How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good working condition to protect your home against unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors as well as their locks.
You can repair your patio door lock by yourself if it is not working properly. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway, and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large quantity of glass and their convenient position within a house. It is crucial that your locks are working properly to ensure your home is safe. Luckily, there are some easy ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that aren't functioning properly.
The first step is to examine the lock to ensure nothing is hindering it from locking or latching. It is important to deal with any issues you spot such as loose screws or rust. In some cases an adjustment of the door's location could be enough to solve the issue.
Another issue that is common is debris or dust that could cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. Clean your patio door and clean all lock hardware regularly to avoid this. You can use a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but remember to dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
It is also a good idea to lubricate your lock regularly. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those used in a machine that is finely tuned. They can jam and become stuck as with any mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant can help to get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and keep it operating smoothly.
It is crucial to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you find an appropriate lock that is compatible with the existing mechanism. If you are unsure about how to do this, it's advisable to contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson for assistance.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock can get jammed over time due to dust, dirt and cold and hot weather. These issues can affect your home's security. These problems are easy to solve if you know how to do.
Before attempting any repairs, first clean your lock. Wipe away any stains and debris with a moist cloth. Then, use a little hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of your lock and wash away any grime or grit that has built up over time. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again.
Most patio doors are fitted with mortise locks that is safe but is susceptible to issues 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. Then, take off the screws that hold the body of the latch in the position. With the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be ready to remove the latch from its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch is removed it is possible to lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't have WD40 alternative, you could use a graphite pencil to help remove any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you might need to move the your lock cylinder. This will require some additional tools and is best done by an expert. 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, then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws keep the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is free of debris and dirt it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant helps keep your lock in good shape, which will extend its life.
Dry graphite is a fantastic method to lubricate small metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also more durable than liquids. It's simple to use and is suitable for use on sliding doors tracks for garage doors and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and do not attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They are effective at both low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants could cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon oil can be an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants as they are long-lasting and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also suitable for colder environments since they can help keep ice from accumulating inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with the keys you have. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder in case your door isn't equipped with one. This will improve safety and security. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door to match the rest of the door.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning it and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be that the latch on the door is not aligned correctly with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio doors and look up and down at the opening for the latch. If the door is in line with the frame or jamb then you can test. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch is able to catch the latch hasp tightly when the door is shut.
The latch is also sometimes difficult to close because the cylinder is worn. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, which is why you'll require an alternative. It's important to choose a new cylinder that is exactly the same size as 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 the manufacturer and model number of the existing cylindrical to purchase a replacement. If you don't have the model or manufacturer you can take a photograph of the cylinder and its mounting screws, and then go to an hardware store for help.
Once you have the new cylinder in place remove it from the flat screw holding it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Place the screw in a safe place so you aren't able to lose it. Then, loosen enough the set screw 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 functioning properly could pose an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris can become stuck in the lock mechanism. If this is not taken care of immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and no longer offer security. It's a straightforward DIY project to change the patio door lock. You only need a few tools and some time.
Begin by looking at the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating patio door lock repair does not work the latch could be bent too much to function properly. In this situation it is recommended to replace the latch with a new mortise lock so that it is as secure and strong as possible.
Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're not confident in tackling this DIY task. They'll have all the equipment and know-how to properly install the lock.
Routine maintenance is the key to ensure that your patio door lock functioning effectively. Verify that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate the lock at least once per year to avoid it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are subject to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant used is vital, so be sure to select one that's specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). For the best results apply the lubricant direct onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.