How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good working condition to protect your home against unwanted intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and locks to become damaged or misaligned.
You can fix your patio door lock on your own when it's not working correctly. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway and latch.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large amounts of glass and their central place within a house. It is important to ensure your home is secure. Luckily, there are some easy ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that have stopped working correctly.
The first step is to check the lock to ensure nothing hinders it from locking or latching. If you notice any issues such as loose screws or rust, or even an issue with alignment, they should be addressed immediately. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio door might suffice to solve the issue.
Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to fail to function properly. To avoid this happening, ensure that you clean your patio door regularly and wipe down the lock hardware. You can apply a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but be sure to dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
In addition, it is a good idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are similar to those in a precision-tuned machine. They can jam or become stuck as with any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant can be used to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock cylinder. This will help keep it functioning smoothly.
Identifying the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also crucial. This will help you choose an appropriate lock that is compatible with your current mechanism. If you're not sure how to do it, contact a professional locksmith or tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock could become jammed due to dust, dirt and cold and hot weather. These issues can affect the security of your home. These problems are easy to fix if you know what to do.
Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Clean any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Use hot soapy water and a little grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are secured with mortise locking mechanisms. This is a secure lock, but it is susceptible to problems over time. If you find that your uPVC locks have become stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to remove the screws that keep the latch in place. After removing the latch handle and plate, you can remove it from its slot on the door frame.
After the latch has been removed it is possible to lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't have WD40 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to eliminate any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work it may be necessary to reposition the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be handled by a professional. 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 make pencil marks on the frame where the screws that hold the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
After your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time for lubrication of the lock and the keyhole themselves. Using the right type of lubricant helps keep your lock in top shape, which will extend its life.
Dry graphite is a great way to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also longer-lasting than liquids. It's simple 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 are more efficient than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and will not attract as much dust or dirt as other types of liquid lubricants. They are effective in high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants build up over time and eventually replace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants because they're long-lasting and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also suitable for cold environments because they'll keep ice from accumulating within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith will dismantle the lock mechanism and install the cylinder of a new model that matches the keys you have. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder if your door isn't equipped with one. This will increase 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 the door do not work, then the problem could be that the latch on the door is not aligned correctly with the frame or jamb. To determine this you need to open the sliding patio door and sight upwards and downwards from the door's opening to see whether the door is in line with the jamb or frame. If not, remove the screws holding the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the latch is securely catching the latch hasp when the door closes.
The latch may also be difficult to close as the cylinder has worn out. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, so you'll require an alternative. It is important to choose a new cylinder that is similar in size to the previous one and has the same keyway, so you can easily replace it by screwing the two halves of the lock to one side and inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of your existing cylinder so you can buy one that matches it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number, take a picture of the cylinder and its mounting screws and go to the hardware store for help.
Once you have the new cylinder installed remove it from the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure so you do not 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 let it loose enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that's not functioning properly could pose an extremely risk to security. Dirt and debris can become stuck within the lock mechanism. If this is not taken care of promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and no will be able to provide security. Replacing patio door repairs near me is a relatively easy DIY project that requires a few tools and a bit of time.
Begin by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch fails the latch could be bent too far to function properly. If this is the case, replace the lock latch with mortise locking systems to ensure that it's as secure and strong as it can be.
Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're not confident in tackling this DIY task. They'll have all the tools and expertise needed to properly install the lock.
Maintaining your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Make sure the handle and knobs aren't loose and, if they are tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate your lock at least every year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy usage 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). For best results apply the lubricant direct to the key hole of the lock mechanism.