Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Make Your Life Better

How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

Keep your patio doors in good working condition to protect your home from intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to your patio repair near me doors and their locks.

You can repair patio door repairs near me doors (great post to read) your patio door lock by yourself when it's not working properly. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway, and handle.

Check the Lock

Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their large quantity of glass and their convenient location within a home. It is important that your locks are working properly to ensure your home is secure. Fortunately, there are simple ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that have stopped working correctly.

The first step is to inspect the lock to ensure nothing is blocking it from locking or latching. If you spot any issues like loose screws or rust, or even the wrong alignment, these must be addressed immediately. In some cases an adjustment of the patio door's position may suffice to resolve the issue.

Another issue that is common is debris or dust that can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To prevent this from happening, make sure to clean your patio door on a regular basis and wipe down the lock's hardware. You can make use of a mild detergent if necessary, but always ensure that you dry the lock completely afterward.

It is also a good idea to regularly oil your lock. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a fine-tuned machine, and they could be jammed and stuck just as any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant, can be used to clean any debris or dirt from the lock cylinder. This will keep it running smoothly.

The exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also important. This will help you locate the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you're unsure of how to proceed you can contact a professional tradesperson or locksmith to get help.

Clean the Lock

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

Before making any repairs, you must first clean your lock. Clean any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to clean the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any grime or grit that has accumulated over time. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them.

Most patio doors are secured with a mortise locking system. This is a secure lock, but it can also cause issues with time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean tilt and slide patio door repairs lubricate it. For an uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of soapy water. Next, you'll want to unfasten the screws that keep the latch in the position. After removing the latch plate and handle then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.

Once the latch is removed and lubricated, you can apply with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have a WD40 alternative, you could use graphite pencils to help get rid of any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your upvc patio door repairs locks are still not working, you may need to reposition lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be performed by a professional. You can try 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 the perfect time to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant can keep your lock in top condition, and extends its life.

Dry graphite powder is excellent to lubricate small metal parts like locks since it's not oily or sticky and lasts for longer than liquid greases. It's easy to apply, and you can also apply it to 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 are more effective than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and don't attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They are suitable for both low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants could cause buildup over time and can displace other lubricants you've used.

Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they last for a long time and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also ideal for cold climates, since they prevent the build-up of ice within the lock.

If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith will take apart the lock mechanism and put in a new cylinder that matches your existing keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with a lock cylinder an expert can replace it to improve security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that match the rest.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If lubricating the lock and cleaning it do not perform, the issue could be that the door latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or frame of the door. Open the sliding patio door lock repair patio door, and look up and down at the latch opening. If the door is parallel to the jamb or the frame then you can test. If not, remove the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch is securely catching the latch hasp when the door closes.

Sometimes the latch isn't closing properly because of a worn-out cylinder. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, and you'll need to get a replacement. You should choose a cylinder with the same keyway and size as the one you had previously. This allows you to change it quickly by unscrewing the two halves before inserting the replacement cylinder.

You can purchase replacement cylinders at a variety of home improvement stores. You'll need to know the brand and model of your current cylinder to be able to purchase one that matches it. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then visit your local hardware store to seek help.

Once you have the new cylinder in place take it off the flat screw holding it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door as well as the door frame. Put the screw somewhere safe to ensure 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 then loosen it enough to rotate the cylinder.

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could pose an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris can get stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this issue isn't treated immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and will no longer offer security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires some tools and a bit of time.

Begin by examining the lock and determining what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch doesn't work it could be bent too much to function properly. If this is the case, you should replace the lock latch using mortise locking to ensure it's as solid and secure as it can be.

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

Routine maintenance is the key to keep your patio door lock operating properly. Make sure the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks subject to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated more frequently. It is important to select a lubricant which is specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For the best results apply the lubricant direct onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.