How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Doors Patio Door Locks

Maintaining your patio doors in good working in good order will keep your home safe from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements may cause the doors and locks to be damaged or misaligned.

If your patio door lock doesn't operate properly it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway and handle.

Check the Lock

Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their large amount of glass and the convenient position within a home. It is crucial that your locks work properly to ensure your home is secure. There are simple ways to fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning.

The first step is to inspect the lock and ensure that there is nothing blocking it from locking or latching. You should take care to address any issues you discover, such as loose screws or corrosion. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio door could be enough to solve the issue.

Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism not to work properly. To avoid this happening, ensure that you clean your patio door on a regular basis and wipe down the lock's hardware. If necessary, you can apply mild soap. However, make sure to dry the lock completely afterwards.

In addition, it's recommended to oil the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are similar to those found in a machine that is finely tuned. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck as with any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant can help to dislodge any dirt or debris that has collected in the lock's cylinder, and help keep it running smoothly.

The exact dimensions of your wood patio door repair door lock is important. This will help you choose the perfect lock to match the existing mechanism. If you're unsure of what to do, contact a professional tradesperson or locksmith for help.

Clean the Lock

Over time, hot and cold weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate parts of your door lock to get stuck. These issues can affect your home's security. But it's easy to fix these issues if you know how.

Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, clean any debris or stains that may be hindering your lock from working properly. Use hot soapy water and a bit of grit to clean the lock mechanism. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again.

The majority of patio doors have mortise locks that is secure, however, it is susceptible to problems in the course of time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For a uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate with a little of soapy water. Next, you'll want to unfasten the screws that hold the latch body in place. With the latch plate and handle removed, you can remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame.

After the latch has been removed and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock with a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't own WD40, a graphite pen can be used to eliminate dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you may have to relocate the your 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 while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, and then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are located that secure the cylinder.

Lubricate the Lock

When your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time for lubrication of the lock and the keyhole themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its lifespan.

Dry graphite is a great option to lubricate tiny metal parts, like locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also longer-lasting 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 suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders.

Liquid lubricants can be more efficient than graphite powder especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other types of liquid fluids. They are efficient at low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants can cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may be displaced by other lubricants that you've used.

Teflon oil can be a good alternative to silicone lubricants since they are long-lasting and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also excellent for cold conditions, since they can help prevent ice accumulation within the lock.

If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely to be worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with the keys you have. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with the lock cylinder an expert can replace it to increase security and security. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that are compatible with the rest of the door.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning it and lubricating it does not work, the problem could be that the latch on the door is not aligned correctly with the jamb or frame. To determine this, open the sliding patio door handle repair near me door and look up and down from the opening of the latch to determine if the door is parallel to the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch catches the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is closed.

The latch may also be difficult to close as the cylinder has worn out. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, and you'll require an alternate. You should choose a cylinder that has the same keyway and dimensions as the one you had previously. 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 have to know the manufacturer and model of your existing cylinder so you can buy one that is compatible with 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 your local hardware store for help.

Once 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. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Put the screw in a safe place to ensure that you don't lose it or damage it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout in the door) and let it loose enough to rotate the cylinder.

Replace the Lock

A repairing patio doors door lock that's not working properly can pose a serious risk to your security. Dirt and debris can get caught within the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't taken care of immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and won't will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires a few tools and bit of time.

Begin by inspecting the lock and determining what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch doesn't work, it may be bent to far to perform as it should. In this instance it is recommended to replace the latch with a new mortise lock so that it's as sturdy and secure as is possible.

If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project yourself seek out a locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you in the installation of the new lock. They will have the experience and tools to do it correctly and ensure that the new lock works with your patio door.

Routine maintenance is essential to keep your patio doors repair door lock functioning correctly. Make sure that the knobs and handle aren't loose and if they're tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least once per year to prevent it from becoming stuck or stiff. Locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. It is essential to select a lubricant which has been specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve best results.