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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keeping your patio doors in good order will help keep your home safe from intruders who aren't yours. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors and their locks. If your patio door lock does not work properly it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway, and handle. Check the Lock Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large amount of glass and convenient location within a home. It is crucial that your locks function correctly to keep your home secure. There are easy methods to repair patio door locks that have stopped working. The first step is to check the lock to ensure nothing 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 immediately. In some instances, a small adjustment to the direction of the patio door may suffice to resolve the problem. Another issue that is common is debris or dust which can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. Clean your patio door and clean the lock hardware frequently to prevent this. If needed, you can use a mild soap solution. However, you must be sure that you 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 the parts of a fine-tuned machine, so they can get stuck and jammed just like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a small amount of lubricant can be used to remove any dirt or debris from the lock cylinder. This will help keep it functioning smoothly. Identifying the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is crucial. This will help you find an appropriate lock that is compatible with your existing mechanism. If you're unsure of how to proceed you can contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson for assistance. Clean the Lock The intricate parts of the door lock can get jammed over time due to dust, dirt and cold and hot weather. These issues could compromise your home's security. But it's easy to fix these problems If you know how. Before making any repairs, first clean your lock. With a damp cloth, remove any stains or debris that may hinder your lock from working correctly. Use soapy water with hot water and a bit of grit to clean the lock mechanism. After upvc patio door repairs 've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again. The majority of patio doors are secured with mortise locking mechanisms. This is a safe lock, but it is susceptible to problems over time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Begin by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. The next step is to remove the screws that secure the latch body in place. With the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be ready to remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame. Once the latch is removed, you can lubricate it using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have WD40, you can also try using a graphite pencil to help get rid of any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you might need to move the lock cylinder. This requires 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 that keep the cylinder in place. Lubricate the Lock Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time for lubrication of the lock and the keyhole themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant will keep your lock in good condition, and extends its life. Dry graphite is a fantastic way to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It also lasts longer than liquids. 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-type graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock cylinders. Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite powder especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and don't attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They are efficient at high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants get accumulated over time and eventually replace other lubricants that you've used. Teflon Lubricants are a good substitute for silicone lubricants, as they are long-lasting and do not attract dirt or dust. They're also great for cold environments because they'll keep ice from accumulating within the lock. If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a new cylinder matched to your existing keys. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if the door isn't equipped with one. This can increase safety and security. They can also install an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning and lubricating the door do not work, then the problem could be that the latch on the door isn't aligned correctly with the jamb or frame. To check this open the sliding patio door and look both ways from the door's opening to see whether the door is aligned with the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it up or down until the lock latch catches the latch hasp tightly when the door is shut. Sometimes, the latch is difficult to close due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. You'll require a new cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. You should choose a cylinder with the same keyway and dimensions as the previous one. This will allow you to replace it easily by unscrewing the two halves and putting in the new cylinder. Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll be required to know the name and model of the existing cylinder in order to buy one that matches it. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then go to your local hardware store to seek help. Once you have the new cylinder installed, unscrew it from the flat screw holding it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame using the screwdriver. Set the screw somewhere secure so that you do not lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout of the door) and let it loose enough to turn the cylinder. Replace the Lock A patio door lock that's not functioning properly can be an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris can get caught within the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't taken care of promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and will no will be able to provide security. It's a straightforward DIY project to change the patio door lock. You only need a few tools and some time. Start by examining the lock to see what is causing the problem. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the latch could be bent too much to perform as it should. If this is the case, you should replace the lock latch using mortise locking to ensure it's as secure and strong as you can. Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're unsure about tackling this DIY project. They will have all the tools and experience to properly install the lock. Keeping your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Check that the handle and knobs aren't loose, and if they are, tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather should be lubricated more frequently. The type of lubricant is crucial, so make sure to select one that's specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism for the best results.