How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good order will help protect your home from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements can cause the doors and locks to become damaged or misaligned.
You can repair your patio door lock on your own in the event that it isn't working properly. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of the large amount of glass and convenient location within a home. It is crucial that your locks are working properly to keep your home safe. Luckily, there are some easy ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that have stopped working correctly.
The first step is to inspect the lock to ensure nothing is blocking it from latching or locking. If you notice any issues, such as loose screws, rust, or the wrong alignment, these must be addressed immediately. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio door could be enough to solve the issue.
Another common issue is dust or debris that can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To avoid this occurring, be sure to clean your patio door frequently and clean the lock hardware. You can make use of a mild detergent when needed, but be sure to dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
It is also a good idea to to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those found in a machine that is finely tuned. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck like any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant, can be used to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock's cylinder. This will ensure that it is running smoothly.
Identifying the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is crucial. This will help you choose the perfect lock to match the existing mechanism. If you're not sure what to do get help, consult a professional locksmith or tradesperson for assistance.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock may get jammed over time due to dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These problems can threaten your home security. These issues are easy to fix if you know what to do.
Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, remove any debris or stains that may be preventing your lock from working correctly. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of your lock and wash away any dirt or grime that has built up over time. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again.
The majority of patio doors are secured using a mortise locking system. This is a secure lock, but it can also cause issues in 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. The next step is to loosen the screws that secure the latch body in place. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you'll be able to take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch is removed, you can lubricate it by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If patio door repairs near me don't own WD40 alternative, you could try using graphite pencils to help get rid of any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you may have to relocate the your lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and is best done by an expert. However, you can practice repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, after which making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that 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 keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant can keep your lock in top shape, extending its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is great for lubricating small metal parts like locks since it's not sticky or oily and lasts longer than liquid lubricants. It's easy to apply, and you can also apply it to sliding doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They are effective at both high and low temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants may create the formation of a buildup over time, and may be displaced by other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon oil can be a good alternative to silicone lubricants since they are long-lasting and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also good for cold climates since they can stop the accumulation of ice within the lock.
If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with a the new cylinder that matches your keys. They can also perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. If your door does not have the lock cylinder or faceplate, a professional can install it to improve security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door to are in keeping with the rest of the door.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating it do not work, then the issue could be that the latch on the door is not aligned correctly 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 parallel to the frame or jamb and you are able to check, then it is. If not, loosen the screws holding the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch is firmly grasping the latch hasp when the door closes.
The latch may also be difficult to close due to the cylinder has worn out. You'll need a replacement cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. It is recommended to select a cylinder with the same keyway and size as the previous one. This will allow you to replace it with ease by unbolting the two halves and putting in the new cylinder.
There are replacement cylinders available at a variety of home improvement stores. You'll need to know the brand and model of your current cylinder in order to buy one that matches it. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number then take a photo of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws and head to the hardware store for help.
Once you have a new cylinder, unscrew the flat screw that holds it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door and the door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure so that you aren't able to lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout of the door) and loosen it enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could pose a serious risk to your security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to become lodged in the lock mechanisms however if the issue isn't addressed promptly, the lock can eventually break down and stop providing security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires only a few tools and bit of time.
Begin by looking at the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the latch could be bent too much to function properly. If this is the case, replace the latch using a mortise locking system to ensure that it's as strong and secure as it can be.
If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY project on your own seek out a locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you with the installation of an entirely new lock. They will have the experience and tools to complete the task correctly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door.
Maintaining your patio door lock in good working condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Make sure the handle and knobs aren't loose and if they're tighten them as required. Lubricate your lock at least every year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are subject to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated more frequently. The type of lubricant is vital, so be sure to choose one that's specifically designed to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). For the best results apply the lubricant direct to the key hole of the lock mechanism.