Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Help You Live Better
How to Troubleshoot and repair patio doors (click the next website page) Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good working condition to protect your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements may cause the doors and their locks to become misaligned or damaged.
You can repair your patio door lock yourself if it is not functioning properly. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge glass size and their convenient place within a house. It is crucial that your locks function properly to keep your home safe. There are a few easy methods to repair patio door locks that have stopped working.
The first step is to inspect the lock and make sure there is nothing that is hindering it from locking or latching. It is important to take care to address any issues you discover like loose screws or rust. In some instances, a slight adjustment to the position of the patio door could be enough to solve the problem.
Another issue that is common is dust or debris that can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To avoid this happening, ensure that you clean your patio door regularly and clean the lock hardware. If needed, you can apply a mild soap solution. However, you must be sure to dry the lock completely afterwards.
It is also a good idea to that you regularly lubricate your lock. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a fine-tuned machine, which means that they can become stuck and jammed as any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant will help get rid of any dirt or debris that may have accumulated within the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly.
It is essential to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you find an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you're not sure what to do, contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock can jam up over time due to dust, dirt and cold and hot weather. These issues could compromise your security at home. These issues are easy to solve if you know what to do.
Before making any repairs, first clean your lock. Clean any stains and debris using a damp cloth. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to wash 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.
Most patio doors are secured by a mortise locking system. This is a safe lock but can develop issues 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, remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. After you have removed the latch plate and handle then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch is removed, you can lubricate it using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't own WD40 or similar product, you can try using graphite pencils to help remove any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may need to reposition locks cylinders. This requires additional tools and should be handled 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 drawing 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 to grease the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant helps keep your lock in top shape, extending its lifespan.
Dry graphite is an excellent way to lubricate small 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-like graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants can be more efficient than graphite powder, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They are suitable for high and low temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants could cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may be displaced by other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants since they last for a long time and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also ideal for cold environments, as they can help prevent ice accumulation inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely to be worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will take apart the lock mechanism and put in an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your current keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder if your door does not have one. This can increase security and safety. They can also install a new lock faceplate on your patio door repairs near me door to match the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock and lubricating it don't work, the issue could be that the door latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. To check this open the sliding patio doors repair patio door and sight upwards and downwards from the door's opening to see if the door is parallel to the frame or jamb. If not, loosen screws holding the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the lock latch is securely catching the latch hasp when the door closes.
The latch can also be difficult to close due to the cylinder is worn. You'll need a replacement cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. It is important to choose an alternative cylinder that is the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same keyway, so that you can easily replace it by screwing the two parts of the lock apart and then inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need the brand and model number of your existing cylinder to buy a replacement. If you don't have the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws and repair Patio doors go to a hardware store to get assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder in place take it off the flat screw holding it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and the door frame. Put the screw somewhere safe so that you don't lose it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout in the door) and then loosen it enough to rotate the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that's not functioning properly could pose an extremely risk to security. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to become lodged in the lock mechanism, but if this isn't addressed promptly the lock could eventually fail and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires just some tools and a bit of time.
Begin by examining the lock to see what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch does not work the latch could be bent to far to function properly. If this is the case, you should replace the latch using mortise locking to ensure that it's as solid and secure as you can.
If you're not comfortable with this DIY project yourself, consult with an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to help you with the installation of the new lock. They will have all the equipment and know-how to properly install the lock.
Keeping your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Make sure the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to prevent it from squeezing or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or 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 to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to get the best results.