How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in good condition to guard your home from intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors as well as their locks.
You can repair your patio door lock on your own 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 the large amount of glass and their central location within a home. It is crucial that your locks work correctly to keep your home safe. There are simple ways to fix patio door locks which have stopped functioning.
The first step is to inspect the lock to ensure there is nothing blocking it from latching or locking. If you find any issues such as loose screws or rust, or even misalignment, these should be addressed immediately. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the door's location could be sufficient to fix the problem.
Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to work properly. To avoid this happening, make sure to clean your patio door regularly and clean the lock hardware. You can use a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but remember to dry the lock thoroughly afterward.
In addition, it's a good idea to lubricate the lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are similar to those used in a finely tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck as with any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant could be used to get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock's cylinder. This will ensure that it is running smoothly.
Knowing the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also crucial. This can help you choose a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the current mechanism. If you're unsure of how to do it, contact a professional tradesperson or locksmith for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock could get jammed over time because of dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These problems can threaten your home's security. These issues are simple to solve if you know how to do.
Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. With a damp cloth, wipe away any stains or debris that could be preventing your lock from working correctly. Use hot soapy water and a small amount of grit to clean the lock mechanism. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them.
Most patio doors are fitted with mortise locks, which is secure however, it is susceptible to problems over time. If you're uPVC locks has become stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. For a uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate with a little of soapy water. Next, you'll want to loosen the screws that keep the latch in place. 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 is detached it is possible to lubricate the lock with a light engineering oil like WD40. If you don't own WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to eliminate dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you may have to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be handled by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without having to take it off the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are located.
Lubricate the Lock
Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time for lubrication of the lock and the keyhole themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its lifespan.
Dry graphite is a great method to lubricate small metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also longer-lasting than liquids. It's easy to use and is suitable for use on sliding doors tracks for garage doors, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They are suitable for both low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants build up over time, and displace other lubricants you've used.
patio door repair -based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also ideal for cold conditions, since they can help prevent ice accumulation inside the lock.
If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, then it is probably worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will dismantle the lock mechanism, and then install the cylinder of a new model that matches the keys you have. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder in case your door isn't equipped with one. This can 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 and lubricating the door do not work, then the problem could be that the latch on the door is not properly aligned with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio door and examine the top and bottom of the latch opening. If the door is aligned with the frame or jamb then you can test. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it up or down until the latch is able to catch the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is shut.
Sometimes the latch can be difficult to close because of a worn-out cylinder. You'll need a replacement for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It's important to choose a new cylinder that is similar in size to the one you have had previously and has the same keyway, which means you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need the name and model number of your existing cylindrical to purchase an alternative. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then visit your local hardware store to seek assistance.
If you have a brand new cylinder, loosen the screw with a flat head that holds it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Make use of a screwdriver to remove 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 enough the set screw on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole in the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock not functioning properly could cause serious danger to your security. Dirt and debris can get stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this is not taken care of promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and will no longer offer security. It's a simple DIY project to change the patio door lock. You'll only need just a few tools and a bit of time.
Start by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch fails it could be bent too much to function properly. In this situation it is recommended to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure that it is as secure and strong as it can be.
Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're not confident about undertaking this DIY project. They will have all the tools and expertise needed to install the lock properly.
Routine maintenance is the key to ensure that your patio door lock functioning properly. Check that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate the lock at least every year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. It is important to choose a lubricant that has been specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism for best results.