How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keep your patio doors in good condition to guard your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors as well as their locks. You can repair your patio door lock yourself if it is not working properly. These steps can fix issues with the handle, keyway, and latch. Check the Lock Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their huge glass size and convenient position within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore important to ensure your home is secure. Luckily, there are some simple ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that aren't functioning properly. The first step is to examine the lock to see if anything hinders it from locking or latching. If you notice any issues such as loose screws, rust, or an issue with alignment, they should be addressed promptly. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the patio door's position may be sufficient to fix the problem. Another issue that is common is debris or dust that can cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down the lock hardware frequently to prevent this. If necessary, you can apply a mild soap solution. However, you must be sure to dry the lock completely afterwards. It is also a good idea lubricate your lock regularly. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a fine-tuned machine, which means that they can be jammed and stuck just as any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant will help dislodge any dirt or debris that has accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and ensure that it is operating efficiently. Identifying the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is important. This will allow you to find a lock that perfectly matches your current mechanism. If you are unsure about how to do this, it's best to talk to an expert locksmith or tradesperson to get help. Clean the Lock The intricate parts of the door lock could jam up over time because of dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These issues can compromise your home security. But it's simple to fix these issues when you know how. Before you attempt any repairs, first clean your lock. With a damp cloth, remove any stains or debris that may be hindering your lock from functioning properly. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any grime or grit that has accumulated over time. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before using them again. Most patio doors are secured with a mortise locking system. This is a secure lock, but it can also cause problems in time. If https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-crawley/ is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Start by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. The next step is to unfasten the screws that hold the latch body in the position. Once you have 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 detached, you can lubricate the lock with an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have WD40 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to clean any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you may have to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and should be done by a professional. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without having to take it off the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame the area where the screws that support the cylinder in place are. Lubricate the Lock When your lock is free from dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and extend its lifespan. Dry graphite is a great option to lubricate tiny metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also longer-lasting 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-like graphite lubricant specifically designed for lock cylinders. Liquid lubricants may be more efficient than graphite powder, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They work well in both low and high temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can get accumulated over time, and displace other lubricants that you've used. Teflon lubricants can be an ideal substitute for silicone lubricants, since they are long-lasting and do not attract dirt or dust. They're also suitable for cold climates since they'll stop the accumulation of ice within the lock. If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, then it's probably worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and put in a new cylinder that matches your existing keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door does not have an cylinder for your lock an expert can replace it to improve security and safety. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door to are in keeping with the rest of the door. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If lubricating the lock and cleaning it do not work, the issue could be that the door latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or door frame. Open the sliding patio door, and take a look upwards and downwards at the opening for the latch. If the door is in line with the jamb or the frame then you can test. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it up or down 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 due to a worn-out cylinder. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, which is why you'll need to get an alternative. You should choose a cylinder with the same keyway and dimensions like the one that came before it. This will allow you to replace it with ease by unscrewing the two halves before inserting the new cylinder. There are replacement cylinders available in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll need to know the brand and model of your existing cylinder to be able to purchase one that is compatible with it. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then visit the local hardware store for help. If you have a brand new cylinder, unscrew the screw with a flat head that holds it in place, and remove the escutcheon plate. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame with the help of a screwdriver. Set the screw somewhere secure so you don't lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole in the door). Replace the Lock A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly can be an extremely risk to security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to get stuck inside the lock mechanism however if the issue isn't addressed promptly the lock could eventually fail and stop providing security. It's a straightforward DIY project to change the patio door lock. It's all you need are the tools you need and some time. Start by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the lock latch may be too bent to function properly. If this is the case, replace the latch with mortise locking to ensure it's as solid and secure as it can be. Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're not sure about tackling this DIY project. They'll have the equipment and know-how to install the lock properly. Routine maintenance is the key to keep your patio door lock operating properly. Check that the knobs and handles aren't loose and, if they are, tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least every year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are subject to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated more frequently. It is important to choose a lubricant that is specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism to get the best results.