15 Things You're Not Sure Of About Repair Patio Door
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in good working condition to protect your home against unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to your patio doors and their locks.
If your patio door lock does not operate properly You can make basic repairs at home. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway and handle.
Check the lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their large amounts of glass and their central location within a home. It is crucial to ensure your home is safe. There are easy methods to repair patio door locks that have stopped working.
The first step is to inspect the lock and ensure that there is nothing that is hindering it from locking or latching. You must take care to address any issues you discover such as loose screws or corrosion. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the door's location could be enough to solve the issue.
Another common issue is debris or dust which can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To prevent this from occurring, be sure to clean your patio door regularly and wipe down the lock's hardware. You can make use of a mild detergent when needed, but ensure that you dry the lock completely afterward.
It is also a good idea to to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those found in a machine that is finely tuned. They can jam and become stuck like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated within the lock cylinder and keep it operating smoothly.
The exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also important. This will help you choose a lock that perfectly matches your existing mechanism. If you're not sure what to do get help, consult an expert locksmith or tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock can become jammed because of dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues could compromise your security at home. But it's simple to fix these issues if you know how.
Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Wipe away any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Use hot soapy water and a little grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are fitted with a mortise lock that is secure, however, it is susceptible to problems over time. If you're uPVC locks has become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that hold the body of the latch in place. After you have removed the latch handle and plate then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.
After the latch has been removed and lubricated, you can apply using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have WD40 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to clean dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you might need to move the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be performed by professionals. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without having to remove it from the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws holding the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is free of debris and dirt it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant can keep your lock in top shape, which will extend its life.
Dry graphite powder is great to lubricate small metal parts like locks because it's not oily or sticky and lasts longer than liquid lubricants. It's simple to use and is suitable for use on sliding doors tracks for garage doors, and door hinges. upvc patio door repairs recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and do not attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They are efficient at low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants may create buildup over time and can be displaced by other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon Lubricants are a good substitute for silicone lubricants, since they are long-lasting and do not attract dirt or dust. They're also good for cold climates since they'll keep ice from accumulating within the lock.
If your lock cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it's probably worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with the new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with an cylinder for your lock an expert can replace it to improve security and security. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door to are in keeping with the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be that the latch on the door is not properly aligned with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio door, and look up and down at the opening of the latch. If the door is aligned with the frame or jamb and you are able to check, then it is. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch 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 shut.
Sometimes, the latch isn't closing properly due to a worn-out cylinder. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, and you'll need a replacement. You should select a cylinder with the same keyway and size as the previous one. This allows you to replace it easily by removing the two halves and putting in the replacement cylinder.
There are replacement cylinders available at a variety of home improvement stores. You'll need to know the brand and model of your existing cylinder to be able to purchase one that is compatible with it. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then go to the local hardware store for assistance.
Once you have a new cylinder, loosen the flat screw that is holding it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame using a screwdriver. Place the screw in a safe place so you don't lose it. Then, loosen enough the set screw that is located on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't working properly can cause serious danger to your security. Dirt and debris can get stuck in the lock mechanism. If this is not treated immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and no will be able to provide security. It's a simple DIY project to replace the patio door lock. It's all you need are just a few tools and a bit of time.
Begin by looking at the lock to see what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch doesn't work, it may be bent too much to work properly. In this instance, it would be best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure it is as secure and strong as it can be.
Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're unsure about undertaking this DIY project. They will have the experience and tools to complete the task correctly and ensure that the new lock works with your patio door.
Keeping your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Make sure the knobs and handle aren't loose, and if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is important to choose a lubricant that has been specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For best results apply the lubricant direct to the key hole of the lock mechanism.