How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good working in good order will keep your home safe from unwanted intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and their locks to be damaged or misaligned.
If your patio door lock doesn't operate properly, you can make some basic repairs at home. killer deal will resolve issues with the handle, keyway, and latch.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large amount of glass and convenient location within a home. A lock that is functional and secure is important to ensure your home is safe. Luckily, there are some easy ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that aren't functioning properly.
The first step is to check the lock to see if anything hinders it from locking or latching. You should take care to address any issues you discover like loose screws or corrosion. In some instances, a small adjustment to the position of the patio door may suffice to solve the problem.
Another common issue is debris or dust which can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. To prevent this from occurring, be sure to clean your patio door regularly and wipe down the lock's hardware. You can use a mild detergent solution if necessary, but always ensure that you dry the lock completely afterward.
Additionally, it's an ideal idea to lubricate the lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are similar to those used in a precision-tuned machine. They can jam or get stuck just like any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant can help to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated inside the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly.
The exact dimensions of the patio door lock is crucial. This will help you choose a lock that perfectly matches the existing mechanism. If you're unsure of how to do it, contact a professional tradesperson or locksmith for assistance.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock can jam up over time because of dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues can affect your home's security. But it's simple to fix these issues when you know how.
Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Wipe away any stains and debris with a moist cloth. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to clean the lock mechanism and remove any dirt or grime that has accumulated over time. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are secured using mortise locking systems. This is a safe lock, but it is susceptible to problems in time. If you find that your uPVC locks has become stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. For a uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of soapy water. Then, remove the screws that hold the body of the latch in the position. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you can remove the latch from its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch is removed and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock with a light engineering oil like WD40. If you don't have WD40, a graphite pen can be used to remove dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you may need to reposition locks cylinders. This requires additional tools and should be done by an expert. However, you can practice repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by opening and closing the door with the cylinder in the lock position, after which making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws hold the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
If your lock is clean from dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is great for lubricating small metal components such as locks, because it's not oily or sticky and lasts longer than liquid greases. It's easy to apply and you can apply it to sliding doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They are effective in high and low temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can accumulate over time and eventually replace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon oil can be an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also ideal for cold environments, as they prevent the build-up of ice inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with a new cylinder matched to your keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if your door isn't equipped with one. This will increase safety and security. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door to match the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it doesn't perform, the issue could be that the door latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or door frame. To determine this, open the sliding patio door and sight up and down from the door's opening to see whether the door is aligned with the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws holding the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch is firmly catching the latch's hasp as the door is closed.
The latch can also be difficult to close due to the cylinder is worn out. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, so you'll need an alternate. It's important to choose the new cylinder that's similar in size to the old 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 to know the brand and model of the existing cylinder to be able to purchase one that matches it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws, and then go to a hardware store to get assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder installed remove it from the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame with the screwdriver. Put the screw in a secure place to ensure you don't loose or damage it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout in the door) and let it loose enough to rotate the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that's not functioning properly could pose an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris can get caught in the lock mechanisms. If this issue isn't treated promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and won't will be able to provide security. It's a simple DIY task to replace the patio door lock. You only need just a few tools and a bit of time.
Begin by examining the lock to see what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch does not work the latch could be bent to far to work properly. In this case it's best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure that it's as strong and secure as possible.
If you're not comfortable with this DIY project yourself, consult with a locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you in the installation of the new lock. They'll have the expertise and tools to complete the task properly and ensure that the new lock works with your patio door.
Maintaining your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and if they're tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least every year to keep it from squeezing or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant you use is important, so be certain to select one specifically designed to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism for the best results.