How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in good working condition to protect your home from intruders. However, the elements may cause the doors and their locks to be damaged or misaligned.
If your patio door lock doesn't operate properly it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway, and latch.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to the large amount of glass and their convenient location within a home. It is important that your locks function properly to keep your home secure. There are a few easy methods to fix patio door locks that have stopped working.
The first step is to check the lock to ensure nothing hinders it from latching or locking. If you notice any issues, such as loose screws or rust, or an issue with alignment, they should be addressed immediately. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the direction of the patio door may suffice to resolve the issue.
Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism not to work properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down 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 that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to the parts of a fine-tuned machine, so they can get stuck and jammed just as any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant will help get rid of any dirt or debris that may have accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and help keep it running smoothly.
It is essential to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you find a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to proceed get help, consult an expert locksmith or tradesperson for assistance.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the intricate parts of your door lock to get jammed. These issues can compromise your security at home. However, it's not difficult to fix these issues when you know how.
Before attempting any repairs, first clean your lock. Wipe away any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Then, use a little hot soapy water to wash the lock mechanism and remove any grit or grime that has built up over time. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before using them again.
Most patio doors are secured using mortise locking systems. This is a safe lock but can develop problems with time. If your uPVC lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For an uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a little of soapy water. Then, take off the screws that hold the body of the latch in place. With the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be able to remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame.
After the latch has been removed and lubricated, you can apply by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't own WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to clean dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work it may be necessary to relocate the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be handled by professionals. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without needing to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to lubricate both the keyhole and the locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant helps keep your lock in top condition, and extends its life.
Dry graphite powder is ideal for lubricating small metal parts like locks because it's not oily or sticky and lasts for longer than liquid fluid lubricants. It's easy to apply and you can use it on 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 efficient than graphite powder 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 in both low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants could cause buildup over time and can displace other lubricants you've used.
patio door repair -based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they last longer and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also excellent for cold environments, as they can help prevent ice accumulation inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith will dismantle the lock mechanism, and then install a new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door does not have a lock cylinder, a professional can replace it to increase security and security. 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 problem may be that the door's latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or the frame of the door. To test this, open the sliding patio door and sight upwards and downwards from the latch opening to see if the door is parallel with the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws fixing the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly catching the latch's hasp as the door closes.
The latch is also sometimes difficult to close due to the cylinder is worn. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, so you'll need an alternative. It is essential to select the new cylinder that's exactly the same size as the previous one and has the same keyway, which means you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock to one side and inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need the brand and model number of your current cylinder to purchase the replacement. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number you can take a photograph of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and go to a hardware store to get help.
Once you have a new cylinder, remove the screw with a flat head that is holding it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure to ensure you aren't able to lose it. Then, loosen enough the set screw that is located 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 working properly could pose a serious security risk. Dirt and debris could get caught in the lock mechanisms. If this issue isn't addressed immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and won't will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires just some tools and a bit of time.
Begin by examining the lock to determine what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch fails the latch could be bent to far to function properly. If this is the case, you should replace the latch using mortise locking to ensure it's as secure and strong as possible.
If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY task yourself, consult with an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to help you with the installation of the new lock. They'll have the tools and experience to install the lock correctly.
Maintaining your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least every year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant is vital, so be sure to select 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 onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.