How to Troubleshoot and repair patio door lock repair doors (Get Source) Patio Door Locks

Keep your patio doors in a good working condition to protect your home from intruders. However, the elements could cause the doors and their locks to become damaged or misaligned.

If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway and handle.

Inspect the Lock

wood patio door repair doors are often targeted by burglars because of their huge glass size and their convenient position within a home. A lock that is functional and secure is important to ensure your home is secure. There are easy ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that aren't functioning properly.

The first step is to inspect the lock and ensure that nothing is blocking it from locking or latching. You should address any issues you find, such as loose screws or rust. In some cases an adjustment of just a few inches to the direction of the patio doors repairs near me door might suffice to resolve the issue.

Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to work properly. To avoid this happening, ensure that you clean your patio door frequently and clean the lock's hardware. If necessary, you can apply a mild soap solution. But, be sure that you dry the lock completely afterwards.

In addition, it is an ideal idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door repair service near me lock are comparable to those found in a machine that is finely tuned. They can jam and get stuck just like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help to dislodge any dirt or debris that has collected in the lock's cylinder, and ensure that it is operating efficiently.

It is crucial to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you choose an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with the current mechanism. If you aren't sure how to go about this, it's advisable to contact a locksmith or professional tradesperson for help.

Clean the Lock

Over time, hot and cold weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate components of your door lock to get stuck. These issues could compromise your security at home. However, it's not difficult to fix these problems when you know how.

Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Using a damp cloth, wipe away any stains or debris that may be hindering your lock from working properly. Then, use a small amount 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.

Most patio doors are secured by a mortise locking system. This is a secure lock, but it is susceptible to issues over time. If you're uPVC locks has become stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to loosen the screws that keep the latch in the position. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you can remove the latch from its slot in the door frame.

After the latch has been removed it is possible to 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 remove any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you might need to move the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be handled 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 inside where the screws holding the locking cylinder are.

Lubricate the Lock

After your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to grease the lock and the keyhole themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant can keep your lock in good shape, which will extend its life.

Dry graphite is an excellent method to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also more durable than liquids. It's easy to apply, and you can also use it on sliding patio door lock repair 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 work better than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other kinds of liquid fluids. They are effective in both low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may build up over time, and can displace other lubricants you've used.

Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they're long-lasting and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also suitable for cold climates since they can stop the accumulation of ice within the lock.

If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it's probably worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith can remove the lock mechanism and install an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with the keys you have. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. If your door does not have the lock cylinder an expert can replace it to improve security and safety. They can also install a new lock faceplate on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning and lubricating it doesn't work, the problem could be that the latch on the door is not aligned correctly with the jamb or frame. To test this open the sliding patio door and sight upwards and downwards from the opening of the latch to see whether the door is aligned to the frame or jamb. If not, remove the screws fixing 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 has worn out. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, and you'll need to get an alternate. It is essential to select the new cylinder that's the same size as the old one and has the same style keyway, so you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock apart and then inserting the new cylinder.

Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll need the name and model number of your existing cylinder to purchase a replacement. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then visit your local hardware store to seek help.

Once you have the new cylinder in place remove it from the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door and the door frame. Place the screw in a safe location so you don't loose or damage it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole in the door).

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that isn't working properly can pose a serious risk to your security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to become lodged in the lock mechanism, but if this isn't addressed quickly enough the lock could eventually break down and stop providing security. It's a straightforward DIY project to change the patio door lock. You only need the tools you need and some time.

Begin by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the lock 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 strong and secure as you can.

Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're not sure about tackling this DIY project. They will have all the tools and expertise needed to properly install the lock.

Regular maintenance is the key to keep your patio door lock working properly. Make sure that the handle and knobs aren't loose and if they're tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate your lock at least every year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks subject to heavy use or extreme weather 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). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve best results.