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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Maintaining your patio doors in good order will help safeguard your home from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements could cause the doors and their locks to be damaged or misaligned. You can fix your patio door lock yourself if it is not functioning properly. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway, and handle. Inspect the Lock Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their large amount of glass and the convenient location within a home. It is essential that your locks work properly to ensure your home is secure. Fortunately, there are easy methods to troubleshoot or repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly. The first step is to inspect the lock to ensure nothing is hindering it from latching or locking. If you notice any issues like loose screws or rust, or misalignment, these should be addressed immediately. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio door could be enough to solve the problem. Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to fail to work properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all lock hardware regularly to avoid this. You can apply a mild detergent solution if necessary, but always remember to dry the lock completely afterward. In addition, it's a good idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those found in a machine that is finely tuned. They can jam and become stuck like any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a small amount of lubricant, can be used to clean any debris or dirt from the lock's cylinder. This will keep it running smoothly. The exact dimensions of the patio door lock is crucial. This will help you find a lock that perfectly matches your current mechanism. If you are unsure about how to accomplish this, it's advisable 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 parts of your door lock to get stuck. These issues can compromise your home's security. These issues are easy to fix if you know what to do. Before attempting any repairs, first clean your lock. Wipe away any stains and debris using a damp cloth. Make use of hot soapy water and a bit of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them. The majority of patio doors are secured by mortise locking systems. This is a safe lock but can develop problems with time. If you're uPVC locks have become stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. For a uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of soapy water. Then, take off the screws that hold the body of the latch in place. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you can take the latch out of its slot in the door frame. Once the latch is detached it is possible to 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 get rid of any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you might need to move the locks cylinders. This requires some additional tools and should be done by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without needing to remove it from the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws that hold the locking cylinder are located. Lubricate the Lock After your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to grease the keyhole and the locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant helps keep your lock in top shape, which will extend its life. Dry graphite powder is excellent for lubricating small metal components such as locks, because it's not sticky or oily, and it lasts longer than liquid lubricants. It is easy to use and can be used on sliding doors tracks for garage doors and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant specifically designed for lock cylinders. Liquid lubricants may be more efficient than graphite powder particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They are efficient at low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants could cause accumulation over time and could replace other lubricants you've tried. Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they're long-lasting and don't attract dust and dirt. They are also great for cold climates, since they prevent the build-up of ice inside the lock. If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely to be worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with the new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if your door does not have one. This will increase security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that match the rest of the door. patio doors repairs If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it don't perform, the issue could be that the latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the frame of the door. Open the sliding patio door, and look up and down at the latch opening. If the door is parallel to the jamb or the frame, then you can check. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it up or down until the latch catches the latch hasp tightly when the door is shut. The latch is also sometimes difficult to close because the cylinder has worn out. It is necessary to replace the cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. It is essential to select the new cylinder that's similar in size to the old one and has the same style keyway, so that you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new one. Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll need the brand and model number of the existing cylindrical to purchase an alternative. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number, take a picture of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws and go to the hardware store for assistance. Once you have the new cylinder in place take it off the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame with a screwdriver. Place the screw in a secure place to ensure that you don't lose or damage it. Then, loosen enough the set screw that is located 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 working properly can cause serious danger to your security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to get lodged inside the lock mechanisms If this isn't addressed promptly, the lock can eventually break down and cease to provide security. It's a simple DIY task to replace the patio door lock. You only need the tools you need and some time. Start by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch does not work the latch could be bent to far to work properly. In this situation it's best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure it's as strong and secure as it can be. Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're unsure in tackling this DIY task. They'll have the knowledge and tools to complete the task properly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door. Maintaining your patio door lock in good condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Verify that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least every year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is essential to select a lubricant which is specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism to get best results.