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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keeping your patio doors in good in good condition will safeguard your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and locks to be damaged or misaligned. You can fix your patio door lock by yourself if it is not working properly. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway, and handle. Check the lock Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and convenient position within a house. It is crucial to ensure your home is safe. Luckily, there are some easy methods to troubleshoot or fix patio door locks that aren't functioning properly. First, inspect the lock to ensure there is nothing that is hindering it from latching or locking. If you find any issues such as loose screws or rust, or an issue with alignment, they should be addressed immediately. In some instances an adjustment of just a few inches to the direction of the patio door may be enough to fix the issue. Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to fail to work properly. To prevent this from occurring, be sure to clean your patio door on a regular basis and clean the lock's hardware. If needed, you can apply mild soap. But, be sure that the lock is dried completely afterwards. It is also a good idea to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those found in a finely tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck as with any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant can be used to clean any debris or dirt from the lock's cylinder. This will ensure that it is running smoothly. Identifying the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is also important. This will help you find a lock that perfectly matches your current mechanism. If you aren't sure how to accomplish this, it's best to contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson for assistance. Clean the Lock Over time, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the intricate components of your door lock to become blocked. These issues could compromise your home's security. These issues are easy to solve if you know how to do. Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. Clean any stains and debris using a damp cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a small amount of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. 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 secure lock but can develop issues in 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, you can remove the screws that hold the body of the latch in the position. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you can remove the latch from its slot in the door frame. Once repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk has been removed then you can lubricate it using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have WD40, a graphite pen can be used to remove any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you may need to reposition your lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and is best done by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without needing to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are. Lubricate the Lock Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time for lubrication of the lock and the keyhole themselves. Using the right type of lubricant can keep your lock in top shape, extending its lifespan. Dry graphite is a fantastic option to lubricate tiny metal parts, like locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also more durable than liquids. It's easy to use and is suitable for use on sliding doors tracks for garage doors and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders. Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite powder especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and don't attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They work well at low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants accumulate over time and eventually replace other lubricants you've used. Teflon oil can be an ideal substitute for silicone lubricants, as they are long-lasting and do not attract dirt or dust. They are also great for cold climates, since they can prevent ice buildup inside the lock. If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, then it's likely to be worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a a new cylinder matched to the keys you have. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder if your door does not have one. This will increase security and safety. 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 and lubricating the door does not work, the issue could be that the latch on the door isn't aligned properly with the frame or jamb. To test this, open the sliding patio door and look upwards and downwards from the door's opening to determine if the door is parallel with the frame or jamb. If not, remove the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch's hasp as the door is closed. The latch can also be difficult to close as the cylinder is worn out. You'll need a replacement cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. You should select a cylinder that has the same keyway and size as the previous one. This allows you to change it quickly by unbolting the two halves before inserting the new cylinder. There are replacement cylinders available in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll need to know the brand and model of your existing cylinder in order to 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 then go to an hardware store for assistance. Once you have the new cylinder installed take it off the flat screw holding it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame using the help of a screwdriver. Put the screw in a secure place so that you don't lose it or damage 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 that's not working properly can pose a serious risk to your security. Dirt and debris could get stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this issue isn't addressed promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and won't longer offer security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires some tools and a bit of time. Begin by looking at the lock to see what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubrication don't help, the latch could be bent too much to function properly. If this is the case, replace the lock latch using a mortise locking system to ensure it's as strong and secure as possible. Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're unsure about undertaking this DIY project. They'll have the expertise and tools to do it correctly and make sure that the new lock will work with your patio door. Maintaining your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Check that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. It is important to choose a lubricant that has been specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to get the best results.