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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. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to your patio doors and their locks. If your patio door lock doesn't work properly it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway and latch. Check the lock Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their large amount of glass and the convenient location within a home. It is essential that your locks are working correctly to keep your home safe. Fortunately, there are easy methods to troubleshoot or fix patio door locks that aren't working correctly. The first step is to check the lock to see if anything is preventing it from locking or latching. If you find any issues such as loose screws or rust, or even an issue with alignment, they should be addressed promptly. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the patio door's position may suffice to resolve the problem. Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to fail to perform as it should. Clean your patio door and clean all hardware of the lock regularly to prevent this. If you need to, apply a mild soap solution. But, be sure that the lock is dried completely afterwards. It is also a good idea that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a finely tuned machine, so they can be jammed and stuck just like any other 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 crucial to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you choose a lock that perfectly matches your existing mechanism. If you are unsure about how to go about this, it is advisable to talk to an expert tradesperson or locksmith to get help. Clean the Lock Over time, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the intricate parts of the door lock to become blocked. These issues can compromise your home's security. These problems are easy to fix if you know what to do. Before you attempt any repairs, clean your lock. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, wipe away any debris or stains that may be hindering your lock from working properly. Make use of hot soapy water and a small amount of grit to clean the lock mechanism. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again. The majority of patio doors have mortise locks, which is secure but can be prone to issues in the course of time. If you're uPVC locks has become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. For the 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 place. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you can remove the latch from its slot in the door frame. Once the latch is removed then you can lubricate it by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't have WD40 or similar product, you can try using a graphite pencil to help get rid of any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may have to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be 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 the lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws that hold the cylinder in place are. 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. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its life. Dry graphite powder is ideal to lubricate small metal parts like locks because it's not sticky or oily and lasts for longer than liquid fluid lubricants. It is easy to use and can be used on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders. Liquid lubricants can be more effective than graphite powder, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other kinds of liquid fluids. They are efficient at high and low 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-based lubricants as they're long-lasting and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also excellent for cold conditions, since 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 going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will remove the lock mechanism and install the cylinder of a new model that matches the keys you have. They can also make repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if the door isn't equipped with one. This will increase security and safety. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door to are compatible with the rest of the door. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning and lubricating it do not work, then the issue could be that the latch on the door is not properly aligned with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio door, and take a look upwards and downwards at the opening for the latch. If the door is in line with the frame or jamb then you can test. If repair patio door lock Repair My Windows And Doors can loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it up or down until the lock latch catches the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is closed. Sometimes the latch can be difficult to close due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, which is why you'll need an alternate. You should select a cylinder that has the same keyway and dimensions as the one you had previously. This will allow you to change it quickly by unbolting the two halves and putting in the new cylinder. Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll be required to know the name and model of your existing cylinder to be able to purchase one that is compatible with it. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then go to the local hardware store for help. Once you have the new cylinder in place, unscrew it from the flat screw holding it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Set the screw in a safe location so that you don't lose or damage it. Then, loosen the set screw that is located on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door). Replace the Lock A patio door lock not working properly can pose a serious risk to your security. Dirt and debris can get stuck within the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't taken care of immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and will no will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires some tools and a little time. Begin by looking at the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch does not work, it may be bent to far 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 sturdy and secure as is possible. Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're not confident in tackling this DIY task. They will have all the tools and expertise needed to install the lock properly. Maintaining your patio door lock in good condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Make sure the handle and knobs aren't loose and, if they are, tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least every year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant you use is crucial, so make certain to select one specifically designed to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). To get the best results, apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.