How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio door glass repair doors in good working condition to protect your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to your patio doors and their locks.
You can fix your patio door lock by yourself when it’s not functioning properly. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway, and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge quantity of glass and their convenient location within a home. It is essential that your locks work correctly to keep your home safe. There are a few easy ways to fix patio door locks that have stopped working.
The first step is to inspect the lock to see if anything hinders it from locking or latching. If you spot any issues like loose screws or rust, or misalignment, these should be addressed immediately. In some cases an adjustment of the patio door’s position may be sufficient to fix the issue.
Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to fail to work properly. Clean your patio door and clean the lock hardware frequently to avoid this. If you need to, apply a mild soap solution. However, make sure that the lock is dried completely afterward.
It is also a good idea to to regularly oil your lock. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a finely 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 has collected within the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly.
Identifying the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is important. This can help you choose an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with the current mechanism. If you’re unsure of how to do it you can contact a professional tradesperson or locksmith for help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate parts of your door lock to become blocked. These issues could compromise your security at home. However, it’s not difficult to fix these issues when you know how.
Before you attempt any repairs, clean your lock. Clean any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any dirt or grime that has built up over time. After you’ve cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again.
Most patio doors use mortise locks that is secure, but is susceptible to issues with time. If your uPVC lock is stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Start by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Next, you’ll want to unfasten the screws that hold the latch body in place. With the latch plate and handle removed, you can remove the latch from its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch has been removed, you can lubricate it using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don’t own WD40 or similar product, you can try using graphite pencils to help dislodge any grit or dirt in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren’t working, you might need to move the locks cylinders. This requires additional tools and should be handled by a professional. However, you can practice repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, and then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws secure the cylinder.
Lubricate the Lock
If your lock is clean from dirt and debris It’s the perfect time to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant can keep your lock in top shape, extending its lifespan.
Dry graphite is a fantastic way to lubricate small metal parts, like locks. It’s non-sticky and oily. It is also more durable than liquids. It’s simple to use and is suitable for use on sliding glass patio door repair doors tracks for garage doors, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite powder, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water tilt and slide patio door repairs will not attract as much dust and dirt as other liquid fluids. They are suitable for both low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants could cause accumulation over time and could replace other lubricants you’ve tried.
Teflon oil can be an ideal alternative to silicone lubricants since they are long-lasting and don’t attract dust or dirt. They’re also good for cold environments because they’ll keep ice from accumulating inside the lock.
If your lock cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then 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 the cylinder of a new model that matches your current keys. They can also repair Patio doors and modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door doesn’t have a lock cylinder an expert can replace it to improve security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that are in keeping with the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating the door do not work, then the issue could be that the latch on the door isn’t aligned properly with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio doors and look up and down at the opening for the latch. If the door is parallel to the jamb or the frame then you can test. 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 is also sometimes difficult to close because the cylinder is worn. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, which is why you’ll require an alternative. It’s important to choose a new cylinder that is exactly the same size as the previous one and has the same keyway, so you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new one.
Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You’ll need the brand and model number of your current cylinder to buy the replacement. If you aren’t sure of the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then visit your local hardware store to seek assistance.
When you have a new cylinder, loosen the screw with a flat head that holds it in place, and remove the plate that holds it in place. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame with the help of a screwdriver. Place the screw in a safe place so that you don’t lose it 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 loosen it enough to turn the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock not functioning properly could 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 cease to provide security. It’s a simple DIY task to change the patio door lock. You’ll only need just a few tools and a bit of time.
Begin by examining the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If lubricating and cleaning don’t help, the latch may be bent too much to work properly. If this is the case, you should replace the lock latch with mortise locking systems to ensure it’s as strong and secure as possible.
Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you’re not sure about undertaking this DIY project. They’ll have the knowledge and tools to do it correctly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door.
Maintaining your patio door lock in good condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Make sure the handle and knobs aren’t loose and, if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to keep it from squeezing or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant is important, so be sure to select one that’s specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40’s Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). To get the best results apply the lubricant direct onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.
