How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good order will help safeguard your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements may cause the doors and their locks to be damaged or misaligned.
You can repair your patio door lock by yourself in the event that it isn't working properly. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway and latch.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their large amount of glass and convenient position within a house. It is crucial that your locks are working properly to ensure your home is safe. Fortunately, there are easy methods to troubleshoot or repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly.
First, inspect the lock and ensure that nothing is blocking it from locking or latching. You must address any issues you find like loose screws or corrosion. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the patio door's position may be sufficient to fix the problem.
Another common issue is debris or dust which can cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. To prevent this from happening, ensure that you clean your patio door on a regular basis and wipe down the lock's hardware. If needed, you can apply mild soap. However, you must be sure to dry the lock completely afterward.
In addition, it is an ideal idea to lubricate the lock regularly. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are similar to those in a precision-tuned machine. They can jam and become stuck like any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant, can be used to get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock cylinder. This will ensure that it is running at a high speed.
Knowing the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is crucial. This will allow you to find the perfect lock to match your existing mechanism. If you are unsure about how to do this, it is advisable to talk to a locksmith or professional tradesperson for assistance.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the intricate components of your door lock to become jammed. These issues could compromise your security at home. But it's simple to fix these problems when you know how.
Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Using a damp cloth, wipe away any dirt or stains that could be hindering your lock from functioning properly. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to clean the lock mechanism and remove any grit or grime that has accumulated over time. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are fitted with mortise locks that is safe but can be prone to issues over time. If you find that your uPVC locks has become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. Start by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. With the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be ready to remove the latch from its slot in the door frame.
After the latch has been removed then you can lubricate it by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't have WD40 alternative, you could try using graphite pencils to help remove any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you may need to reposition your lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and is best done by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without needing to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws holding the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time for lubrication of the keyhole and the locks themselves. A good lubricant 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 non-sticky and oily. It is also more durable than liquids. It's easy to use and can be used on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants may be more effective than graphite powder particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and won't attract as much dust and dirt as other types of liquid lubricants. They are effective in both low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants could cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they're long-lasting and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also ideal for cold environments, as they prevent the build-up of ice inside the lock.
If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith will remove the lock mechanism and install a new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. If your door does not have the lock cylinder an expert can replace it to improve security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door to are compatible with the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock and lubricating it don't work, the problem may be that the door's latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or door frame. To test this open the sliding patio door and sight upwards and downwards from the door's opening to see if the door is parallel with the jamb or frame. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it up or down until the lock latch catches the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is closed.
Sometimes, the latch is difficult to close due to a worn-out cylinder. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, and you'll need a replacement. It is recommended to select one with the same keyway and size as the one you had previously. This will allow you to change it quickly by unscrewing the two halves and putting in the replacement cylinder.
Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll need to know the brand and model of the existing cylinder in order to buy one that matches it. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then go to your local hardware store to seek assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder installed take it off the flat screw holding it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Place the screw in a secure location so that you don't lose or damage it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout inside the door) and let it loose enough to rotate the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock not working properly can cause serious danger to your security. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to get lodged inside the lock mechanism however if the issue isn't addressed quickly enough the lock will eventually fail and stop providing security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires just a few tools and a little time.
Begin by looking at the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the lock latch could be bent too much to work properly. If this is the case, you should replace the latch with mortise locking systems to ensure it's as solid and secure as possible.
Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're not confident about tackling this DIY project. They'll have the tools and expertise needed to install the lock correctly.
Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock working effectively. Make sure the handle and knobs aren't loose and if they're tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to avoid it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant you use 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 directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism for best results.