Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Change Your Life
How to Troubleshoot and repair patio Doors patio doors repair Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good condition to safeguard your home against unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors and their locks.
If your patio door lock doesn't operate properly You can make basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway and handle.
Check the lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their large amount of glass and convenient location within a home. A lock that is functional and secure is crucial to ensure your home is safe. There are easy ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that aren't working correctly.
The first step is to examine the lock to see if anything is hindering it from locking or latching. It is important to deal with any issues you spot such as loose screws or rust. In some instances an adjustment of just a few inches to the direction of the patio door might suffice to solve the issue.
Another common issue is dust or debris that can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. Clean your patio door and clean the lock hardware frequently to avoid this. If needed, you can apply a mild soap solution. However, make sure that the lock is dried completely afterwards.
Additionally, 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 the parts of a fine-tuned machine, so they can become stuck and jammed as any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated inside the lock cylinder and ensure that it is operating efficiently.
The exact dimensions of the patio door lock is important. This can help you choose a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the current mechanism. If you aren't sure how to do this, it's advisable to contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock can become jammed due to dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues could compromise your security at home. But it's easy to fix these problems when you know how.
Before attempting any repairs, first clean your lock. Wipe away any stains and debris with a moist cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a little grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio door frame repair doors have mortise locks, which is secure however, it is susceptible to issues over time. If you find that your uPVC locks has become stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. Start by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. After you have removed the latch plate and handle then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch is detached, you can lubricate the lock with an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have a WD40 alternative, you could use graphite pencils to help dislodge any grit or dirt in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may have to relocate the your lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and is best done by an expert. You can try shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by closing and opening the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, and then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that secure the cylinder.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is free from dirt and debris, it's a good time to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant helps keep your lock in good shape, which will extend its life.
Dry graphite powder is great for lubricating small metal parts like locks since it's not sticky or oily, and it lasts longer than liquid lubricants. It's easy to use and can be used on sliding patio door repair near me doors tracks for garage doors and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants may be more efficient than graphite powder especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They are effective at both high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may build up over time and eventually replace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also excellent for cold conditions, since they can prevent ice buildup within the lock.
If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, then it's likely to be worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with the new cylinder that matches your keys. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with the lock cylinder an expert can replace it to increase security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that are compatible with the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it don't work, the problem may be that the door latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or frame of the door. To check this, open the sliding patio door, and look upwards and downwards from the door's opening to see whether the door is aligned with the jamb or frame. If not, remove the screws fixing the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the lock latch is firmly catching the latch hasp when the door closes.
The latch may also be difficult to close because the cylinder is worn out. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, which is why you'll need an alternate. It is important to choose a new cylinder that is the same size as the previous one and has the same keyway, so that you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new one.
Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of the existing cylinder to buy a replacement. If you don't have the model or manufacturer you can take a photograph of the cylinder and its mounting screws, and then go to a hardware store to get help.
When you have a new cylinder, unscrew the flat screw that is holding it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame using the help of a screwdriver. Place the screw in a secure location so you don't loose or damage it. Then, loosen enough the set screw that is 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 can be an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris could get caught within the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't addressed promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and will no longer offer security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires only some tools and a bit of time.
Begin by inspecting the lock and determining what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch fails it could be bent too far to work properly. If this is the case, you should replace the latch using mortise locking systems to ensure it's as strong and secure as you can.
If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project yourself seek out an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you in the installation of the new lock. They will have the experience and tools to complete the task correctly and make sure that the new lock works with your patio door.
Maintaining your patio door glass repair near me door lock in good working condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Check that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to prevent it from becoming stuck or stiff. It is recommended that locks subject to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated more often. The type of lubricant you use is vital, so be sure to choose one that's specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism for the best results.