Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Help You Live Better

How to Troubleshoot and repair patio doors Patio Door Locks

Maintaining your patio doors repairs near me doors in good working in good condition will safeguard your home from intruders who aren't yours. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to your patio doors and their locks.

If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway and handle.

Check the lock

Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their huge glass size and their convenient location within a home. It is essential that your locks are working properly to keep your home safe. There are simple ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly.

The first step is to inspect the lock and ensure that nothing is blocking it from locking or latching. If you notice any issues like loose screws or rust, or an issue with alignment, they should be addressed promptly. 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 function properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all hardware of the lock regularly to avoid this. If needed, you can apply mild soap. But, be sure to dry the lock completely afterward.

In addition, it's recommended to oil the lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio sliding doors repair lock are similar to those found in a finely tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck as with any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant could be used to get rid of any dirt or debris from the lock cylinder. This will ensure that it is running at a high speed.

The exact dimensions of the patio door lock is crucial. This will allow you to find a lock that perfectly matches your current mechanism. If you're unsure of how to proceed, contact a professional tradesperson or locksmith for assistance.

Clean the Lock

The intricate parts of the door lock can become jammed due to dust, dirt and cold and hot weather. These issues could compromise your home's security. But it's easy to fix these issues If you know how.

Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. With a damp cloth, wipe away any dirt or stains that could hinder your lock from functioning properly. Then, use a little hot soapy water to clean the lock mechanism and remove any grime or grit that has accumulated over time. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before re-using them.

The majority of patio doors have mortise locks that is secure, however, it is susceptible to problems with 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, take off the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be able to remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame.

Once the latch is detached, you can lubricate the lock with a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't have WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to eliminate any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you may have to relocate the lock cylinder. This will require some additional tools and should be done by a professional. 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 the area where the screws that support the cylinder in place are.

Lubricate the Lock

After 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. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its life.

Dry graphite is an excellent option to lubricate tiny metal parts, such as locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It also lasts longer than liquids. 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 specifically designed for lock cylinders.

Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and don't attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They are effective in low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants can cause accumulation over time and could be displaced by other lubricants that you've used.

Teflon oil can be an excellent substitute for silicone lubricants, since they are long-lasting and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also excellent for cold conditions, since they can prevent ice buildup within the lock.

If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will take apart the lock mechanism and put in an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with the keys you have. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder in case your door isn't equipped with one. This will increase safety and security. They can also put an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio doors repair door to match the rest of the hardware.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning it and lubricating it does not work, the issue could be that the latch on the door is not aligned correctly with the frame or jamb. To check this, open the sliding patio door and look up and down from the door's opening to determine if the door is parallel with the frame or jamb. If not, remove the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch is securely catching the latch's hasp as the door is closed.

The latch may also be difficult to close as the cylinder is worn. You'll require a new cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. It is important to choose an alternative cylinder that is similar in size to the old one and has the same style keyway, so you can easily replace it by screwing the two parts of the lock apart and then inserting the new one.

Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your current cylinder to purchase an alternative. If you don't have the model or manufacturer you can take a photograph of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and head to a hardware store to get assistance.

Once you have the new cylinder in place, unscrew it from the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Put the screw in a safe place so you don't loose or damage it. Then, loosen enough the set screw on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door).

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that's not working properly could pose a serious security risk. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to get stuck inside the lock's mechanisms If this isn't dealt with quickly enough the lock could eventually fail and no longer provide security. It's a simple DIY task to change the patio door lock. You only need a few tools and some time.

Start by inspecting the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the latch may be bent too much to perform as it should. If this is the case, you should replace the lock latch using mortise locking systems to ensure that it's as solid and secure as it can be.

If you're not confident in tackling this DIY task yourself, consult with an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you with the installation of the new lock. They'll have all the tools and expertise needed to install the lock properly.

Keeping your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Verify that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate the lock at least every year to keep it from becoming stuck or stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant used is crucial, so make sure to select one that's specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). For best results apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.