How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good order will help protect your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors as well as their locks.
You can fix your patio door lock yourself when it's not working properly. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway, and latch.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and convenient position within a home. It is important that your locks are working properly to keep your home secure. There are simple ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door lock s that have stopped working correctly.
First, examine the lock and ensure that there is nothing that is hindering it from latching or locking. You should deal with any issues you spot, such as loose screws or corrosion. In some instances an adjustment of the patio door's position may suffice to resolve the problem.
Another common issue is dust or debris which can cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. To avoid this occurring, be sure to clean your patio door regularly and wipe down the lock hardware. If needed, you can use a mild soap solution. But, be sure to dry the lock completely afterward.
It is also a good idea to to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are similar to those found in a finely tuned machine. They can jam and become stuck as with any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant could be used to remove any debris or dirt from the lock's cylinder. This will keep it running at a high speed.
It is crucial to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you choose an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with the current mechanism. If you're unsure of what to do, contact a professional locksmith or tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock can become jammed because of dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues could compromise your home security. These issues are simple to solve if you know what to do.
Before making any repairs, you must first clean your lock. Clean up any stains or debris with a damp cloth. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of your lock and wash away any dirt or grime that has accumulated over time. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before re-using them.
Most patio doors are fitted with a mortise lock that is secure, however, it is susceptible to issues in the course of time. If you're uPVC locks are stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. The next step is to remove the screws that hold the latch body in the position. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you can take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.
After the latch has been removed it is possible to lubricate the lock with a light engineering oil like WD40. If you don't have WD40 or similar product, you can try using a graphite pencil to remove any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work it is possible to reposition the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be handled by professionals. However, you can practice repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are located that secure the cylinder.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to grease the lock and the keyhole themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and extend its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is great to lubricate small metal parts like locks because it's not oily or sticky, and it lasts longer than liquid greases. It's easy to apply and you can use it on sliding doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants can be more effective than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They work well at high and low temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can get accumulated over time, and can displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon Lubricants are an excellent substitute for silicone lubricants, as they are long-lasting and do not attract dust or dirt. They're also suitable for cold environments because they can help keep ice from accumulating inside the lock.
If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with the new cylinder that matches your existing keys. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if your door isn't equipped with one. This will increase safety and security. They can also put the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning it and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be due to the latch on the door isn't aligned properly with the jamb or frame. To check this open the sliding patio door and sight upwards and downwards from the latch opening to determine if the door is parallel to the frame or jamb. If not, loosen screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch is securely catching the latch hasp when the door closes.
The latch can also be difficult to close because the cylinder has worn out. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, and you'll require a replacement. You should choose a cylinder with the same keyway and dimensions like the one that came before it. This will allow you to change it quickly by removing the two halves and inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll need the brand and model number of your current cylinder to buy the replacement. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then visit the local hardware store for help.
Once you have the new cylinder in place take it off the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door and the door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure so 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 inside the door) and then loosen it enough to turn the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly can be a serious security risk. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to get lodged inside the lock mechanism, but if this isn't dealt with quickly enough the lock could eventually fail and stop providing security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires only some tools and a bit of time.
Begin by examining the lock and determining the cause of the problem. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the latch may be too bent to perform as it should. In this case it is recommended to replace the latch with a new mortise lock so that it's as strong and secure as it can be.
Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're not sure in tackling this DIY task. They'll have the equipment and know-how to install the lock properly.
Regular maintenance is the key to ensure that your patio door lock working properly. Make sure the knobs and handle aren't loose and, if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate your lock at least every year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant you use 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 onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.