15 Things You're Not Sure Of About Repair Patio Door

How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

Keep your patio doors in good working condition to protect your home against unwanted intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to your patio doors and their locks.

You can repair your patio door lock by yourself when it's not functioning properly. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway and latch.

Check the Lock

Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their large amounts of glass and their central location within a home. It is important that your locks are working properly to ensure your home is safe. Luckily, there are some simple ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that have stopped working correctly.

First, examine the lock and make sure there is nothing that is hindering it from latching or locking. If you spot any issues such as loose screws or rust, or even misalignment, these should be addressed promptly. In some instances an adjustment of the patio door's position may be sufficient to fix the problem.

Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism to work properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all lock hardware regularly to prevent this. You can make use of a mild detergent in the event of need, but remember to dry the lock thoroughly afterward.

It is also a good idea to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those found in a precision-tuned machine. They can jam and become stuck like any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant, can be used to clean any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock's cylinder. This will ensure that it is running smoothly.

It is crucial to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you choose a lock that perfectly matches your existing mechanism. If you're not sure what to do, contact a professional tradesperson or locksmith for assistance.

Clean the Lock

Over time, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the intricate parts of your door lock to get stuck. These issues can compromise your home's security. But it's easy to fix these problems if you know how.

Before attempting any repairs, you must first clean your lock. Clean any stains and debris using a damp cloth. Use hot soapy water and a small amount of grit to clean the lock mechanism. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before re-using them.

The majority of patio doors have mortise locks that is secure, but can be prone to issues in the course of time. If you're uPVC locks has become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. For an uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a little of soapy water. Then, take off the screws that are holding the body of the latch in the position. After removing the latch handle and plate and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame.

Once the latch is removed and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock using a light engineering oil like WD40. If you don't own WD40, you can also use graphite pencils to help dislodge any grit or dirt within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work it may be necessary to move the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by a professional. You can try repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, and then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws secure the cylinder.

Lubricate the Lock

Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time for lubrication of the lock and the keyhole themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its life.

Dry graphite powder is ideal to lubricate small metal parts such as locks, because it's not sticky or oily and lasts for longer than liquid fluid lubricants. It's simple to use and can be utilized on sliding doors tracks for garage doors and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant specifically designed for lock cylinders.

Liquid lubricants can be more effective than graphite powder particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and don't attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They are suitable for both low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may accumulate over time and eventually replace other lubricants you've tried.

Teflon Lubricants are an ideal substitute for silicone lubricants, because they last longer and do not attract dirt or dust. They're also ideal for cold climates, since they can prevent ice buildup within the lock.

If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, then it is probably worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can dismantle the lock mechanism and put in the cylinder of a new model that matches your existing keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder in case your door isn't equipped with one. This will increase safety and security.  Continuing  can also put 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 doesn't work, the problem could be that the latch on the door isn't properly aligned with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio door and take a look upwards and downwards at the opening of the latch. If the door is aligned with the jamb or the frame then you can test. If not, remove the screws holding the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the lock latch is firmly catching the latch's hasp when the door is closed.

Sometimes the latch can be difficult to close due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. You'll need a replacement cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. It is essential to select an alternative cylinder that is exactly the same size as the old one and has the same keyway, so that you can easily replace it by removing the two parts of the lock apart and inserting the new cylinder.

Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of your existing cylinder so you can buy one that is compatible with it. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then go to your local hardware store for help.

Once you have the new cylinder installed, unscrew it from the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame using the screwdriver. Set the screw in a safe place to ensure that you don't lose or damage it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout inside the door) and let it loose enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that's not working properly can be a major risk to your security. Dirt and debris can get caught in the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't treated immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and will no will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires only some tools and a little time.

Begin by examining the lock to determine what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch fails it could be bent too far to perform as it should. In this situation, it would be best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure it's as sturdy and secure as possible.

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

Routine maintenance is the key to ensure that your patio door lock functioning effectively. Check that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to keep it from becoming stuck or stiff. Locks that have been subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant used is vital, so be sure to select one that's specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). For best results, apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.