How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in good condition to safeguard your home against unwanted intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and their locks to be damaged or misaligned.
You can fix your patio screen door repair door lock on your own if it is not working correctly. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway, and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their huge glass size and their convenient position within a home. It is important that your locks work properly to keep your home safe. There are a few easy solutions to repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning.
First, examine the lock and make sure nothing is blocking it from locking or latching. If you notice any issues, such as loose screws or rust, or even misalignment, these should be addressed immediately. In some instances, a small adjustment to the direction of the patio door could be enough to fix the problem.
Another common issue is debris or dust which can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. Clean your patio door and clean all lock hardware regularly to avoid this. You can use a mild detergent solution if necessary, but always ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
In addition, it is recommended to oil the lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to the parts of a fine-tuned machine, which means that they can get stuck and jammed just like any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant can help remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated in the lock’s cylinder, and keep it operating smoothly.
It is important to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will allow you to find a lock that perfectly matches your existing mechanism. If you are unsure about how to do this, it is advisable to speak with an expert tradesperson or locksmith for assistance.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate parts of your door lock to become blocked. These issues can compromise your home’s security. However, it’s not difficult to fix these problems If you know how.
Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Clean any stains and debris with a moist cloth. Use hot soapy water and a small amount of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio doors are secured by mortise locking mechanisms. This is a secure lock but can develop issues with time. If your uPVC locks has become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. For an uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate with a little of soapy water. Next, you’ll want to unfasten the screws that keep the latch in place. 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 lubricated, you can apply using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don’t own WD40 or similar product, you can use graphite pencils to help dislodge any grit or dirt within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren’t working, you may need to reposition lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be done by a professional. However, you can practice moving the cylinder around without removing it from the door by opening and closing the door with the cylinder in the lock position, then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are located that keep the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
If your lock is clean of debris and dirt It’s the perfect time to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant will keep your lock in good condition, and extends its life.
Dry graphite is a great way to lubricate small metal parts, like locks. It’s non-sticky and oily. It is also longer-lasting than liquids. It’s easy to apply, and you can also apply it to sliding patio door repair near me 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 can be more efficient than graphite powder, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and will not attract as much dust or dirt as other types of liquid lubricants. They work well in low and high 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 lubricants because they last longer and do not attract dirt and dust. They’re also great for colder environments since they can keep ice from accumulating inside the lock.
If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it’s probably worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a the new cylinder that matches your keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder in case your door does not have one. This can increase security and safety. They can also install a new lock faceplate on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock and lubricating it do not work, the issue could be that the door’s latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or frame of the door. To check this, open the sliding patio door repairs patio door, and look upwards and downwards from the latch opening to determine if the door is parallel with the frame or jamb. If not, remove the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly catching the latch’s hasp when the door closes.
The latch is also sometimes difficult to close as the cylinder is worn out. You’ll need a replacement cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is important to choose an alternative cylinder that is exactly the same size as the previous one and has the same keyway, which means you can easily replace it by screwing the two halves of the lock apart and then inserting the new cylinder.
You can find replacement cylinders in a variety of stores for home improvement. You’ll need the name and model number of the existing cylinder to buy a replacement. If you don’t have the model or manufacturer number then take a photo of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and go to the hardware store for help.
When you have a new cylinder, unscrew the flat screw that is holding it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame with a screwdriver. Put the screw somewhere safe so that you don’t lose 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 rotate the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that’s not functioning properly could pose a serious risk to your security. Dirt and debris can become stuck in the lock mechanism. If this issue isn’t treated immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and will no longer offer security. It’s a straightforward DIY project to change the patio door lock. You’ll only need the tools you need and some time.
Begin by looking at the lock to determine what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch does not work, it may be bent to far to work properly. In this situation, it would be best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock so that it is as secure and strong as is possible.
If you’re not confident in tackling this DIY task yourself contact an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to help you with the installation of a new lock. They’ll have the knowledge 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 a matter of routine maintenance. Make sure the knobs and handle aren’t loose, and if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to avoid it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks subject to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated regularly. It is essential to select a lubricant which has been specifically created 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 the best results.