How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in good working condition to protect your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors and their locks.
You can repair your patio door lock by yourself if it is not working correctly. 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 convenient position within a home. It is important that your locks function properly to keep your home safe. Luckily, there are some easy ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that aren't functioning properly.
The first step is to examine the lock to see if anything is hindering it from latching or locking. If you find any issues like loose screws or rust, or misalignment, these should be addressed immediately. In some cases, a slight adjustment to the patio door's position may suffice to resolve the problem.
Another common issue is debris or dust that could cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. Clean your patio door and clean all lock hardware regularly to prevent this. You can apply a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
It is also a good idea that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are similar to those in a finely tuned machine. They can jam and get stuck just like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant will help get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated inside the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly.
It is essential to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you locate the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you're unsure of how to do it, contact a professional locksmith or tradesperson for assistance.
Clean the Lock
Over time, hot and cold weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate parts of your door lock to become jammed. These issues could compromise your security at home. 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, wipe away any dirt or stains that may hinder your lock from functioning properly. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to clean the lock mechanism and remove any grime or grit that has built up over time. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are secured with a mortise locking system. This is a secure lock, but it is susceptible to issues over time. If your uPVC lock is stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For a uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount 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.
After the latch has been removed and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock with a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't own WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to remove any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work, you might need to move the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by an expert. However, you can practice shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by opening and closing the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, after which drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that secure the cylinder.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time for lubrication of the keyhole and the locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its life.
Dry graphite is a great way to lubricate small metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also longer-lasting than liquids. It's easy to apply, and you can also use it on sliding doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite powder especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They work well at high and low temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can get accumulated over time, and displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they last longer and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also great for cold climates since they can prevent ice from building up inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's likely worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a new cylinder matched to your keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with the lock cylinder, a professional can replace it to increase security and security. They can also put a new lock faceplate on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating the door do not work, then the issue could be that the latch on the door isn't aligned correctly with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio door and examine the top and bottom of the latch opening. If the door is parallel to the frame or jamb and you are able to check, then it is. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch is able to catch the latch tightly when the door is closed.
Sometimes, the latch can be difficult to close due to a worn-out cylinder. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, which is why you'll need to get a replacement. It is essential to select the new cylinder that's the same size as the previous one and has the same style keyway, which means you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new cylinder.
You can find replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll be required to know the name and model of your current cylinder in order to buy one that is compatible with it. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder along with 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. Remove the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and the door frame. Place the screw in a safe place so that you do not lose it. Then, loosen enough the set screw that is located on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole in the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't working properly could pose an extremely risk to security. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to get lodged inside the lock mechanisms however if the issue isn't addressed promptly, the lock can eventually fail and stop providing security. It's a simple DIY task to replace the patio door lock. You only need a few tools and some time.
Begin by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the problem. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the lock latch may be too bent to work properly. In this case it's best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure that it is as secure and strong as possible.
If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY project on your own seek out an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to help you with the installation of the new lock. They'll have the equipment and know-how to install the lock correctly.
Regular maintenance is the key to keep your patio door lock functioning effectively. Make sure the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate patio door repairs near me at least once a year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is crucial to select a lubricant which has been specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to get best results.