How to Troubleshoot and repair patio repair near me door (watch this video) Locks

Keep your patio doors in good condition to guard your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements may cause the doors and locks to become damaged or misaligned.

You can repair your patio door lock yourself if it is not working properly. These steps will address problems 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 secure. There are simple ways to repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning.

The first step is to inspect the lock to ensure there is nothing that is hindering it from latching or locking. You should deal with any issues you spot such as loose screws or corrosion. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio door could be enough to solve the issue.

Another common issue is dust or debris that could cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all lock hardware regularly to avoid this. You can use a mild detergent solution when needed, but ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterward.

In addition, it's a good idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like the parts of a fine-tuned machine, which means that they can get stuck and jammed just like 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 ensure that it is operating efficiently.

Identifying the exact dimensions of your patio glass repair near me door lock is important. This will allow you to find a lock that perfectly matches your current mechanism. If you aren't sure how to repair tilt and slide patio door to go about this, it's best to talk to a locksmith or professional tradesperson for help.

Clean the Lock

The intricate parts of the door lock can jam up over time due to dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues can affect your home's security. However, it's not difficult to fix these issues if you know how.

Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. Wipe away any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Use hot soapy water and a bit of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.

Most patio doors are fitted with mortise locks that is secure, but can be prone to issues in the course of time. If you find that your uPVC locks are stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. For the 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 the position. After you have removed the latch handle and plate then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.

Once the latch is removed, you can lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't have a WD40, you can also try using graphite pencils to help get rid of any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you may need to reposition your lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by an expert. 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 debris it's time to grease 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 option to lubricate tiny metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also longer-lasting than liquids. It's easy to apply, and you can also use it on 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 effective than graphite powder especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They are efficient at low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants can cause accumulation over time and could displace other lubricants you've used.

Teflon oil can be an ideal substitute for silicone lubricants, since they are long-lasting and do not attract dust or dirt. They're also good for cold climates since they can keep ice from accumulating within the lock.

If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and put in an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your existing keys. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder if the door does not have one. This will improve security and safety. They can also put an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be that the latch on the door is not properly aligned with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding glass patio doors repair patio sliding doors repair door, and take a look upwards and downwards at the opening of the latch. If the door is parallel to the frame or jamb, then you can check. If not, remove the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the latch is firmly grasping the latch's hasp as the door is closed.

The latch can also be difficult to close due to the cylinder is worn. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, which is why you'll need an alternative. It is essential to select a new cylinder that is the same size as the old one and has the same keyway, so you can easily replace it by screwing the two halves 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 the brand and model number of your current cylindrical to purchase an alternative. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then go to your local hardware store for help.

Once you have the new cylinder in place take it off the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and the door frame. Place the screw in a safe place to ensure you don't lose it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout inside the door) and then loosen it enough to turn the cylinder.

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that's not working properly could pose an extremely risk to security. Dirt and debris can get caught in the lock mechanism. If this is not addressed immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and will no longer offer security. It's a simple DIY project to change the patio door lock. It's all you need are a few tools and some time.

Begin by looking at the lock to determine what is causing the problem. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the latch could be bent too much to function properly. In this instance it is recommended to replace the latch with a new mortise lock so that it is as secure and strong as is possible.

If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY task yourself seek out an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you in the installation of the new lock. They will have all the tools and experience to install the lock properly.

Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock operating correctly. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate the lock at least every year to avoid it from becoming stuck or stiff. Locks that have been subjected 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 to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism to get the best results.