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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keeping your patio doors in good working order will help safeguard your home from intruders who aren't yours. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors and their locks. You can fix your patio door lock yourself when it's not working correctly. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway and latch. Inspect the Lock Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of the large amount of glass and their central place within a house. It is crucial that your locks function properly to keep your home secure. There are simple methods to fix patio door locks that have stopped working. The first step is to inspect the lock and ensure that nothing is blocking it from latching or locking. If you spot any issues like loose screws or rust, or even an issue with alignment, they should be addressed immediately. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the patio door's position may suffice to resolve the problem. Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to fail to function properly. To avoid this occurring, be sure to clean your patio door regularly and wipe down the lock's hardware. If needed, patio doors repair near me can use a mild soap solution. However, you must be sure to dry the lock completely afterward. In addition, it is a good idea to lubricate the lock regularly. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a finely tuned machine, so they can become stuck and jammed like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant will help dislodge any dirt or debris that may have accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and keep it operating smoothly. Identifying the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is also crucial. This can help you choose the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you are unsure about how to do this, it's best to speak with an expert tradesperson or locksmith 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. These issues are easy to fix if you know what to do. Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Clean any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Make use of hot soapy water and a small amount of grit to clean the lock mechanism. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them. Most patio doors are fitted with a mortise lock that is safe however, it is susceptible to issues with time. If you find that your uPVC locks has become stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. The next step is to unfasten the screws that keep the latch in place. After removing the latch plate and handle then you can take it from its slot on the door frame. Once the latch is detached it is possible to lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil like WD40. If you don't own WD40 alternative, you could use a graphite pencil to get rid of any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may need to reposition locks cylinders. This will require some additional tools and is best done by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without needing to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws holding the locking cylinder are. Lubricate the Lock After your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time for lubrication of the keyhole and the locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant can keep your lock in top shape, which will extend its life. Dry graphite powder is excellent for lubricating small metal components like locks because it's not oily or sticky, and it 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-like graphite lubricant specifically designed for lock cylinders. Liquid lubricants may be more effective than graphite particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They work well in low and high temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can build up over time and eventually replace other lubricants you've tried. Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also ideal for cold environments, as they can help prevent ice accumulation within the lock. If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, then it is probably worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith will dismantle the lock mechanism and install the cylinder of a new model that matches the keys you have. They can also perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. If your door does not have an cylinder for your lock or faceplate, a professional can install it to improve security and safety. They can also put a new lock faceplate on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning the lock and lubricating it do not 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 door, and examine the top and bottom of the opening for the latch. If the door is aligned with the frame or jamb, then you can check. If not, loosen screws holding the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the lock latch is securely catching the latch's hasp as the door closes. The latch is also sometimes difficult to close because the cylinder has worn out. It is necessary to replace the cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is important to choose a new cylinder that is exactly the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same keyway, so you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two halves of the lock apart and inserting the new cylinder. There are replacement cylinders available at many home improvement stores. You'll need the brand and model number of your existing cylindrical to purchase the replacement. If you don't have the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder and its mounting screws and go to the hardware store for help. Once you have a new cylinder, remove the flat screw that holds it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door and the door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure so that you do not lose it. Then, loosen enough the set screw that is on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole in the door). Replace the Lock A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could pose an immediate security risk. It's not common for dirt and other debris to become lodged in the lock mechanisms If this isn't addressed quickly enough the lock will eventually fail and cease to provide security. It's a simple DIY project to change the patio door lock. You'll only need the tools you need and some time. Start by inspecting the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubrication do not aid, the latch may be bent too much to perform as it should. In this situation it's best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock so that it's as sturdy and secure as is possible. Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're not sure about tackling this DIY project. They will have the experience and tools to complete the task correctly and make sure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door. Keeping your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of regular 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 squeezing or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. It is essential to select a lubricant which has been specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism for the best results.