Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Help You Live Better

How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

Keeping your patio door repair service near me doors in good working in good condition will protect your home from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements may cause the doors and their locks to become misaligned or damaged.

If your patio door lock does not work properly, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway and latch.

Check the lock

Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and convenient location within a home. It is important that your locks work properly to ensure your home is safe. There are easy ways to repair Patio doors patio door locks that have stopped functioning.

The first step is to check the lock to see if anything is hindering it from locking or latching. It is important to address any issues you find such as loose screws or corrosion. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio door might be enough to fix the problem.

Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to perform as it should. Clean your repair patio door lock door and wipe down all hardware of the lock regularly to prevent this. You can apply a mild detergent solution if necessary, but always ensure that you 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 similar to those used in a machine that is finely tuned. They can jam and become stuck like any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant can be used to remove any debris or dirt from the lock cylinder. This will keep it running at a high speed.

It is essential to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you choose a lock that perfectly matches your existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to do this, it is advisable to talk to a locksmith or professional tradesperson to get help.

Clean the Lock

The intricate parts of the door lock could become jammed due to dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues could compromise your home's security. However, it's not difficult to fix these problems if you know how.

Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Clean up any stains or debris with a damp cloth. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to wash the lock mechanism and remove any dirt or grime that has built up over time. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them.

The majority of patio doors are secured using mortise locking systems. This is a secure lock, but it can also cause issues in time. If your uPVC locks has become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. For an uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a little of hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to unfasten the screws that hold the latch body in place. After you have removed the latch handle and plate then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.

Once the latch has been removed, you can lubricate it by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't have WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to clean any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may have to relocate the locks cylinders. This will require additional tools and should be handled by professionals. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without having to take it off the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame inside the area where the screws that support the cylinder in place are.

Lubricate the Lock

When your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to lubricate both the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant will keep your lock in good condition, and extends its life.

Dry graphite is a great option to lubricate tiny metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It also lasts longer 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 may be more effective than graphite especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and don't attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They work well in both low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants get accumulated over time, and can displace other lubricants you've tried.

Teflon Lubricants are a good substitute for silicone lubricants, because they last longer and don't attract dust or dirt. They are also great for cold climates, since they can prevent ice buildup inside the lock.

If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith will take apart the lock mechanism, and then install a new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with an cylinder for your lock or faceplate, a professional can install it to improve security and security. They can also put an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it doesn't perform, the issue could be that the door's latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or door frame. Open the sliding patio doors repair near me door and take a look upwards and downwards at the opening of the latch. If the door is aligned with the frame or jamb, then you can check. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch catches the latch hasp tightly when the door is shut.

Sometimes, the latch is difficult to close due to a worn-out cylinder. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, so you'll require an alternate. You should choose a cylinder with the same keyway and dimensions as the one you had previously. This allows you to replace it with ease by removing the two halves and inserting the new cylinder.

Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need to know the brand and model of the existing cylinder so you can buy one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder and its mounting screws and go to an hardware store for assistance.

Once you have the new cylinder in place take it off the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure to ensure 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 of the door) and loosen it enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that's not functioning properly can be an extremely risk to security. Dirt and debris can get stuck within the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't addressed promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and no will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires a few tools and small amount of time.

Begin by examining the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubrication do not aid, the latch could be bent too much to work properly. In this situation, it would be best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure that it's as sturdy and secure as possible.

Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're not sure about undertaking this DIY project. They'll have all the tools and experience to properly install the lock.

Keeping your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Check that the knobs and handle aren't loose and if they're tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to avoid it from becoming stuck or stiff. It is recommended that locks that are subject to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more frequently. It is essential to select a lubricant which has been specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to get best results.