Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Improve Your Life
How to Troubleshoot and Repair patio doors patio door lock repairs near me Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good working condition to protect your home from intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and locks to become damaged or misaligned.
If your patio door glass repair near me door lock doesn't work properly, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway, and latch.
Inspect the Lock
patio door repair doors are often targeted by burglars due to their large amounts of glass and convenient location within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore important to ensure your home is secure. There are simple solutions to fix patio door locks which have stopped working.
The first step is to inspect the lock and make sure nothing is blocking it from locking or latching. If you spot any issues, such as loose screws or rust, or misalignment, these should be addressed immediately. In some cases an adjustment of the patio door lock repair door's position may be enough to solve the issue.
Another common issue is debris or dust that could cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To prevent this from occurring, be sure to clean your patio door frequently and clean the lock hardware. If needed, you can apply a mild soap solution. However, you must be sure that you dry the lock completely afterwards.
In addition, it's a good idea to lubricate the lock regularly. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are similar to those found in a precision-tuned machine. They can jam or become stuck as with any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a small amount of lubricant, can be used to remove any debris or dirt from the lock cylinder. This will help keep it functioning smoothly.
Identifying the exact dimensions of the patio door track repair door lock is also important. This will allow you to find a lock that perfectly matches your existing mechanism. If you are unsure about how to do this, it is advisable to speak with an expert locksmith or tradesperson for assistance.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the intricate parts of your door lock to become jammed. These issues could compromise your home's security. But it's simple to fix these issues If you know how.
Before attempting any repairs, first clean your lock. With a damp cloth, clean any debris or stains that may be preventing your lock from functioning properly. 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 built up over time. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are secured with a mortise locking system. This is a secure lock, but it can also cause problems in time. If you're uPVC locks have become stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. After you have removed the latch handle and plate 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 with an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have WD40 or similar product, you can use a graphite pencil to remove any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work, you might need to move the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by a professional. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without having to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame where the screws holding the locking cylinder are located.
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. Using the correct type of lubricant can keep your lock in top shape, extending its lifespan.
Dry graphite is a fantastic option to lubricate tiny metal parts, like locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also more durable than liquids. It's simple to use and can be utilized on sliding doors tracks for garage doors, and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants may be more effective than graphite especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and don't attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They work well at high and low temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants can cause accumulation over time and could replace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they last longer and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also suitable for cold climates since they'll keep ice from accumulating inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with the keys you have. They can also perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if your door isn't equipped with one. This will improve security and safety. 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 lubricating the lock and cleaning it do not work, the issue could be that the door's latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or door frame. To check this, open the sliding patio door and sight upwards and downwards from the opening of the latch to determine if the door is parallel with the jamb or frame. If not, remove the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch's hasp when the door is closed.
Sometimes the latch isn't closing properly due to a worn-out cylinder. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, so you'll require an alternate. You should select one with the same keyway and dimensions like the one that came before it. This allows you to replace it easily by unbolting the two halves and inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll need to know the brand and model of your current cylinder in order to buy one that is compatible with it. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then go to the local hardware store for assistance.
When you have a new cylinder, unscrew the screw with a flat head that is holding it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door as well as the door frame. Put the screw somewhere safe to ensure you do not lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout of the door) and let it loose enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't working properly can cause serious danger to your security. It's not common for dirt and other debris to get lodged inside the lock mechanisms however if the issue isn't addressed quickly enough, the lock can eventually break down and cease to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires only a few tools and a bit of time.
Start by examining the lock to see what is causing the problem. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the lock latch may be too bent to work properly. In this case it's best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock so that it's as strong and secure as possible.
Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're unsure about tackling this DIY project. They'll have the expertise and tools to do it properly and ensure that the new lock will work with your patio door.
Keeping your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Check that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to prevent it from squeezing or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated more frequently. The type of lubricant is vital, so be certain to select one specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). To get the best results, apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.