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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keep your patio doors in a good working condition to protect your home against unwanted intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and their locks to become misaligned or damaged. You can repair your patio door lock on your own when it's not working correctly. These steps can fix issues with the handle, keyway and latch. Check the lock Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large amount of glass and convenient position within a house. It is crucial that your locks function properly to ensure your home is secure. Luckily, there are some easy ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that aren't functioning properly. The first step is to inspect the lock to make sure nothing hinders it from locking or latching. If you notice any issues such as loose screws or rust, or even an issue with alignment, they should be addressed immediately. In some cases an adjustment of the position of the patio door could suffice to resolve the issue. Another issue that is common is dust or debris that could cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all lock hardware regularly to avoid this. You can apply a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but remember to dry the lock thoroughly afterward. Additionally, it's an ideal 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 get stuck just like any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant can help to get rid of any dirt or debris that may have accumulated inside the lock cylinder and keep it operating smoothly. It is essential to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will allow you to find the perfect lock to match your current mechanism. If you're not sure how to do this, it is advisable to talk to an expert tradesperson or locksmith to get help. 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 problems can compromise your home's security. These issues are easy to fix if you know what to do. Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Wipe away any stains and debris using a damp cloth. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of your lock and wash away any dirt or grime that has built up over time. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them. Most patio doors use mortise locks that is safe however, it is susceptible to issues in the course of 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 with a little of hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to unfasten the screws that keep the latch in place. After you have removed the latch handle and plate then you can take it from its slot on the door frame. After the latch has been removed and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock using a light engineering oil like WD40. If you don't own WD40 alternative, you could try using graphite pencils to help dislodge any grit or dirt within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you may need to reposition lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by an expert. But you can practice repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by opening and closing the door with the cylinder in the lock position, and then making 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 of debris and dirt it's a good idea to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant will keep your lock in good condition, and extends its life. Dry graphite is an excellent method to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It also lasts longer than liquids. It's easy to apply and you can use it on sliding doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. click through the following internet site suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders. Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and do not attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They work well in low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants may create the formation of a buildup over time, and may replace other lubricants you've tried. Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also great for colder environments since they can help keep ice from accumulating inside the lock. If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will dismantle the lock mechanism and put in a new cylinder that matches your current keys. They can also perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if your door does not have one. This will improve safety and security. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door to are compatible with the rest. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If lubricating the lock and cleaning it don't work, the issue could be that the door latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the frame of the door. Open the sliding patio door, and examine the top and bottom of the opening for the latch. If the door is in line with the jamb or the frame and you are able to check, then it is. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch catches the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is shut. Sometimes, the latch isn't closing properly because of a worn-out cylinder. You'll need a replacement cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. It's important to choose an alternative cylinder that is similar in size to the previous one and has the same keyway, so you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two halves of the lock apart and inserting the new cylinder. There are replacement cylinders available in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll need the brand and model number of your existing cylindrical to purchase the replacement. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number, take a picture of the cylinder and its mounting screws, and then go to a hardware store to get assistance. Once you have the new cylinder in place remove it from the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame with the help of a screwdriver. Put the screw in a safe location so that you don't lose it 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 of 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 stuck inside the lock's mechanisms however if the issue isn't addressed quickly enough the lock could eventually fail and stop providing security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires just a few tools and a small amount of time. Start by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch doesn't work the latch could be bent to far to work properly. If this is the case, replace the lock latch with a mortise locking system to ensure that it's as secure and strong as you can. If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project on your own contact a locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you with the installation of the new lock. They will have all the tools and experience to install the lock properly. Regular maintenance is the key to keep your patio door lock operating properly. Check that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to avoid it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more frequently. The type of lubricant used is important, so be sure to select one that's specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). For the best results apply the lubricant direct to the key hole of the lock mechanism.