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Maintaining your patio doors in good working order will help safeguard your home from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements can cause the doors and their locks to become misaligned or damaged.
You can fix your patio door lock yourself in the event that it isn't working correctly. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway, and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their large amounts of glass and their convenient place within a house. A lock that is functional and secure is crucial to ensure your home is secure. There are a few easy methods to repair patio door locks that have stopped working.
The first step is to check the lock to ensure nothing hinders it from locking or latching. If you spot any issues such as loose screws, rust, or misalignment, these should be addressed immediately. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the door's location could be sufficient to fix the problem.
Another issue that is common is debris or dust that could cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. Clean your patio door glass repair near me door and wipe down all lock hardware regularly to avoid this. If you need to, apply mild soap. But, be sure that you dry the lock completely afterwards.
Additionally, it's a good idea to lubricate the lock regularly. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to the parts of a fine-tuned machine, so they can get stuck and jammed just as any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant, can be used to clean any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock's cylinder. This will help keep it running smoothly.
It is crucial to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will allow you to find an appropriate lock that is compatible with your existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to do this, it's advisable to contact a locksmith or professional tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, hot and cold weather, dust, and dirt can cause the delicate parts of the door lock to become jammed. These issues can compromise your home's security. But it's easy to fix these problems If you know how.
Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, clean any debris or stains that could hinder your lock from functioning properly. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any grit or grime that has accumulated over time. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio doors have a mortise lock, which is secure however, it is susceptible to issues in the course of time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you can remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch is removed then you can lubricate it with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have WD40, a graphite pen can be used to clean any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your upvc patio door repairs near me lock isn't working it may be necessary to move the lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and should be done by a professional. But you can practice repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by opening and closing the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, after which drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that hold the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
After your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to lubricate both the lock and the keyhole themselves. Using the right type of lubricant can keep your lock in good shape, extending its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is excellent to lubricate small metal parts like locks since it's not sticky or oily and lasts for longer than liquid fluid lubricants. It's simple to use and is suitable for use on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and door hinges. 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 particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They are suitable for high and low temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants can cause buildup over time and can be displaced by other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon lubricants can be a good substitute for silicone lubricants, as they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also good for cold environments because they can prevent ice from building up within the lock.
If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can dismantle the lock mechanism and put in the cylinder of a new model that matches your current keys. They can also make repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if the door isn't equipped with one. This can increase security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that match the rest of the door.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating it doesn't work, the problem 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 doors repair near me door and sight both ways from the latch opening to determine whether the door is in line with the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws holding the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the latch is securely catching the latch hasp when the door closes.
The latch may also be difficult to close because the cylinder is worn. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, which is why you'll need to get an alternative. You should choose one with the same keyway and size like the one that came before it. This allows you to change it quickly by unbolting the two halves and inserting the replacement cylinder.
Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll be required to know the name and model of your existing cylinder in order to buy one that matches it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number, take a picture of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws and head to a hardware store to get assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder installed remove it from the flat screw holding it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame using the help of a screwdriver. Place the screw in a safe place so you aren't able to lose 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 isn't functioning properly can be an immediate security risk. It's not common for dirt and other debris to get stuck inside the lock mechanism, but if this isn't addressed quickly enough, the lock can eventually fail and stop providing security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires only a few tools and little time.
Begin by looking at the lock to determine what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the latch could be bent too much to function properly. If this is the case, replace the latch using mortise locking to ensure it's as solid and secure as it can be.
Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're not sure about undertaking this DIY project. They'll have the equipment and know-how to install the lock properly.
Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock working correctly. Make sure that the handle and knobs aren't loose and if they're tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to prevent it from becoming stuck or stiff. It is recommended that locks exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather should be lubricated more frequently. It is crucial to choose a lubricant that is specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For best results, apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.