How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good working condition to protect your home from intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to your patio doors and their locks.
You can fix your patio door lock yourself when it's not working properly. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway, and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their huge glass size and convenient position within a home. It is important that your locks work properly to keep your home secure. Luckily, there are some simple ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly.
First, examine the lock to ensure nothing is blocking it from latching or locking. If you spot any issues like loose screws or rust, or an issue with alignment, they should be addressed promptly. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio door could suffice to resolve the problem.
Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to fail to function properly. Clean your patio door and clean all hardware of the lock regularly to avoid this. If you need to, use mild soap. But, be sure to dry the lock completely afterward.
Additionally, it's recommended to oil the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those in a machine that is finely tuned. They can jam and become stuck like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant will help get rid of any dirt or debris that may have accumulated inside the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly.
Identifying the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is crucial. This will allow you to find a lock that perfectly matches your current mechanism. If you're not sure how to go about this, it's advisable to contact a locksmith or professional tradesperson for assistance.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock may become jammed due to dust, dirt and cold and hot weather. These issues could compromise your home's security. These problems are easy to solve if you know what to do.
Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Clean up any stains or debris with a damp cloth. Make use of hot soapy water and a little grit to clean the lock mechanism. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are secured using mortise locking systems. This is a safe lock, but it can also cause problems over 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, remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in the position. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be able to remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch is removed it is possible to lubricate the lock with a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't have a WD40 alternative, you could use graphite pencils to help dislodge any grit or dirt in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work it is possible to move the lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and is best done by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without having to remove it from the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame where the screws holding the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
If your lock is clean of dirt and debris, it's a good time to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its life.
Dry graphite powder is excellent to lubricate small metal parts such as locks, because it's not oily or sticky and lasts for longer than liquid fluid lubricants. It's simple to use and can be utilized on sliding doors tracks for garage doors and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants can be more effective than graphite powder especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other types of liquid fluids. They are suitable for low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants build up over time and eventually replace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants because they last for a long time and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also good for cold environments because they'll prevent ice from building up within the lock.
If your lock cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely to be worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can dismantle the lock mechanism, and then install an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your current keys. 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 security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that match the rest of the door.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it don't work, the issue could be that the latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or frame of the door. Open the sliding patio doors and take a look upwards and downwards at the opening for the latch. If the door is aligned with the jamb or the frame, then you can check. If not, remove the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the lock latch is securely catching the latch's hasp when the door is closed.
The latch can also be difficult to close due to the cylinder is worn out. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, so you'll need an alternate. It is important to choose the new cylinder that's similar in size to the old one and has the same style keyway, so that you can easily replace it by screwing the two halves of the lock to one side and inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll be required to know the name and model of your existing cylinder so you can buy one that matches it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer you can take a photograph of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and head to a hardware store to get help.
Once you have the new cylinder installed remove it from the flat screw holding it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. 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 of the door) and loosen it enough to rotate the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could be a major risk to your security. Dirt and debris could become stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this issue isn't taken care of promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and will no longer provide 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 examining the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication do not aid, the latch may be too bent to work properly. In door specialists london , it would be best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure it's as sturdy and secure as is possible.
If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY task yourself contact a locksmith or door hardware specialist to help you with the installation of the new lock. They'll have all the tools and expertise needed to properly install the lock.
Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock operating correctly. Make sure that the handle and knobs aren't loose and, if they are, tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least every year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant used is crucial, so make sure to choose one that's specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism for best results.