You'll Never Guess This Repair Patio Door's Secrets

How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keep your patio doors in good working condition to protect your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors and their locks. You can repair your patio door lock on your own when it's not working properly. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway and latch. Check the lock Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of the large amount of glass and their convenient place within a house. A lock that is functional and secure is essential to ensure that your home's security. There are easy methods to troubleshoot or repair patio door locks that have stopped working correctly. The first step is to inspect the lock and ensure that nothing is blocking it from latching or locking. It is important to address any issues you find, such as loose screws or rust. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the patio door's position may be sufficient to fix the issue. Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism not to perform as it should. Clean your patio door and clean all lock hardware regularly to avoid this. If needed, you can apply mild soap. However, you must be sure to dry the lock completely afterwards. It is also a good idea to regularly oil your lock. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a fine-tuned machine, so they can be jammed and stuck just like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant will help dislodge any dirt or debris that has accumulated within the lock cylinder and ensure that it is operating efficiently. The exact dimensions of the patio door lock is important. This will help you choose the perfect lock to match your existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to proceed, contact a professional tradesperson or locksmith to get help. Clean upvc patio door repairs near me Repair My Windows And Doors of the door lock may jam up over time due to dust, dirt and cold and hot weather. These issues could compromise your home security. However, it's not difficult to fix these issues if you know how. Before you attempt any repairs, first clean your lock. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, remove any dirt or stains that might be preventing your lock from working correctly. Use hot soapy water and a small amount of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before re-using them. The majority of patio doors are secured by a mortise locking system. This is a secure lock, but it can also cause problems with time. If you find that your uPVC locks has become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. For a uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of soapy water. The next step is to unfasten the screws that keep the latch in the position. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be ready to take the latch out of its slot in the door frame. Once the latch has been removed then you can lubricate it by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't own WD40, you can also try using graphite pencils to help dislodge any grit or dirt in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work it is possible to relocate the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be performed 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, and then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that hold 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 as well as the locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its lifespan. Dry graphite is an excellent option to lubricate tiny metal parts, such as locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also longer-lasting than liquids. It's easy to apply and you can apply it to sliding doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is specifically designed for lock cylinders. Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They are effective at both low and high temperatures. However, certain 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 an excellent substitute for silicone lubricants, because they last longer and do not attract dust or dirt. They're also great for cold climates since they can help stop the accumulation of ice within 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 will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a a new cylinder matched to your existing keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if your door isn't equipped with one. This will increase security and safety. They can also put a new lock faceplate on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning the lock and lubricating it doesn't perform, the issue could be that the door's latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or the frame of the door. Open the sliding patio door, and take a look upwards and downwards at the latch opening. If the door is in line with the frame or jamb then you can test. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it up or down until the latch catches the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is shut. Sometimes the latch can be difficult to close due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, and you'll need an alternative. It's important to choose a new cylinder that is exactly the same size as the previous one and has the same style keyway, so you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two parts of the lock apart and inserting the new cylinder. You can find replacement cylinders in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll need to know the brand and model of your existing cylinder to be able to purchase one that matches it. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then go to the local hardware store for assistance. When you have a new cylinder, unscrew the flat screw that is holding it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame with a screwdriver. Place the screw in a safe place to ensure that you don't lose or damage it. Then, loosen 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's not working properly can cause serious danger to your security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to become lodged in the lock's mechanisms If this isn't addressed quickly enough the lock will eventually break down and no longer provide security. It's a straightforward DIY project to change the patio door lock. It's all you need are a few tools and some time. Start by examining the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch fails the latch could be bent to far to function properly. In this situation, it would be best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure it is as secure and strong as possible. If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY task yourself seek out an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you in the installation of an entirely new lock. They'll have all the tools and expertise needed to install the lock properly. Routine maintenance is essential to keeping your patio door lock working properly. Make sure that the handle and knobs aren't loose, and if they are tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to prevent it from becoming stuck or stiff. It is recommended that locks exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather should be lubricated more often. It is important to use a lubricant that has been specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For the best results apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.