How to Troubleshoot and repair Patio Doors Patio Door Locks

Keeping your patio doors in good working in good condition will keep your home safe from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to your patio door repair company doors and their locks.

You can fix your patio door lock by yourself when it's not working properly. These steps can fix issues with the handle, keyway and latch.

Check the Lock

Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their large quantity of glass and their convenient position within a house. A lock that is functional and secure is important to ensure your home is secure. Fortunately, there are simple ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that aren't functioning properly.

First, inspect the lock and make sure nothing is blocking it from locking or latching. If you find any issues such as loose screws or rust, or even the wrong alignment, these must be addressed immediately. In some cases an adjustment of just a few inches to the location of the patio door might suffice to resolve the issue.

Another issue that is common is dust or debris that could cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all hardware of the lock regularly to avoid this. You can make use of a mild detergent when needed, but ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterward.

In addition, it is recommended to oil the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those used in a precision-tuned machine. They can jam or become stuck like any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant can help get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated inside the lock cylinder and ensure that it is operating efficiently.

It is important to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will allow you to find the perfect lock to match your current mechanism. If you're not sure how to proceed get help, consult a professional tradesperson or locksmith for assistance.

Clean the Lock

The intricate parts of the door lock can jam up over time because of dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues can compromise your security at home. However, it's not difficult to fix these issues when you know how.

Before attempting any repairs, clean your lock. Clean up any stains or debris using a damp cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a little grit to clean the lock mechanism. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them.

The majority of patio doors are secured by mortise locking systems. This is a secure lock but can develop problems with time. If your uPVC lock is stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For an uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of soapy water. Next, you'll want to loosen the screws that secure the latch body in the position. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you'll be able to remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame.

Once the latch is detached and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock using an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't own WD40, a graphite pen can be used to remove dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it may be necessary to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be performed by an expert. But you can practice repositioning the cylinder without removing 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 hold the cylinder in place.

Lubricate the Lock

If your lock is clean of dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant can keep your lock in top condition, and extends its life.

Dry graphite powder is ideal for lubricating small metal parts such as locks, because it's not sticky or oily, and it lasts longer than liquid lubricants. 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-like graphite lubricant specifically designed for lock cylinders.

Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and don't attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They are effective in both low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may accumulate over time and eventually replace other lubricants that you've used.

Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants since they last longer and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also good for cold climates since they can help stop the accumulation of ice within the lock.

If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's likely worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will take apart the lock mechanism and put in a new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder in case your door does not have one. This can increase safety and security. They can also install a new lock faceplate on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning it and lubricating it do not work, then the issue could be that the latch on the door is not aligned properly with the frame or jamb. To test this, open the sliding patio door repair near me patio door repair near me door, and look upwards and downwards from the latch opening to determine whether the door is in line with the frame or jamb. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch catches the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is closed.

The latch is also sometimes difficult to close as the cylinder is worn out. You'll require a new cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. It is recommended to select one with the same keyway and dimensions like the one that came before it. This will allow you to change it quickly by unscrewing the two halves and inserting the replacement cylinder.

Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need the name and model number of your current cylindrical to purchase an alternative. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number then take a photo of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws, and then go to an hardware store for help.

When you have a new cylinder, unscrew the screw with a flat head that is holding it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door and the door frame. Place the screw in a secure location so that you don't lose or damage it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout inside the door) and loosen it enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock repair door lock that's not functioning properly could be a major risk to your security. Dirt and debris could get caught within the lock mechanism. If this is not treated promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and no will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires just some tools and a small amount of time.

Start by examining the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the lock latch could be bent too much to work properly. If this is the case, you should replace the lock latch using a mortise locking system to ensure that it's as secure and strong as possible.

Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're not sure in tackling this DIY task. They'll have all the tools and expertise needed to install the lock properly.

Routine maintenance is the key to keep your patio door lock functioning properly. Check that the knobs and handles aren't loose and if they're, tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to avoid it from becoming stuck or stiff. Locks that have been subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. It is essential to use a lubricant that has been specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). To get the best results apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.