Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Help You Live Better
How to Troubleshoot and repair patio doors repairing patio doors Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in good condition to safeguard your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and locks to become misaligned or damaged.
If your patio door lock doesn't work properly it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway and latch.
Check the lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large amount of glass patio door repair and the convenient position within a home. A lock that is functional and secure is crucial to ensure your home is secure. There are simple ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that aren't working correctly.
First, examine the lock and make sure there is nothing blocking it from latching or locking. You must address any issues you find, such as loose screws or corrosion. In some cases an adjustment of just a few inches to the location of the patio door might suffice to solve the problem.
Another issue that is common is dust or debris which can cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. Clean your patio door and clean all hardware of the lock regularly to prevent this. If necessary, you can apply mild soap. But, be sure that you dry the lock completely afterwards.
It is also a good idea that you regularly lubricate your lock. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to the parts of a fine-tuned machine, and they could get stuck and jammed just like any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant will help get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and keep it operating smoothly.
The exact dimensions of your patio door lock is crucial. This can help you choose a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the current mechanism. If you're not sure how to accomplish this, it's best to contact an expert tradesperson or locksmith to get help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the intricate components of the door lock to become jammed. These issues could compromise the security of your home. However, it's not difficult to fix these problems If you know how.
Before making any repairs, first clean your lock. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, remove any stains or debris that might be preventing your lock from working properly. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any dirt or grime that has built up over time. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio doors have mortise locks that is secure, but is susceptible to issues in the course of time. If your upvc patio door repairs near me lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For the uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of soapy water. Then, remove the screws that hold the body of the latch in place. After you have removed the latch plate and handle, you can remove it from its slot on the door frame.
After the latch has been removed then you can lubricate it by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't own WD40 alternative, you could try using graphite pencils to help dislodge any grit or dirt in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work, you might need to relocate the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be performed by an expert. 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 drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are located that secure the cylinder.
Lubricate the Lock
After your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to grease the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is excellent for lubricating small metal parts like locks since it's not sticky or oily and lasts for longer than liquid fluid 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-type graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They are efficient at high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants build up over time, and can displace other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon Lubricants are an excellent substitute for silicone lubricants, since they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also excellent for cold conditions, since they prevent the build-up of ice inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will take apart the lock mechanism and install a new cylinder that matches your current keys. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if the door does not have one. This can increase safety and security. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door to match the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If lubricating the lock and cleaning it don't perform, the issue could be that the door latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or the frame of the door. To check this, open the Sliding Patio doors repairs patio door and look both ways from the latch opening to determine whether the door is in line to the frame or jamb. If not, loosen screws that hold the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly catching the latch's hasp as the door closes.
The latch can also be difficult to close as the cylinder is worn out. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, and you'll require an alternative. It is recommended to select one with the same keyway and dimensions as the one you had previously. This will allow you to replace it with ease by removing the two halves and inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll be required to know the name and model of the existing cylinder to be able to purchase one that is compatible with it. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then, visit the local hardware store for help.
Once you have a new cylinder, loosen the flat screw that is holding it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door and the door frame. Put the screw somewhere safe so that you aren't able to 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 loosen it enough to rotate the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't working properly could pose an extremely risk to security. Dirt and debris could get stuck within the lock mechanism. If this is not addressed promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and no longer provide security. It's a straightforward DIY project to replace the patio door lock. You'll only need a few tools and some time.
Begin by examining the lock and determining what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch doesn't work the latch could be bent too far to work properly. In this situation it is recommended to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure it is as secure and strong as possible.
Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're unsure about tackling this DIY project. They'll have the knowledge and tools to complete the task properly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door.
Routine maintenance is the key to keep your patio door lock operating correctly. Verify that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate your lock at least every year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are subject to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more often. It is crucial to select a lubricant which is specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For the best results apply the lubricant direct onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.
