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This Is How Repair Patio Door Will Look In 10 Years' Time
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

Keep your patio doors in a good condition to safeguard your home against unwanted intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and their locks to be damaged or misaligned.

If your patio door lock doesn't operate properly You can make basic repairs at home. These steps can fix issues 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's security. There are simple solutions to repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning.

First, inspect the lock and make sure there is nothing blocking it from latching or locking. You should address any issues you find, such as loose screws or rust. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio door could suffice to solve the problem.

Another common issue is debris or dust that could cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To avoid this happening, make sure to clean your patio door frequently and wipe down the lock hardware. You can use a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterward.

In addition, it's a good idea to lubricate the lock regularly. 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 like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant can be used to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock cylinder. This will ensure that it is running at a high speed.

Knowing the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is important. This will help you locate the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you are unsure about how to do this, it is advisable to speak with an expert locksmith or tradesperson for help.

Clean the Lock

Over time, cold and hot weather, dust, and dirt can cause the intricate components of your door lock to become jammed. These issues could compromise your security at home. But it's easy to fix these issues If you know how.

Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Clean up any stains or debris using a damp cloth. Then, use a little hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of your lock and wash away any grime or grit that has accumulated over time. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them.

The majority of patio doors are secured by mortise locking mechanisms. This is a safe lock, but it can also cause issues in time. If your uPVC locks has become stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. Start by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to unfasten the screws that keep the latch in the position. After you have removed the latch plate and handle then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.

Once the latch is removed, you can lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't own WD40 alternative, you could use graphite pencils to help dislodge any grit or dirt in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may have to relocate the your lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and is best done by a professional. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without needing to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws that hold the locking cylinder are located.


Lubricate the Lock

When your lock is free from dirt and debris It's the perfect time to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good shape and extend its lifespan.

Dry graphite is a great way to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also longer-lasting than liquids. It's simple to use and is suitable for use on sliding doors tracks for garage doors and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is 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 are effective at both high and low temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can build up over time, and can displace other lubricants you've tried.

Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone lubricants since they last longer and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also excellent for cold environments, as they prevent the build-up of ice within the lock.

If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, it is probably worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith can remove the lock mechanism and install a new cylinder that matches your current keys. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. Full Posting can replace the lock cylinder if the door isn't equipped with one. This will improve 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 and lubricating the door doesn't work, the issue could be that the latch on the door isn't aligned correctly with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio door and take a look upwards and downwards at the opening for the latch. If the door is in line with the jamb or the frame then you can test. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it up or down until the latch is able to catch the latch tightly when the door is shut.

The latch is also sometimes difficult to close due to the cylinder is worn. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, so you'll need an alternate. You should select a cylinder that has the same keyway and size as the one you had previously. This allows you to replace it with ease by removing the two halves and inserting the replacement cylinder.

You can purchase replacement cylinders in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll be required to know the name and model of your current cylinder so you can buy one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer you can take a photograph of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and go to a hardware store to get assistance.

When you have a new cylinder, remove the flat screw that holds it in place, and remove the plate that holds it in place. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door and the door frame. Set the screw in a secure place to ensure that you don't lose it or damage it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout of the door) and loosen it enough to turn the cylinder.

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly can be an extremely risk to security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to get lodged inside the lock mechanism If this isn't addressed quickly enough the lock could eventually break down and cease to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires just a few tools and little time.

Begin by looking at the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch does not work it could be bent to far to work properly. In this situation it's best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure it is as secure and strong as possible.

Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're unsure about undertaking this DIY project. They will have all the tools and experience to install the lock correctly.

Maintaining your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate the lock at least every year to avoid it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are subject to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated more frequently. The type of lubricant is crucial, so make sure to select one that's specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism for the best results.

Read More: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-stevenage/