Everything You Need To Know About Repair Patio Door

How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

Keep your patio doors in good working condition to protect your home from intruders. However, the elements could cause the doors and locks to be misaligned or damaged.

You can repair your patio door lock on your own when it's not working correctly. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway and handle.

Inspect the Lock

Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of the large amount of glass and their central place within a house. It is crucial to ensure your home is secure. There are a few easy methods to repair wood patio door repair door locks that have stopped working.

First, inspect the lock and make sure there is nothing that is hindering it from locking or latching. If you notice any issues, such as loose screws or rust, or even an issue with alignment, they should be addressed immediately. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the direction of the patio door may suffice to solve the issue.

Another issue that is common is dust or debris which can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. To avoid this occurring, be sure to clean your patio door regularly and clean the lock hardware. You can use a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but remember to dry the lock completely afterward.

Additionally, it's an ideal idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts in 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. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant can help remove any dirt or debris that has collected in the lock's cylinder, and keep it operating smoothly.

It is essential to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you choose the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you're unsure of how to proceed, contact a professional locksmith or tradesperson for help.

Clean the Lock

Over time, hot and cold weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate parts of the door lock to become blocked. These issues can affect the security of your home. These problems are easy to solve if you know what to do.

Before making any repairs, first clean your lock. Wipe away any stains and debris with a moist cloth. Make use of hot soapy water and a little grit to clean the lock mechanism. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them.

Most patio door repair company doors are secured with a mortise locking system. This is a secure lock, but it is susceptible to issues with time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For a uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of hot soapy water. Then, 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 from its slot in the door frame.

After the latch has been removed, you can lubricate it using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have WD40 or similar product, you can use a graphite pencil to remove any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it is possible to reposition the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be performed by a professional. However, you can practice shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by closing and opening the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are located that secure the cylinder.

Lubricate the Lock

When your lock is free from dirt and debris, it's a good time to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant helps keep your lock in good shape, extending its lifespan.

Dry graphite is a fantastic option to lubricate tiny metal parts, such as locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also more durable than liquids. It's easy to apply and you can use it on sliding doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock cylinders.

Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other kinds of liquid fluids. They are effective at both high and low temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants may create accumulation over time and could be displaced by other lubricants that you've used.

Teflon Lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and don't attract dust or dirt. They are also great for cold conditions, since they can prevent ice buildup inside the lock.

If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with the new cylinder that matches your existing keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door doesn't have the lock cylinder or faceplate, a professional can install it to increase security and security. They can also install a new lock faceplate on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it don't work, the issue could be that the door latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or door frame. To determine this, open the sliding patio doors repair patio door and sight both ways from the door's opening to see whether the door is aligned with the jamb or frame. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch catches the latch tightly when the door is shut.

Sometimes, the latch is difficult to close due to a worn-out cylinder. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, and you'll require a replacement. It's important to choose a new cylinder that is exactly the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same style keyway, so that you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two halves of the lock apart and inserting the new cylinder.

There are replacement cylinders available at many home improvement stores. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of the existing cylinder to be able to purchase one that matches it. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then visit your local hardware store for help.

Once you have the new cylinder in place take it off the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame using a screwdriver. Place the screw in a safe place so that you don't lose it. Then, loosen 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's not functioning properly could pose a serious security risk. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to get stuck inside the lock's mechanisms, but if this isn't dealt with quickly enough, the lock can eventually fail and no longer provide security. It's a simple DIY project to replace the patio door lock. You'll only need just a few tools and a bit of time.

Start by inspecting the lock and determining what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication don't help, the latch may be bent too much to function properly. In this instance, it would be best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure it's as sturdy and secure as is possible.

If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY task yourself seek out an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you with the installation of an entirely new lock. They will have all the tools and experience to properly install the lock.

Maintaining your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Make sure the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks exposed to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated more often. The type of lubricant 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 directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to get the best results.