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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keep your patio doors in good working condition to protect your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors and their locks. If your patio door lock doesn't work properly it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway and latch. Check the lock Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their large amount of glass and the convenient position within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore important to ensure your home is safe. There are simple methods to fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning. The first step is to examine the lock to make sure nothing is preventing it from locking or latching. If you notice any issues like loose screws, rust, or misalignment, these should be addressed immediately. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the direction of the patio door could suffice to solve the issue. Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism not to perform as it should. Clean your patio door and wipe down the lock hardware frequently to avoid this. tilt and slide patio door repairs near me can apply a mild detergent solution when needed, but remember to dry the lock thoroughly afterwards. It is also a good idea to that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like the parts of a fine-tuned machine, which means that they can get stuck and jammed just as any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a small amount of lubricant could be used to remove any debris or dirt from the lock cylinder. This will ensure that it is running smoothly. It is essential to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you choose an appropriate lock that is compatible with your existing mechanism. If you aren't sure how to accomplish this, it's best to contact a locksmith or professional tradesperson for help. Clean the Lock Over time, hot and cold weather, dust, and dirt can cause the intricate parts of the door lock to become stuck. These issues could compromise your home's security. These issues are simple to solve if you know what to do. Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. Using a damp cloth, remove any debris or stains that might hinder your lock from working properly. Use hot soapy water and a bit of grit to clean the lock mechanism. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them. Most patio doors are fitted with mortise locks that is safe but is susceptible to problems over time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For a uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a little of hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that hold the body of the latch in place. After removing the latch handle and plate, you can remove it from its slot on the door frame. Once the latch has been removed, you can lubricate it using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't own WD40 or similar product, you can use a graphite pencil to help dislodge any grit or dirt in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may have to relocate the locks cylinders. This will require some additional tools and is best done by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without having to remove it from 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 that hold the locking cylinder are located. Lubricate the Lock Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time for lubrication of the keyhole and the locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant helps keep your lock in good condition, and extends its life. Dry graphite powder is excellent for lubricating small metal parts such as locks, because it's not oily or sticky and lasts longer than liquid lubricants. It's easy to apply, and you can also use it on sliding doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is specifically designed for lock cylinders. Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other liquid fluids. They work well in both low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may build up over time, and displace other lubricants you've used. Teflon oil can be an ideal alternative to silicone lubricants since they are long-lasting and do not attract dirt or dust. They're also excellent for cold conditions, since they can prevent ice buildup 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 can dismantle the lock mechanism and install the cylinder of a new model that matches your current keys. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock 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 put an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be that the latch on the door is not properly aligned with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio doors and examine the top and bottom of the opening of the latch. If the door is in line with the jamb or the frame, then you can check. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch is securely catching the latch's hasp as the door is closed. The latch may also be difficult to close because the cylinder is worn out. It is necessary to replace the for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. You should select a cylinder that has the same keyway and dimensions as the previous one. This allows you to change it quickly by removing the two halves before inserting the new cylinder. Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of the existing cylinder to buy a replacement. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then, visit your local hardware store to seek assistance. Once you have the new cylinder in place take it off the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame with the screwdriver. Place the screw in a safe location so that you don't lose it 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's not working properly can be a major risk to your security. Dirt and debris could get caught in the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't 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 just a few tools and small amount of time. Begin by looking at the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the lock latch may be bent too much to perform as it should. In this situation, it would be best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure that it's as strong and secure as it can be. Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're unsure in tackling this DIY task. They'll have the expertise and tools to complete the job correctly and ensure that the new lock works with your patio door. Maintaining your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Verify that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to prevent it from becoming stuck or stiff. Locks that are subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant you use is important, so be certain to select one specifically designed to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism for best results.
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