How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good in good condition will keep your home safe from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors as well as their locks.
You can repair your patio door lock by yourself if it is not working correctly. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their large amount of glass and convenient location within a home. It is crucial that your locks are working correctly to keep your home safe. There are easy methods to fix patio door locks that have stopped working.
First, inspect the lock to ensure nothing is blocking it from latching or locking. If you notice any issues such as loose screws or rust, or misalignment, these should be addressed promptly. In some instances, a small adjustment to the direction of the patio door may be enough to fix the problem.
Another issue that is common is debris or dust which can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. Clean your patio door and clean all hardware of the lock regularly to avoid this. If needed, you can use mild soap. However, make sure that the lock is dried completely afterwards.
It is also a good idea to to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are similar to those in a machine that is finely tuned. They are susceptible to jamming 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 from the lock's cylinder. This will keep it running smoothly.
It is crucial to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors will help you locate the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with the current mechanism. If you are unsure about how to accomplish this, it's advisable to talk to a locksmith or professional tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate components of your door lock to become blocked. These issues could compromise your security at home. But it's easy to fix these problems if you know how.
Before attempting any repairs, first clean your lock. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, remove any dirt or stains that might be hindering your lock from working 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. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again.
The majority of patio doors have mortise locks, which 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 using hot soapy water. The next step is to remove the screws that hold the latch body in the position. After you have removed the latch handle and plate then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.
After the latch has been removed and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock with an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have WD40, you can also try using a graphite pencil to help get rid of any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work, you might need to reposition the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and is best done by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without having to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws that hold the cylinder in place are.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to grease the keyhole and the locks themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and extend its lifespan.
Dry graphite is an excellent method to lubricate small 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 tracks for garage doors and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants can be more efficient than graphite powder, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They are effective at both low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may accumulate over time and eventually replace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they last for a long time and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also great for cold climates since they can help keep ice from accumulating inside the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's likely worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a a new cylinder matched to the keys you have. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if the door isn't equipped with one. This will improve safety and security. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door to are compatible with the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning it and lubricating it does not work, the issue could be that the latch on the door isn't aligned properly with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio doors and take a look upwards and downwards at the opening of the latch. If the door is in line with the jamb or the frame then you can test. If not, loosen screws fixing the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch hasp when the door closes.
The latch is also sometimes difficult to close as the cylinder is worn out. 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 the new cylinder that's exactly the same size as the old one and has the same keyway, so that you can easily replace it by screwing the two parts of the lock apart and inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need to know the brand and model of the existing cylinder to be able to purchase one that is compatible with it. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then, visit your local hardware store to seek help.
Once you have the new cylinder in place, unscrew it from the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame with the screwdriver. Set the screw somewhere secure so you do not lose it. Then, loosen the set screw that is located on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could pose an immediate security risk. It's not common for dirt and other debris to get stuck inside the lock mechanism If this isn't addressed promptly, the lock can eventually fail and no longer provide security. It's a simple DIY task to replace the patio door lock. You'll only need a few tools and some time.
Start by inspecting the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch fails, it may be bent too much to function properly. In this case, it would be best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock so that it's as strong and secure as it can be.
If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY task yourself, consult with an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you with the installation of the new lock. They will have the experience and tools to do it correctly and ensure that the new lock will work with your patio door.
Keeping your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and if they're tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least once per year to keep it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant is crucial, so make 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 directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to get best results.