Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Help You Live Better
How to Troubleshoot and repair Patio doors Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio glass repair near me doors in a good working condition to protect your home from intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and their locks to become damaged or misaligned.
If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should You can make basic repairs at home. These steps can fix issues with the handle, keyway and latch.
Check the lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their large amount of glass and the convenient location within a home. A lock that is functional and secure is crucial to ensure your home's security. There are easy ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that aren't functioning properly.
The first step is to check the lock to make sure nothing is preventing it from locking or latching. If you find any issues like loose screws, rust, or misalignment, these should be addressed promptly. In some cases an adjustment of just a few inches to the direction of the patio door could suffice to solve the issue.
Another issue that is common is debris or dust which can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. Clean your patio door and clean the lock hardware frequently to avoid this. If necessary, you can apply mild soap. However, you must be sure that you dry the lock completely afterward.
In addition, it's recommended to oil the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are similar to those in a precision-tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant can be used to get rid of any debris or dirt from the lock's cylinder. This will help keep it functioning smoothly.
Identifying the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is crucial. This can help you find an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you aren't sure how to do this, it's best to contact an expert tradesperson or locksmith for help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the intricate components of your door lock to get stuck. These issues could compromise your security at 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 moist cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a small amount of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them.
Most patio doors are secured using a mortise locking system. This is a secure lock, but it is susceptible to problems with time. If your uPVC locks has become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. For an uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a little of soapy water. Then, take off the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you can remove the latch from its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch has been removed, you can lubricate it using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have a WD40 alternative, you could try using a graphite pencil to help remove any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may have to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by professionals. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without needing to remove it from the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame inside the area where the screws that support the cylinder in place are.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to lubricate both the lock and the keyhole themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its life.
Dry graphite powder is great for lubricating small metal components like locks because it's not sticky or oily, and it lasts longer than liquid fluid lubricants. It's easy to apply, and you can also use it on sliding glass patio door repair doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants may be more effective than graphite particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They work well at low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants can cause buildup over time and can replace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon oil can be a good alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also suitable for colder environments since they can help keep ice from accumulating within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a a new cylinder matched to the keys you have. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if your door does not have one. This will increase safety and security. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door to match the rest of the door.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be that the door's latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or frame of the door. Open the sliding patio door and examine the top and bottom of the opening of the latch. If the door is parallel to the frame or jamb then you can test. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch catches the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is closed.
The latch is also sometimes difficult to close due to the cylinder has worn out. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, which is why you'll require a replacement. It is important to choose the new cylinder that's the same size as the previous one and has the same style keyway, which means you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll be required to know the name and model of your current cylinder to be able to purchase one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number then take a photo of the cylinder along with its mounting screws, and then go to a hardware store to get help.
Once you have the new cylinder in place take it off the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Place the screw in a safe location so that you don't lose it or damage it. Then, loosen enough 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 isn't functioning properly can be an extremely risk to security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to get lodged inside the lock's mechanisms however if the issue isn't dealt with quickly enough the lock could eventually fail and no longer provide security. It's a simple DIY project to replace the patio door lock. You'll only need the tools you need and some time.
Begin by examining the lock tilt and slide patio door repairs near me determining what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch does not work the latch could be bent too far to function properly. In this situation, it would be best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure it is as secure and strong as is possible.
Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're not confident about tackling this DIY project. They will have all the tools and expertise needed to properly install the lock.
Keeping your patio screen door repair door lock in good condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to prevent it from squeezing or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant used is important, 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 directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism for best results.