How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good working condition to protect your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements could cause the doors and locks to become misaligned or damaged.
If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should You can make basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway and latch.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their huge glass size and their convenient location within a home. A lock that is functional and secure is crucial to ensure your home is secure. Fortunately, there are easy ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that aren't functioning properly.
First, inspect the lock to ensure nothing is blocking it from latching or locking. You must address any issues you find, such as loose screws or rust. In some cases an adjustment of the door's location could be enough to solve the problem.
Another issue that is common is debris or dust that can cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. To avoid this happening, ensure that you clean your patio door on a regular basis and clean the lock's hardware. If necessary, you can apply a mild soap solution. However, make sure that the lock is dried completely afterward.
In addition, it's an ideal idea to lubricate the lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a finely tuned machine, so they can get stuck and jammed just like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant can help to get rid of any dirt or debris that may have accumulated within the lock cylinder and keep it operating smoothly.
Identifying the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is important. This will help you locate the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with the current mechanism. If you're not sure what to do, contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock can jam up over time because of dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These issues could compromise your home's security. These problems are easy to solve if you know what to do.
Before making any repairs, first clean your lock. Clean any stains and debris using a damp cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a bit of grit to clean the lock mechanism. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before re-using them.
Most patio doors are secured using mortise locking mechanisms. This is a safe lock, but it is susceptible to problems over time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For an uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of soapy water. Then, remove the screws that hold the body of the latch in place. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you can take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch is removed then you can lubricate it by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't own WD40 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to clean any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If RepairMyWindowsAndDoors doesn't work it is possible to move the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be handled by professionals. You can try moving the cylinder around without removing it from the door by opening and closing the door with the cylinder in the lock position, and then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws hold the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to grease the lock and the keyhole themselves. Using the right type of lubricant helps keep your lock in good condition, and extends its life.
Dry graphite powder is ideal to lubricate small metal parts like locks because it's not sticky or oily and lasts for longer than liquid fluid lubricants. 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-like graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and don't attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They work well at high and low temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants can cause accumulation over time and could replace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they last for a long time and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also good for cold environments because they can help stop the accumulation of ice inside the lock.
If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely to be worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and install an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your existing keys. They can also make repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with an cylinder for your lock an expert can replace it to increase security and safety. They can also put 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 it doesn't work, 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 sight both ways from the latch opening to see whether the door is in line to the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the latch is securely catching the latch's hasp as the door is closed.
Sometimes the latch is difficult to close due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, which is why you'll require a replacement. It is important to choose a new cylinder that is exactly the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same style keyway, so that you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two halves of the lock apart and then inserting the new cylinder.
There are replacement cylinders available in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your current cylinder to buy the replacement. If you don't have the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws and head to a hardware store to get assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder in place, unscrew it from the flat screw holding it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame with the help of a screwdriver. Set the screw somewhere secure so that you don't lose it. Then, loosen 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 that isn't functioning properly can be an extremely risk to security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to become lodged in the lock mechanism If this isn't addressed quickly enough the lock could eventually break down and cease to provide security. It's a simple DIY task to change the patio door lock. You'll only need the tools you need and some time.
Start by examining the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication don't help, the latch may be too bent 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 strong and secure as it can be.
Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're not sure about undertaking this DIY project. They'll have the expertise and tools to do it correctly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door.
Keeping your patio door lock in good working condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Make sure that the knobs and handle aren't loose, and if they are tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate your lock at least every year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more frequently. The type of lubricant is vital, so be certain to select one specifically designed to be used 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.