Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Improve Your Life

How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Doors Patio Door Locks

Maintaining your patio doors in good order will help protect your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors and their locks.

If your patio door lock does not perform as it should You can make basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway, and latch.

Check the Lock

Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to the large amount of glass and their convenient place within a house. Having well-functioning locks is therefore crucial to ensure your home's security. Luckily, there are some simple ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that have stopped working correctly.

The first step is to inspect the lock and ensure that there is nothing that 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 be enough to solve the problem.

Another common issue is debris or dust that can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. Clean your patio door repairs near me door and wipe down the lock hardware frequently to avoid this. You can apply a mild detergent solution when needed, but be sure to dry the lock thoroughly afterwards.

It is also a good idea that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those in a finely tuned machine. They can jam or become stuck as with any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant, can be used to get rid of any dirt or debris from the lock cylinder. This will help keep it running at a high speed.

Knowing the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is crucial. This will help you locate the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to go about this, it is advisable to talk to an expert tradesperson or locksmith to get help.

Clean the Lock

Over time, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the delicate parts of the door lock to become stuck. These problems can threaten your home security. However, it's not difficult to fix these issues if you know how.

Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Clean up any stains or debris with a damp cloth. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of your lock and wash away any dirt or grime that has accumulated over time. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.

Most patio doors are fitted with mortise locks that is secure, but 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 with hot soapy water. The next step is to unfasten the screws that secure the latch body in place. After you have removed the latch plate and handle 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 using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't own WD40 or similar product, you can use graphite pencils to help get rid of any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you may need to reposition lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and is best done by a professional. However, you can practice shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, after which drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are located that secure the cylinder.

Lubricate the Lock

If your lock is clean of dirt and debris, it's a good time to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its life.

Dry graphite is a fantastic method to lubricate small metal parts, like locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It also lasts longer than liquids. It's easy to apply, and you can also apply it to sliding doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock cylinders.

Liquid lubricants are more effective 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 fluids. They are efficient at low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants can cause accumulation over time and could displace other lubricants you've used.

Teflon oil can be an excellent substitute for silicone lubricants, as they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They are also great for cold environments, as they can help prevent ice accumulation within the lock.

If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it's likely to be worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith can dismantle the lock mechanism, and then install a new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with the lock cylinder, a professional can replace it to increase security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that are in keeping with the rest.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning it and lubricating it doesn't work, the problem could be that the latch on the door isn't aligned correctly with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio door and examine the top and bottom of the opening for the latch. If the door is aligned with the jamb or the frame then you can test. If not, loosen the screws holding the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the lock latch is securely catching the latch hasp when the door is closed.

Sometimes, the latch isn't closing properly due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. You'll require a new for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. You should choose a cylinder that has the same keyway and size like the one that came before it. This will allow you to replace it with ease by removing the two halves before inserting the new cylinder.

Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need to know the brand and model of your current cylinder in order to buy one that matches it. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then go to the local hardware store for help.

Once you have a new cylinder, remove the screw with a flat head that holds it in place, and remove the plate that holds it in place. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame with the screwdriver. Put the screw somewhere safe 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 of the door) and then loosen it enough to turn the cylinder.

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that's not working properly can be a major risk to your security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to become lodged in the lock's mechanisms however if the issue isn't dealt with quickly enough the lock could eventually fail and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires just a few tools and small amount of time.

Start by inspecting the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If lubricating and cleaning don't aid, the latch may be too bent to perform as it should. If this is the case, replace the latch with mortise locking systems to ensure it's as strong and secure as possible.

Consult a door hardware 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 door lock in good condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Make sure that the knobs and handle aren't loose and, if they are, tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated regularly. It is essential to use a lubricant that is specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). To get the best results apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.