5 Reasons To Consider Being An Online Repair Patio Door And 5 Reasons You Shouldn't
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good working condition to protect your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements could cause the doors and locks to become damaged or misaligned.
If your patio door lock doesn't 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 frequently targeted by burglars due to the large amount of glass and their convenient location within a home. A lock that is functional and secure is essential to ensure that your home's security. Luckily, there are some easy ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly.
The first step is to inspect the lock and make sure there is nothing blocking it from latching or locking. It is important to take care to address any issues you discover like loose screws or corrosion. In some cases, a slight adjustment to the patio door's position may be enough to solve the problem.
Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to fail to perform as it should. To avoid this happening, ensure that you clean your patio door on a regular basis and wipe down the lock's hardware. You can make use of a mild detergent if necessary, but always be sure to dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
It is also a good idea that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those used in a machine that is finely tuned. They can jam or get stuck just like any mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant will help dislodge any dirt or debris that may have accumulated inside the lock cylinder and ensure that it is operating efficiently.
The exact dimensions of the patio door lock is also important. This will help you choose a lock that perfectly matches the existing mechanism. If you're unsure of how to proceed, contact a professional tradesperson or locksmith to get help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock may jam up over time due to dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues could compromise your home's security. But it's simple to fix these problems If you know how.
Before making any repairs, you must first clean your lock. Clean up any stains or debris with a moist cloth. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of your lock and wash away any grit or grime that has built up over time. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before using them again.
The majority of patio doors have a mortise lock that is safe but is susceptible to issues in the course of time. If your uPVC lock is stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For the uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of soapy water. Then, remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you'll be ready to take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch has been removed then you can lubricate it by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't own WD40 or similar product, you can use a graphite pencil to dislodge any grit or dirt within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may need to reposition locks cylinders. This requires additional tools and should be done by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without having to remove it from the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time for lubrication of the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its lifespan.
Dry graphite is an excellent option to lubricate tiny metal parts, such as locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also longer-lasting than liquids. It's easy to apply, and you can also use it on sliding doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and do not attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They are efficient at low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants can cause accumulation over time and could displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon lubricants can be an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they are long-lasting and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also ideal for cold climates, since they can help prevent ice accumulation within the lock.
If your lock cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it's likely to be worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith will take apart the lock mechanism and install a new cylinder that matches your existing keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door does not have a lock cylinder or faceplate, a professional can install it to 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 the lock and lubricating it don't work, the issue could be that the door's latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or door frame. Open the sliding patio doors and take a look upwards and downwards at the latch opening. If Repair My Windows And Doors is aligned with the frame or jamb, then you can check. If not, remove the screws holding the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the latch is securely catching the latch hasp when the door closes.
The latch can also be difficult to close as the cylinder is worn. It is necessary to replace the cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. You should select a cylinder with the same keyway and dimensions like the one that came before it. This allows you to change it quickly by removing the two halves and putting in the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll be required to know the name and model of the existing cylinder in order to buy one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer then take a photo of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and go to a hardware store to get help.
When you have a new cylinder, unscrew the screw with a flat head that is holding it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Put the screw somewhere safe so that you do not lose it. Then, loosen 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's not working properly can be a major risk to your security. It's not common for dirt and other debris to get stuck inside the lock mechanisms, but if this isn't addressed promptly the lock will eventually break down and cease 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 inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch does not work the latch could be bent too much to work properly. In this instance it is recommended to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure that it's as sturdy and secure as is possible.
Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're unsure in tackling this DIY task. They will have all the equipment and know-how to properly install the lock.
Routine maintenance is essential to keep your patio door lock functioning effectively. Make sure the handle and knobs aren't loose and, if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to prevent it from becoming stuck or stiff. Locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant you use is important, so be sure to choose one that's specifically designed to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve the best results.