How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good working order will help keep your home safe from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements could cause the doors and their locks to be damaged or misaligned.
You can repair your patio door lock by yourself if it is not functioning properly. These steps can fix issues with the handle, keyway and latch.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their huge quantity of glass and their convenient location within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore essential to ensure that your home is safe. Fortunately, there are simple ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that aren't working correctly.
The first step is to inspect the lock to ensure nothing hinders it from locking or latching. It is important to address any issues you find such as loose screws or corrosion. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the patio door's position may be enough to solve the problem.
Another issue that is common is dust or debris that could cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all lock hardware regularly to prevent this. If needed, you can use mild soap. However, make sure to dry the lock completely afterward.
It is also a good idea lubricate your lock regularly. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a fine-tuned machine, which means that they can become stuck and jammed as any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant can be used to get rid of any debris or dirt from the lock cylinder. This will keep it functioning smoothly.
Identifying the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is also important. This can help you choose a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the current mechanism. If you're unsure of how to do it you can contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the intricate components of your door lock to become stuck. These issues could compromise the security of your home. But it's simple to fix these problems If you know how.
Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Clean up any stains or debris with a moist cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a bit of grit to clean the lock mechanism. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before re-using them.
Most patio doors are secured using mortise locking systems. This is a secure lock, but it can also cause problems with time. If your uPVC lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For an uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of hot soapy water. Then, take off the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. With 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 and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't own WD40, you can also try using a graphite pencil to dislodge any grit or dirt in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you might need to move the your lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be handled by professionals. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without having to take it off the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame where the screws holding the locking cylinder are located.
Lubricate the Lock
After your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to lubricate both the keyhole and the locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and extend its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is excellent to lubricate small metal parts such as locks, because it's not sticky or oily and lasts longer than liquid fluid lubricants. It's easy to apply and you can use it on sliding doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants may be more effective than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and will not attract as much dust or dirt as other kinds of liquid fluids. They are effective at both low and high temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can build up over time and eventually replace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon Lubricants are an excellent substitute for silicone lubricants, because they last longer and do not attract dust or dirt. They're also suitable for cold environments because they'll stop the accumulation of ice within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith will remove the lock mechanism and put in a new cylinder that matches your existing keys. Repair My Windows And Doors can also make repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. If your door doesn't have a lock cylinder, a professional can replace it to improve security and safety. They can also install an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating the door does not work, the problem could be that the latch on the door is not aligned properly with the frame or jamb. To test this open the sliding patio door and look both ways from the door's opening to determine whether the door is aligned with the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it up or down until the latch catches the latch tightly when the door is shut.
Sometimes the latch is difficult to close because of a worn-out cylinder. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, and you'll require an alternative. You should choose a cylinder with the same keyway and size like the one that came before it. This will allow you to change it quickly by unscrewing the two halves before inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll be required to know the name and model of the existing cylinder in order to buy one that matches it. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number then take a photo of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and head to a hardware store to get help.
Once you have the new cylinder installed take it off the flat screw holding it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame with the help of a screwdriver. Set the screw somewhere secure so that 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 let it loose enough to rotate the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could be a major risk to your security. Dirt and debris could get stuck within the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't taken care of immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and won't longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires some tools and a small amount of time.
Begin by examining the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch does not work it could be bent too far to function properly. If this is the case, replace the lock latch using a mortise locking system to ensure it's as solid and secure as possible.
If you're not comfortable with this DIY task yourself seek out an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you with the installation of a new lock. They'll have all the tools and expertise needed to install the lock properly.
Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock working effectively. Check that the handle and knobs aren't loose and if they're, tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least every year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is important to use a lubricant that is specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to get the best results.