How to Troubleshoot and repair patio doors, http://icanfixupmyhome.com/considered_opinions/index.php?action=profile;area=forumprofile;u=1856048, Patio Door Locks

Maintaining your patio door repair company doors in good working order will help safeguard your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors repairs near me doors as well as their locks.

If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway, and latch.

Check the lock

Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their large quantity of glass and their convenient position within a house. Having well-functioning locks is therefore crucial to ensure your home is safe. Fortunately, there are easy ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that aren't functioning properly.

The first step is to inspect the lock and ensure that there is nothing blocking it from locking or latching. You must address any issues you find like loose screws or rust. In some instances an adjustment of the door's location could be enough to solve the issue.

Another issue that is common is dust or debris which can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. To prevent this from happening, ensure that you clean your patio door regularly and wipe down the lock's hardware. If you need to, use mild soap. However, make sure that the lock is dried completely afterwards.

In addition, it is recommended to oil the lock regularly. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those found in a precision-tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck as with any mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant will help remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated inside the lock cylinder and keep it operating smoothly.

It is essential to know the exact dimensions of the patio door repair near me door lock. This will allow you to find the perfect lock to match the existing mechanism. If you are unsure about how to do this, it is advisable to contact a locksmith or professional tradesperson to get help.

Clean the Lock

Over time, cold and hot weather dust and dirt can cause the delicate parts of the door lock to become blocked. These issues can affect the security of your home. But it's simple to fix these issues if you know how.

Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. With a damp cloth, wipe away any dirt or stains that could hinder your lock from working properly. Make use of hot soapy water and a little grit to clean the lock mechanism. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before using them again.

The majority of patio doors are secured using mortise locking mechanisms. This is a secure lock but can develop problems with time. If your uPVC locks are stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. For an uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that hold the body of the latch in the position. After you have removed the latch handle and plate and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame.

Once the latch is removed it is possible to lubricate the lock with an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have WD40 alternative, you could use a graphite pencil to help remove any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may have to relocate the locks cylinders. This will require additional tools and should be handled by a professional. You can try shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by opening and closing the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws keep the cylinder in place.

Lubricate the Lock

Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to lubricate both the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and extend its lifespan.

Dry graphite powder is great to lubricate small metal parts like locks since it's not sticky or oily, and it lasts longer than liquid lubricants. It's easy to apply, and you can also use it on sliding glass patio door repair doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock-cylinders.

Liquid lubricants may be more effective than graphite powder particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They are suitable for low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants can cause buildup over time and can replace other lubricants you've tried.

Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone lubricants because they last for a long time and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also great for colder environments since they can prevent ice from building up inside the lock.

If your lock cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will take apart the lock mechanism and install a new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder in case your door does not have one. This will increase safety and security. They can also install 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 doesn't perform, the issue could be that the door latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. To check this you need to open the sliding patio door, and look up and down from the latch opening to determine whether the door is aligned with the jamb or frame. If not, loosen screws fixing the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the latch is securely catching the latch hasp when the door closes.

Sometimes the latch is difficult to close because of a worn-out cylinder. You'll need a replacement for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. You should choose a cylinder with the same keyway and dimensions like the one that came before it. This allows you to replace it easily by unscrewing the two halves and inserting the replacement cylinder.

Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll be required to know the name and model of the existing cylinder to be able to purchase one that matches it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number then take a photo of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and go to an hardware store for help.

When you have a new cylinder, loosen the screw with a flat head that holds it in place, and remove the plate that holds it in place. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame with a screwdriver. Set the screw somewhere secure so that you aren't able to lose it. Then, loosen enough the set screw that is on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door).

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock repair door lock that isn't functioning properly could pose a serious risk to your security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to get lodged inside the lock's mechanisms however if the issue isn't addressed promptly, the lock can eventually break down and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires just a few tools and a bit of time.

Begin by looking at the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch does not work it could be bent too much to perform as it should. In this case it's best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock so that it's as strong and secure as it can be.

Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're unsure about tackling this DIY project. They'll have all the tools and experience to install the lock properly.

Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock operating properly. Check that the knobs and handles aren't loose and, if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are subject to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated regularly. It is important to use a lubricant that is specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism for the best results.