How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in good condition to safeguard your home from intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors as well as their locks.
If your patio door lock does not 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 often targeted by burglars due to the large amount of glass and their central position within a home. It is crucial to ensure your home is safe. Luckily, there are some simple 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 latching or locking. If you notice any issues like loose screws or rust, or even the wrong alignment, these must be addressed immediately. In some instances an adjustment of the patio door's position may be enough to solve the issue.
Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism not to function properly. Clean your patio door and clean all hardware of the lock regularly to avoid this. You can make use of a mild detergent if necessary, but always ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterwards.
It is also a good idea to to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are similar to those found in a precision-tuned machine. They can jam and become stuck like any mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant will help dislodge any dirt or debris that has collected within the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly.
It is crucial to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you find the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you aren't sure how to accomplish this, it is advisable to talk to an expert tradesperson or locksmith for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock can get jammed over time due to dust, dirt and cold and hot weather. These issues can affect the security of your home. These problems are easy to fix if you know what to do.
Before attempting any repairs, first clean your lock. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, wipe away any stains or debris that may hinder your lock from working properly. Use soapy water with hot water and a bit of grit to clean the lock mechanism. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio doors are secured with mortise locking mechanisms. This is a secure lock but can develop problems over time. If your uPVC lock is 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 hold 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 removed it is possible to lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't have a WD40 or similar product, you can try using a graphite pencil to help dislodge any grit or dirt in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work, you might need to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be handled by professionals. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without needing to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws holding the locking cylinder are located.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is free of debris and dirt, it's a good time to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its life.
Dry graphite powder is excellent to lubricate small metal parts like locks because it's not oily or sticky and lasts for longer than liquid greases. It is easy to use and can be utilized on sliding doors tracks for garage doors, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants may be more effective than graphite especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They work well at low and high temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can get accumulated over time and eventually replace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon Lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants as they are long-lasting and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also excellent for cold climates, since they can help prevent ice accumulation within the lock.
If your lock cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely to be worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith can remove the lock mechanism and put in the cylinder of a new model that matches the keys you have. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if the door isn't equipped with one. This can increase safety and security. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door to are compatible with the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If lubricating the lock and cleaning it do not work, the problem may be that the latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or frame of the door. Open the sliding patio doors and look up and down at the latch opening. If the door is in line with the frame or jamb, then you can check. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it up or down until the lock latch catches the latch hasp tightly when the door is shut.
The latch can also be difficult to close because the cylinder is worn. It is necessary to replace the for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It's important to choose an alternative cylinder that is exactly the same size as the previous one and has the same style keyway, which means you can easily replace it by screwing the two halves of the lock to one side and inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores sell 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 don't have the model or manufacturer you can take a photograph of the cylinder along with its mounting screws, and then go to the hardware store for help.
Once you have the new cylinder in place, unscrew it from the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame using the screwdriver. Set the screw somewhere secure so you don't lose it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout inside the door) and then loosen it enough to turn the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could be a major risk to your security. It's not common for dirt and other debris to get stuck inside the lock's mechanisms If this isn't addressed promptly the lock will eventually fail and stop providing security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires only a few tools and a small amount of time.
Begin by examining patio door repairs near me to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubrication don't help, the lock latch may be too bent to perform as it should. In this case it is recommended to replace the latch with a new mortise lock so that it is as secure and strong as possible.
Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're not sure about tackling this DIY project. They'll have the equipment and know-how to properly install the lock.
Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock working properly. Make sure that the handle and knobs aren't loose and if they're tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least every year to avoid it from squeezing or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. It is important to select a lubricant which has been specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve the best results.