to ensure that your home's security. There are a few easy methods to fix patio door locks which have stopped working.
The first step is to check the lock to make sure nothing is hindering it from locking or latching. It is important to address any issues you find like loose screws or rust. In some cases an adjustment of the position of the patio door could suffice to resolve the problem.
Another issue that is common is dust or debris which can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. Clean your patio door and clean all hardware of the lock regularly to avoid this. If needed, you can use a mild soap solution. However, you must be sure to dry the lock completely afterwards.
In addition, it's a good idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a finely tuned machine, so they can become stuck and jammed as any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant could be used to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock's cylinder. This will ensure that it is running smoothly.
Identifying the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is also crucial. This can help you find a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you are unsure about how to go about this, it's advisable to talk to 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 get jammed. These issues can affect the security of your home. These issues are easy to solve if you know how to do.
Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Clean up any stains or debris with a damp cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a small amount of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are fitted with a mortise lock that is secure, but can be prone to issues in the course of time. If your uPVC locks are stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. Start by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. The next step is to loosen the screws that keep the latch in place. After you have removed the latch plate and handle, you can remove it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch has been removed, you can lubricate it using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If patio door repair near me www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk don't own WD40 alternative, you could try using graphite pencils to help dislodge any grit or dirt within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work, you might need to move the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by an expert. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without having to take it off the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws holding the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is free of dirt and debris, it's a good time to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good shape and extend its lifespan.
Dry graphite is a great way to lubricate small metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It also lasts longer 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 suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants may be more effective than graphite particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They are suitable for low and high temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can build up over time, and can displace other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they last for a long time and do not attract dirt and dust. They are also great for cold conditions, since they can prevent ice buildup within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it is probably worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will dismantle the lock mechanism, and then install the cylinder of a new model that matches your current keys. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder in case your door does not have one. This will increase safety and security. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door to match the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be that the latch on the door is not aligned properly with the jamb or frame. To check this you need to open the sliding patio door and sight upwards and downwards from the opening of the latch to see if the door is parallel to the frame or jamb. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch catches the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is shut.
Sometimes the latch is difficult to close due to a worn-out cylinder. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, so you'll need a replacement. It is important to choose the new cylinder that's exactly the same size as the one you have had previously 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 one.
Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need to know the brand and model of the existing cylinder so you can buy one that matches it. 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 hardware store for assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder in place, unscrew it from the flat screw holding it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door as well as the door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure 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 loosen it enough to turn the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that's not working properly could pose an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris can get stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this issue isn't addressed promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and no longer offer security. It's a simple DIY task to replace the patio door lock. You only need just a few tools and a bit of time.
Start by examining the lock to see what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubrication do not aid, the latch may be too bent to function properly. If this is the case, replace the lock latch using mortise locking systems to ensure it's as secure and strong as possible.
If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY project on your own seek out an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you with the installation of the new lock. They'll have all the tools and expertise needed to install the lock correctly.
Keeping your patio door lock in good condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Check that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate your lock at least every year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant used 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). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism to get the best results.