10 Simple Steps To Start Your Own Repair Patio Door Business
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good in good order will safeguard your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements could cause the doors and locks to be damaged or misaligned.
You can repair your patio door lock on your own when it's not functioning properly. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway, and handle.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their huge glass size and their convenient location within a home. A lock that is functional and secure is important to ensure your home is safe. There are easy ways to fix patio door locks that have stopped working.
The first step is to check the lock to ensure nothing hinders it from latching or locking. You must take care to address any issues you discover, such as loose screws or corrosion. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the location of the patio door might suffice to resolve the issue.
Another issue that is common is dust or debris that can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all lock hardware regularly to prevent this. You can use a mild detergent solution if necessary, but always ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterwards.
In addition, it's an ideal idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a finely tuned machine, and they could get stuck and jammed just like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a small amount of lubricant could be used to clean any dirt or debris from the lock's cylinder. This will help keep it functioning smoothly.
Knowing the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is important. This will allow you to find an appropriate lock that is compatible with your existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to do it you can contact a professional tradesperson or locksmith for assistance.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock could get jammed over time because of dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These problems can compromise your home's security. These issues are simple to solve if you know how to do.
Before attempting any repairs, clean your lock. Wipe away any stains and debris using a damp cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a bit of grit to clean the lock mechanism. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio doors have mortise locks that is safe however, it is susceptible to issues in the course of time. If your uPVC lock is stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Begin by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Then, take off the screws that hold the body of the latch in place. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you can remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame.
After the latch has been removed, you can lubricate it by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't own WD40, a graphite pen can be used to remove dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work it may be necessary to reposition the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be done by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without having to take it off the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws holding the cylinder in place are.
Lubricate the Lock
If your lock is clean of debris and dirt It's the perfect time to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and extend its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is ideal for lubricating small metal components like locks since it's not oily or sticky, and it lasts longer than liquid lubricants. It's easy to use and can be utilized on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite powder especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They work well in low and high temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can get accumulated over time and eventually replace other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon oil can be an ideal alternative to silicone lubricants as they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also good for colder environments since they can keep ice from accumulating within the lock.
If your lock cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely to be worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with a a new cylinder matched to your existing keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if the door does not have one. This will increase safety and security. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that are compatible with the rest of the door.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning it and lubricating it do not work, then the issue could be due to the latch on the door is not properly aligned with the frame or jamb. To check this, open the sliding patio door, and look upwards and downwards from the latch opening to see if the door is parallel with the jamb or frame. If not, loosen the screws holding the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the latch is firmly grasping the latch hasp when the door closes.
Sometimes, the latch isn't closing properly due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. You'll need a replacement for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. You should choose one with the same keyway and dimensions as the previous one. This allows 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 to be able to purchase one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number you can take a photograph of the cylinder along with its mounting screws, and then go to the hardware store for help.
Once you have the new cylinder in place remove it from the flat screw holding it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Remove RepairMyWindowsAndDoors , escutcheon and door frame using the help of a screwdriver. Put the screw somewhere safe so you don't lose 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's not working properly can be a major risk to your security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to become lodged in the lock mechanism, but if this isn't addressed promptly the lock will eventually break down and stop providing security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires some tools and a bit of time.
Begin by looking at the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch does not work the latch could be bent too much to perform as it should. In this instance it's best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure that it is as secure and strong as is possible.
Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're not confident about undertaking this DIY project. They will have all the tools and experience to install the lock correctly.
Routine maintenance is essential to keep your patio door lock functioning correctly. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and if they're, tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least once per year to prevent it from squeezing or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more often. The type of lubricant used is vital, so be certain to select one specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). For best results, apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.