How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keep your patio doors in a good condition to safeguard your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and their locks to be misaligned or damaged. You can fix your patio door lock by yourself when it's not working properly. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway, and handle. Inspect the Lock Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large quantity of glass and their convenient location within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore essential to ensure that your home is safe. There are easy ways to repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning. The first step is to examine the lock to see if anything is preventing it from locking or latching. If you find any issues like loose screws, rust, or an issue with alignment, they should be addressed promptly. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio door could suffice to resolve the issue. Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to fail to function properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down the lock hardware frequently to avoid this. If necessary, you can apply mild soap. However, you must be sure that the lock is dried completely afterward. In addition, it's recommended to oil the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a fine-tuned machine, which means that they can get stuck and jammed just like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant could be used to remove any debris or dirt from the lock cylinder. This will keep it running at a high speed. The exact dimensions of the patio door lock is also important. This will help you find the perfect lock to match the existing mechanism. If you're unsure of what to do you can contact a professional tradesperson or locksmith to get help. Clean the Lock The intricate parts of the door lock may jam up over time because of dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues can affect your home's security. However, it's not difficult to fix these problems if you know how. Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Clean any stains and debris with a moist cloth. Then, use a little hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of your lock and wash away any grime or grit that has accumulated over time. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them. Most patio doors are fitted with mortise locks that is safe but can be prone to problems with time. If you find that your uPVC locks has become stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to remove the screws that keep the latch in place. With the latch plate and handle removed, you can take the latch out of its slot in the door frame. After the latch has been removed, you can lubricate the lock using an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't own WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to eliminate dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you may have to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by an expert. However, you can practice repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, and then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws secure the cylinder. Lubricate the Lock If your lock is clean from dirt and debris, it's a good time to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant can keep your lock in good shape, which will extend its life. Dry graphite powder is great for lubricating small metal parts like locks since it's not sticky or oily and lasts for longer than liquid lubricants. It's easy to use and can be used on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders. Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite powder, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They work well in both low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants could cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may replace other lubricants you've tried. Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they last longer and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also good for cold environments because they can stop the accumulation of ice within the lock. If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's likely damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with a a new cylinder matched to your keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder in case your door does not have one. This will increase safety and security. They can also install a new lock faceplate on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it doesn't work, the problem may be that the latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or door frame. Open the sliding patio door and look up and down at the opening for the latch. If the door is parallel to the frame or jamb and you are able to check, then it is. If not you 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 https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-london/ can be difficult to close due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. It is necessary to replace the for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is recommended to select one with the same keyway and size as the previous one. This will allow you to change it quickly by unbolting the two halves and inserting the replacement cylinder. Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll be required to know the name and model of the 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 picture of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then visit your local hardware store to seek help. Once you have the new cylinder in place, unscrew it from the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door as well as the door frame. Place the screw in a safe place so you don't 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 rotate the cylinder. Replace the Lock A patio door lock not functioning properly could pose a serious risk to your security. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to get lodged inside the lock mechanisms If this isn't dealt with quickly enough the lock could eventually fail 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 lubricating and cleaning don't aid, the latch may be too bent to function properly. If this is the case, you should replace the latch using a mortise locking system to ensure that it's as strong and secure as possible. Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're not sure in tackling this DIY task. They'll have all the equipment and know-how to install the lock correctly. Keeping your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Check that the knobs and handles aren't loose, and if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. It is essential to choose a lubricant that is specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For best results apply the lubricant direct to the key hole of the lock mechanism.