How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good condition to safeguard your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to your patio doors and their locks.
If your patio door lock doesn't operate properly You can make basic repairs at home. These steps will fix 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 position within a home. It is crucial that your locks function correctly to keep your home secure. Fortunately, there are easy ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly.
The first step is to inspect the lock and make sure there is nothing that is hindering it from locking or latching. If you spot any issues such as loose screws or rust, or misalignment, these should be addressed promptly. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the door's location could be enough to solve the issue.
Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism not to function properly. To prevent this from occurring, be sure to clean your patio door frequently and clean the lock hardware. If needed, you can apply mild soap. But, be sure that the lock is dried completely afterward.
Additionally, it's a good idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a finely tuned machine, which means that they can be jammed and stuck just as any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant could be used to clean any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock cylinder. This will ensure that it is running smoothly.
Knowing the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is crucial. This will help you locate the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you're unsure of how to proceed you can contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock could jam up over time due to dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These problems can threaten your security at home. But it's easy to fix these problems when you know how.
Before you attempt any repairs, first clean your lock. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, remove any debris or stains that could be hindering your lock from working correctly. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of your lock and wash away any grime or grit that has built up over time. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before re-using them.
Most patio doors are secured with mortise locking systems. This is a safe lock, but it can also cause problems with time. If you're uPVC locks are stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place. After removing the latch plate and handle then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.
After the latch has been removed, you can lubricate the lock using an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have WD40, a graphite pen can be used to eliminate dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it may be necessary to move the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be performed by a professional. You can practice repositioning the 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 where the screws that hold the cylinder in place are.
Lubricate the Lock
If your lock is clean of dirt and debris, it's a good time to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant will keep your lock in top shape, extending its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is ideal to lubricate small metal parts like locks since it's not oily or sticky and lasts for longer than liquid fluid lubricants. It's simple to use and can be used on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants may be more effective than graphite powder especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and do not attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They work well in high and low temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can get accumulated over time, and displace other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants since they last for a long time and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also suitable for colder environments since they can help stop the accumulation of ice inside the lock.
If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with a new cylinder matched to your existing keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door doesn't have a lock cylinder, a professional can replace it to improve security and safety. 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 the lock with lubricant and lubricating it don't work, the issue could be that the door latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or the frame of the door. Open the sliding patio doors and examine the top and bottom of the latch opening. If the door is aligned with the frame or jamb, then you can check. If not, remove the screws holding the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly catching the latch's hasp when the door is closed.
Sometimes, the latch isn't closing properly due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, so you'll need to get an alternative. It's important to choose an alternative cylinder that is exactly the same size as the old one and has the same keyway, so you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two parts of the lock apart and then inserting the new one.
Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of the existing cylinder so you can buy one that matches it. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then, visit patio doors repairs to seek assistance.
Once you have a new cylinder, unscrew the flat screw that holds it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame using a screwdriver. Put the screw somewhere safe so you aren't able to lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout of the door) and let it loose enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could pose a serious risk to your security. Dirt and debris can get stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this is not taken care of promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and no will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires a few tools and little time.
Begin by inspecting the lock and determining what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the latch may be too bent to function properly. If this is the case, replace the latch using mortise locking systems to ensure it's as strong and secure as it can be.
If you're not comfortable with this DIY project yourself contact an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you in the installation of an entirely new lock. They will have all the tools and experience to properly install the lock.
Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock working correctly. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose, and if they are, tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant used is crucial, so make sure to choose one that's specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism for the best results.