How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keep your patio doors in good condition to guard your home against unwanted intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and their locks to be damaged or misaligned. You can fix your patio door lock by yourself when it's not functioning properly. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway, and handle. Check the Lock Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge glass size and convenient position within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore crucial to ensure your home is safe. Fortunately, there are easy ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that have stopped working correctly. The first step is to examine the lock to make sure nothing is preventing it from latching or locking. If you find any issues such as loose screws or rust, or even an issue with alignment, they should be addressed promptly. In some instances an adjustment of just a few inches to the location of the patio door may suffice to resolve the issue. Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism not to function properly. Clean your patio door and clean all lock hardware regularly to prevent this. You can apply a mild detergent solution when needed, but be sure to dry the lock thoroughly afterwards. In addition, it is a good idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a fine-tuned machine, and they could become stuck and jammed as any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a small amount of lubricant can be used to get rid of any debris or dirt from the lock's cylinder. This will ensure that it is running at a high speed. It is crucial to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you find a lock that perfectly matches your existing mechanism. If you aren't sure how to do this, it's best to contact an expert tradesperson or locksmith to get help. Clean the Lock Over time, hot and cold weather, dust, and dirt can cause the intricate components of your door lock to become jammed. These issues can affect the security of your home. But it's easy to fix these problems when you know how. Before you attempt any repairs, clean your lock. Using a damp cloth, clean any dirt or stains that may be hindering your lock from functioning properly. Use hot soapy water and a little grit to clean the lock mechanism. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them. Most patio doors use mortise locks that is secure, but is susceptible to problems over time. If you find that your uPVC locks are stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. Start by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in the position. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you'll be able to take the latch out of its slot in the door frame. Once the latch is detached it is possible to lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't own WD40 or similar product, you can try using a graphite pencil to dislodge any grit or dirt in 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 performed by a professional. You can try repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, and then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that hold the cylinder in place. Lubricate the Lock When your lock is free from dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its life. Dry graphite is a great option to lubricate tiny metal parts, like locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also more durable than liquids. It's easy to apply, and you can also apply it to sliding doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders. Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite powder, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and do not attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They are effective in high and low temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants could cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may replace other lubricants you've tried. Teflon oil can be an ideal alternative to silicone lubricants since they are long-lasting and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also suitable for cold environments because they can keep ice from accumulating within the lock. If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your keys. They can also perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder in case your door does not have one. This will 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 the lock with lubricant and lubricating it do not perform, the issue could be that the latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or door frame. To check this you need to open the sliding patio door, and look both ways from the door's opening to determine whether the door is in line with the jamb or frame. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it up or down until the latch is able to catch the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is closed. The latch can also be difficult to close as the cylinder is worn out. You'll require a new cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is important to choose the new cylinder that's the same size as the previous one and has the same style keyway, so you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new one. You can find replacement cylinders at a variety of home improvement stores. 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 then take a photo of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and head to a hardware store to get help. Once you have the new cylinder in place take it off the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame using the help of a screwdriver. Put the screw in a safe place so you don't loose 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 that's not working properly could pose an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris can get caught in the lock mechanisms. If this is not treated promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and will no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires just a few tools and bit of time. Begin by examining the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch fails it could be bent too much to work properly. If this is the case, replace the lock latch using mortise locking to ensure it's as secure and strong as it can be. If you're not confident in tackling this DIY task yourself, consult with an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you in the installation of the new lock. They will have all the equipment and know-how to install the lock properly. Routine maintenance is the key to ensure that your patio door lock operating effectively. Check that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least every year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is important to choose a lubricant that is specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-london/ apply the lubricant direct to the key hole of the lock mechanism.