Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Make Your Life Better

how to repair patio door lock to Troubleshoot and repair Patio Doors 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 and their locks.

If your patio door lock does not operate properly it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway, and handle.

Check the lock

Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of the large amount of glass and convenient position within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore crucial to ensure your home is safe. There are simple methods to repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning.

The first step is to check the lock to make sure nothing is hindering it from latching or locking. You should deal with any issues you spot like loose screws or rust. In some instances, a small adjustment to the direction of the patio door may be enough to fix the issue.

Another issue that is common is debris or dust which can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To prevent this from occurring, be sure to clean your patio door on a regular basis and clean the lock hardware. You can make use of a mild detergent if necessary, but always remember to dry the lock completely afterward.

In addition, it's recommended to oil the lock on a regular basis. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a finely tuned machine, which means that they can become stuck and jammed as any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant could be used to clean any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock's cylinder. This will help keep it functioning smoothly.

It is important to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you choose a lock that perfectly matches your current mechanism. If you are unsure about how to go about this, it's best to speak with an expert locksmith or tradesperson to get help.

Clean the Lock

The intricate parts of the door lock may become jammed due to dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These problems can threaten your home security. These issues are simple to fix if you know what to do.

Before making any repairs, first clean your lock. Clean up any stains or debris with a damp cloth. Use hot soapy water and a little 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 problems in the course of time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For the uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate with a little of soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in the position. After removing the latch plate and handle then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.

After the latch has been removed and lubricated, you can apply using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have a WD40 or similar product, you can use a graphite pencil to remove any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it is possible to move the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be handled by a professional. You can try moving the cylinder around without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws secure the cylinder.

Lubricate the Lock

When your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to lubricate both the keyhole and the locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant helps keep your lock in top shape, extending its lifespan.

Dry graphite powder is ideal to lubricate small metal parts like locks since it's not oily or sticky and lasts for longer than liquid lubricants. It's easy to use and can be used on sliding glass patio door repair doors, garage door tracks, and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is specifically designed for lock cylinders.

Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They work well in both low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants can cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may replace other lubricants you've tried.

Teflon Lubricants are a good substitute for silicone lubricants, as they are long-lasting and do not attract dirt or dust. They're also good for colder environments since they'll keep ice from accumulating within the lock.

If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's likely damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will take apart the lock mechanism and install an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your current keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with a 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 of the door.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If lubricating the lock and cleaning it don't work, the issue could be that the latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the frame of the door. To determine this open the sliding patio door repair patio door, and look up and down from the door's opening to determine if the door is parallel with the jamb or frame. If not, loosen screws holding the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the latch is firmly catching the latch hasp when the door is closed.

The latch can also be difficult to close due to the cylinder is worn out. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, and you'll need a replacement. You should select a cylinder with the same keyway and dimensions as the one you had previously. This will allow you to replace it easily by unbolting the two halves and inserting the new cylinder.

Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of the existing cylinder so you can buy one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number then take a photo of the cylinder and its mounting screws, and then go to an hardware store for assistance.

When you have a new cylinder, unscrew the flat screw that holds it in place, and remove the escutcheon plate. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame using the help of a screwdriver. Place the screw in a safe place to ensure you do not 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 rotate the cylinder.

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly can be an extremely risk to security. Dirt and debris can get stuck within the lock mechanism. If this is not taken care of immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and won't longer offer security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires a few tools and little time.

Begin by examining the lock and determining what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication don't help, the latch could be bent too much to perform as it should. In this instance, it would be best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure it's as sturdy and secure as it can be.

If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project yourself seek out an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to help you with the installation of the new lock. They'll have the tools and expertise needed to install the lock properly.

Routine maintenance is essential to ensure that your patio door lock functioning correctly. Verify that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more often. It is essential to use a lubricant that has been specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). To get the best results, apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.