How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in good working condition to protect your home against unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors and their locks.
If your patio door lock doesn't work properly, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will address problems 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. It is important that your locks work properly to keep your home secure. Luckily, there are some simple ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that aren't working correctly.
The first step is to inspect the lock to make sure nothing is preventing it from latching or locking. If you find any issues like loose screws or rust, or even the wrong alignment, these must be addressed promptly. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the location of the patio door may suffice to solve the issue.
Another issue that is common is dust or debris that can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To prevent this from happening, ensure that you clean your patio door regularly and wipe down the lock's hardware. You can apply a mild detergent solution if necessary, but always be sure to dry the lock completely afterward.
Additionally, it's recommended to oil the lock regularly. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a finely tuned machine, so they can be jammed and stuck just as any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant will help dislodge any dirt or debris that may have accumulated within the lock cylinder and keep it operating smoothly.
It is crucial to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you choose the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you are unsure about how to go about this, it's best to talk to an expert locksmith or tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock could jam up over time because of dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These issues can compromise your home's security. These issues are easy to solve if you know what to do.
Before attempting any repairs, you must first clean your lock. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, remove any dirt or stains that might hinder your lock from working correctly. 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, which is secure however, it is susceptible to problems over time. If you find that your uPVC locks are stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. For the uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that hold the body of the latch in place. After removing the latch handle and plate and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch has been removed and lubricated, you can apply using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have WD40 or similar product, you can use a graphite pencil to help get rid of any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you may have to relocate the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be done by a professional. 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. Make pencil marks on the frame where the screws holding the locking cylinder are.
Lubricate the Lock
Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to grease the keyhole and the locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant can keep your lock in good shape, which will extend its life.
Dry graphite is a great way to lubricate small metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also more durable than liquids. It's simple to use and can be utilized on sliding doors tracks for garage doors and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They work well in high and low temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can build up over time and eventually replace other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon Lubricants are a good substitute for silicone lubricants, since they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also excellent for cold environments, as they can help prevent ice accumulation within the lock.
If your lock cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it is probably worn out. It's going to 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 adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. patio door repairs near me can also replace the lock cylinder in case your door isn't equipped with one. This will increase safety and security. They can also put the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning it and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be that the latch on the door isn't properly aligned with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio doors and examine the top and bottom of the opening for the latch. If the door is in line with the frame or jamb, then you can check. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch catches the latch hasp tightly when the door is closed.
Sometimes, the latch isn't closing properly due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. You'll need a replacement cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. It's important to choose a new cylinder that is exactly the same size as the previous one and has the same style keyway, which means you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two halves of the lock apart and then inserting the new one.
You can purchase replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll need the brand and model number of your existing cylinder to purchase a replacement. If you don't have the model or manufacturer you can take a photograph of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and head to an hardware store for assistance.
Once you have the new cylinder installed, unscrew it from the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame using the help of a screwdriver. Set the screw in a safe location so that you don't lose or damage it. Then, loosen enough 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 be a major risk to your security. Dirt and debris can become stuck in the lock mechanism. If this is not treated promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and won't longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires some tools and a bit of time.
Start by inspecting the lock to determine what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication don't help, the lock latch could be bent too much to work properly. In this instance it's best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure that it's as strong and secure as it can be.
If you're not comfortable with this DIY project on your own contact a 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 properly install the lock.
Routine maintenance is essential to keep your patio door lock working properly. Check that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is crucial to use a lubricant that is specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For best results apply the lubricant direct onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.