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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keeping your patio doors in good order will help protect your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements may cause the doors and locks to become damaged or misaligned. You can fix your patio door lock by yourself when it's not working correctly. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway and handle. Check the lock Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of the large amount of glass and their central place within a house. A lock that is functional and secure is crucial to ensure your home's security. There are simple solutions to repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning. The first step is to examine the lock to make sure nothing is hindering it from locking or latching. You should take care to address any issues you discover such as loose screws or corrosion. In some cases an adjustment of the position of the patio door could be sufficient to fix the issue. Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to work properly. To prevent this from happening, ensure that you clean your patio door regularly and wipe down the lock hardware. If necessary, you can apply mild soap. However, you must be sure that the lock is dried completely afterwards. In addition, it is an ideal idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to 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 dislodge any dirt or debris that may have accumulated within the lock cylinder and ensure that it is operating efficiently. It is essential to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you locate the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with the current mechanism. If you are unsure about how to do this, it's advisable to contact a locksmith or professional tradesperson for help. Clean the Lock Over time, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the intricate parts of the door lock to become stuck. These issues could compromise the security of your home. These issues are easy to solve if you know what to do. Before you attempt any repairs, first clean your lock. Using a damp cloth, wipe away any debris or stains that might be hindering your lock from working correctly. Use hot soapy water and a little grit to clean the lock mechanism. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before re-using them. The majority of patio doors have a mortise lock that is secure, but is susceptible to issues with 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. Next, you'll want to loosen the screws that hold the latch body in the position. With the latch plate and handle removed, you can remove the latch from its slot in the door frame. Once the latch is removed it is possible to lubricate the lock with a light engineering oil like WD40. If patio door repairs near me don't own WD40, you can also use a graphite pencil to help get rid of any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you might need to move the your lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by professionals. You can try repositioning the cylinder without removing 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 When your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to lubricate both the lock and the keyhole themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant can keep your lock in top condition, and extends its life. Dry graphite is a fantastic method to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also more durable than liquids. 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 type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders. Liquid lubricants may be more effective than graphite particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They are suitable for both low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants can cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may displace other lubricants you've used. Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they last for a long time and do not attract dirt and dust. They are also great for cold environments, as they prevent the build-up of ice inside 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 can take apart the lock mechanism, and then install an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your current keys. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if the door does not have one. This will increase security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door to match the rest of the door. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning the lock and lubricating it don't work, the issue could be that the door's latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or frame of the door. Open the sliding patio door, and look up and down at the opening for the latch. If the door is aligned with the frame or jamb then you can test. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it up or down until the latch catches the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is closed. Sometimes the latch is difficult to close due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. You'll need a replacement cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. It's important to choose the new cylinder that's similar in size to the old one and has the same keyway, so you can easily replace it by screwing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new one. There are replacement cylinders available at a variety of home improvement stores. You'll need the brand and model number of the existing cylinder to purchase a replacement. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number, take a picture of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and head to the hardware store for help. Once you have the new cylinder in place take it off the flat screw holding it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame using the screwdriver. Set the screw in a safe location so that you don't lose or damage it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout in the door) and then loosen it enough to rotate the cylinder. Replace the Lock A patio door lock that's not working properly can be a major risk to your security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to become lodged in the lock mechanisms If this isn't dealt with quickly enough the lock will eventually break down and cease to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires only a few tools and small amount of time. Start by examining the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication don't aid, the latch could be bent too much to work properly. 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. If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project on your own, consult with a locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you with the installation of an entirely new lock. They'll have the expertise 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 an essential part of routine maintenance. Verify that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate your lock at least every year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks exposed to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated regularly. It is important to choose a lubricant that has been specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve best results.