How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good working in good order will safeguard your home from intruders who aren't yours. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors as well as their locks.
If your patio door lock doesn't work properly, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway, and handle.
Check the lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge quantity of glass and their convenient position within a home. It is essential that your locks function properly to ensure your home is secure. There are a few easy ways to repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning.
The first step is to examine the lock to ensure nothing is preventing it from latching or locking. You must take care to address any issues you discover such as loose screws or rust. In some instances an adjustment of just a few inches to the location of the patio door could suffice to solve the problem.
Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to fail to function properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all hardware of the lock regularly to avoid this. If necessary, you can apply mild soap. However, make sure that the lock is dried completely afterwards.
In addition, it is a good idea to lubricate the lock regularly. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a finely tuned machine, which means that they can become stuck and jammed like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant will help dislodge any dirt or debris that has accumulated inside the lock cylinder and keep it operating smoothly.
It is important to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you find a lock that perfectly matches your current mechanism. If you're unsure of what to do get help, consult a professional tradesperson or locksmith for assistance.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the intricate components of the door lock to become stuck. These issues can affect the security of your home. But it's easy to fix these issues if you know how.
Before you attempt any repairs, clean your lock. Wipe away any stains and debris using a damp cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a small amount of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are fitted with a mortise lock that is secure, but is susceptible to problems with time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Start by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. The next step is to unfasten the screws that keep the latch in the position. With the latch plate and handle removed, you can take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch has been removed then you can lubricate it using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have WD40 alternative, you could use a graphite pencil to help dislodge any grit or dirt within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work, you might need to move the lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and should be done by an expert. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without needing to remove it from the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame inside the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are located.
Lubricate the Lock
When 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 condition and prolong its life.
Dry graphite is a fantastic way to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It also lasts longer than liquids. It's easy to apply and you can use it on sliding doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and won't attract as much dust and dirt as other kinds of liquid fluids. They are effective in high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may get accumulated over time, and displace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they're long-lasting and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also ideal for cold environments, as they can prevent ice buildup inside the lock.
If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's likely worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and put in an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with the keys you have. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. If your door doesn't have the lock cylinder an expert can replace it to improve security and security. They can also install an entirely new faceplate for your lock 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 is not aligned properly with the jamb or frame. To check this, open the sliding patio door and look upwards and downwards from the door's opening to determine if the door is parallel with the frame or jamb. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it up or down until the latch is able to catch the latch tightly when the door is shut.
The latch is also sometimes difficult to close due to the cylinder is worn out. It is necessary to replace the cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. It is essential to select the new cylinder that's similar in size to the previous one and has the same keyway, so that you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two halves of the lock apart and inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll need to know the brand and model of your existing cylinder in order to 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 a hardware store to get assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder installed, unscrew it from the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Use replacing patio door to unscrew the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure to ensure you do not lose it. Then, loosen enough the set screw that is on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock not working properly can be a major risk to your security. Dirt and debris could get stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this is not treated promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires just some tools and a bit of time.
Begin by examining the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch does not work it could be bent to far to perform as it should. In this situation, it would be best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure that it is as secure and strong as possible.
Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're not confident about undertaking this DIY project. They will have all the equipment and know-how to properly install the lock.
Maintaining your patio door lock in good condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Verify that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate your lock at least every year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant used is important, so be sure to select one that's specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). For the best results apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.