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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Maintaining your patio doors in good working in good condition will protect your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors and their locks. You can fix your patio door lock on your own if it is not working properly. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway, and latch. Inspect the Lock Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of the large amount of glass and their central position within a home. It is important that your locks function properly to keep your home 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. You should deal with any issues you spot such as loose screws or rust. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the location of the patio door might be enough to fix the problem. Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism not to function properly. Clean your patio door and clean the lock hardware frequently to avoid this. You can use a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but remember to dry the lock thoroughly afterward. It is also a good idea that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like the parts of a fine-tuned machine, so they can become stuck and jammed like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant will help get rid of any dirt or debris that may have accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and keep it operating smoothly. It is crucial to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you find an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with the current mechanism. If you are unsure about how to do this, it's best to contact an expert tradesperson or locksmith for assistance. Clean the Lock Over time, cold and hot weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate parts of your door lock to become stuck. These issues can affect the security of your home. These problems are easy to solve if you know how to do. Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, wipe away any debris or stains that may hinder your lock from working properly. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of your lock and wash away any grit or grime that has built up over time. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them. Most patio doors are secured using mortise locking systems. This is a secure lock but can develop issues over time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For an uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of hot soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. After removing the latch plate and handle then you can take it from its slot on the door frame. After the latch has been removed and lubricated, you can apply using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't own WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to eliminate dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work it may be necessary to relocate the lock cylinder. This will require some additional tools and should be done by an expert. But you can practice 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 are located that secure the cylinder. Lubricate the Lock If your lock is clean from dirt and debris It's the perfect time to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant helps keep your lock in top shape, extending its lifespan. Dry graphite powder is excellent for lubricating small metal parts like locks because it's not oily or sticky and lasts longer than liquid greases. It's easy to use and is suitable for use on sliding doors tracks for garage doors, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is specifically designed for lock cylinders. Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and won't attract as much dust and dirt as other types of liquid fluids. They are effective in both low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may get accumulated over time, and can displace other lubricants you've tried. Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they last longer and do not attract dirt and dust. 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's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith will dismantle the lock mechanism, and then install an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your current keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with a lock cylinder 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 the hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If lubricating the lock and cleaning it don't perform, the issue could be that the door latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the frame of the door. To check this you need to open the sliding patio door, and look both ways from the door's opening to see whether the door is aligned to the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws fixing the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch is securely catching the latch hasp when the door closes. The latch can also be difficult to close as the cylinder is worn. It is necessary to replace the cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. It is important to choose a new cylinder that is the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same style keyway, so that you can easily replace it by screwing the two halves of the lock to one side and inserting the new cylinder. You can purchase replacement cylinders at a variety of home improvement stores. You'll need the name and model number of your existing cylindrical to purchase the replacement. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then, visit the local hardware store for assistance. Once you have a new cylinder, loosen the screw with a flat head that holds it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door and the door frame. Put the screw in a secure place so that you don't lose it or damage it. Then, loosen 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's not functioning properly can be a serious security risk. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to get stuck inside the lock mechanisms If this isn't dealt with quickly enough, the lock can eventually break down and no longer provide security. It's a simple DIY project to change the patio door lock. It's all you need are a few tools and some time. Start by inspecting the lock and determining what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch does not work the latch could be bent too much to work properly. In this situation, it would be best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock so that it's as strong and secure as is possible. Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're not sure in tackling this DIY task. They'll have the knowledge and tools to complete the job correctly and make sure that the new lock works with your patio door. Maintaining your patio door lock in good working condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Check that the knobs and handle aren't loose and if they're tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate patio doors repair near me at least once per year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. It is important to select a lubricant which is specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to get best results.