Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Help You Live Better

How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

Maintaining your patio doors in good order will help keep your home safe from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to your patio doors and their locks.

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

Inspect the Lock

Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their large amounts of glass and convenient position within a home. It is crucial that your locks work properly to ensure your home is secure. Fortunately, there are easy ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that aren't functioning properly.

The first step is to inspect the lock to ensure nothing is hindering it from locking or latching. If you notice any issues, such as loose screws, rust, or misalignment, these should be addressed promptly. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the patio door's position may be sufficient to fix the issue.

Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to function properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all lock hardware regularly to avoid this. If you need to, use mild soap. However, you must be sure to dry the lock completely afterwards.

It is also a good idea that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those in a precision-tuned machine. They can jam and get stuck just like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant can help remove any dirt or debris that has collected in the lock's cylinder, and help keep it running smoothly.

It is important to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will allow you to find a lock that perfectly matches your current mechanism. If you are unsure about how to accomplish this, it's best to contact a locksmith or professional tradesperson for assistance.

Clean the Lock

The intricate parts of the door lock could jam up over time due to dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues can compromise your home's security. But it's easy to fix these problems if you know how.

Before you attempt any repairs, clean your lock. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, clean any debris or stains that could be hindering your lock from working correctly. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any grit or grime that has accumulated over time. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.

Most patio doors use mortise locks that is safe however, it is susceptible to issues with time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For the uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of hot soapy water. Then, take off 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.

Once the latch is removed, you can lubricate it with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't own WD40 alternative, you could try using a graphite pencil to help get rid of any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it may be necessary to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and should be done by an expert. You can practice repositioning the 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 where the screws holding the locking cylinder are.

Lubricate the Lock

When your lock is free from dirt and debris It's the perfect time to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant helps keep your lock in good 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 use and is suitable for use on sliding doors tracks for garage doors, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders.

Liquid lubricants can be more effective than graphite powder especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They work well in both low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants can cause accumulation over time and could replace other lubricants you've tried.

Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone lubricants since they're long-lasting and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also excellent for cold environments, as they prevent the build-up of ice inside the lock.

If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith can remove the lock mechanism and put in an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your current keys. They can also repair patio doors and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if the door isn't equipped with one. This will improve safety and security. They can also install a new lock faceplate on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it do not work, the issue could be that the door's latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. Open the sliding patio doors repairs patio doors repairs doors and examine the top and bottom of the latch opening. If the door is aligned with the frame or jamb and you are able to check, then it is. If not, loosen the screws holding the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch hasp when the door is closed.

The latch is also sometimes difficult to close as the cylinder is worn out. You'll require a new cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. It's important to choose the new cylinder that's similar in size to the previous one and has the same keyway, which means you can easily replace it by simply 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 manufacturer and model number of your existing cylinder to purchase the replacement. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then go to your local hardware store to seek assistance.

When you have a new cylinder, loosen the flat screw that holds it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder tilt and slide patio door repairs escutcheon plate from the door and the door frame. Put the screw somewhere safe so 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 rotate the cylinder.

Replace the Lock

A wood patio door repair door lock that's not functioning properly can be an extremely risk to security. It's not common for dirt and other debris to get stuck inside the lock mechanism, but if this isn't addressed promptly, the lock can eventually fail and stop providing security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires only a few tools and a little time.

Start by inspecting the lock and determining what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch doesn't work it could be bent too far to work properly. If this is the case, replace the lock latch with mortise locking to ensure it's as solid and secure as possible.

If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY project on your own seek out an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you with the installation of a new lock. They'll have the knowledge and tools to complete the task properly and ensure that the new lock will work with your patio door.

Routine maintenance is essential to ensure that your patio door lock functioning properly. Make sure that the knobs and handles aren't loose, and if they are tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to prevent it from squeezing or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks exposed to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated more often. It is crucial to choose a lubricant that is specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For best results, apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.