How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keeping your patio doors in good order will help safeguard your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements could cause the doors and locks to be damaged or misaligned. If your patio door lock does not operate 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 often targeted by burglars due to their huge glass size and their convenient position within a home. It is important that your locks work correctly to keep your home secure. There are easy methods to troubleshoot or repair patio door locks that aren't working correctly. The first step is to inspect the lock and ensure that nothing is blocking it from latching or locking. If you find any issues, such as loose screws or rust, or the wrong alignment, these must be addressed promptly. In some cases an adjustment of just a few inches to the location of the patio door could suffice to resolve the issue. Another common issue is debris or dust that can cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all hardware of the lock regularly to avoid this. You can apply a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but be sure to dry the lock completely afterward. In addition, it is an ideal idea to lubricate the lock regularly. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to the parts of a fine-tuned machine, so they can become stuck and jammed like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help to get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated inside the lock cylinder and ensure that it is operating efficiently. It is essential to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you choose the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with the current mechanism. If you're not sure how to accomplish this, it's best to talk to a locksmith or professional tradesperson for assistance. Clean the Lock Over time, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the delicate parts of your door lock to get stuck. These problems can compromise your home's security. These issues are simple to solve if you know what to do. Before attempting any repairs, you must first clean your lock. Wipe away any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Then, use a little hot soapy water to clean the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any grit or grime that has accumulated over time. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them. The majority of patio doors have a mortise lock that is safe but is susceptible to issues in the course of time. If you're uPVC locks has become stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in the position. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be ready to remove the latch from its slot in the door frame. Once the latch has been removed, you can lubricate it with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't own WD40 or similar product, you can try using a graphite pencil to remove any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work, you might need to reposition the lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and is best done by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without needing to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame where the screws that hold the locking cylinder are located. Lubricate the Lock When your lock is free from dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant can keep your lock in good shape, extending its lifespan. Dry graphite powder is ideal for lubricating small metal components such as locks, because it's not sticky or oily, and it lasts longer than liquid fluid lubricants. It's easy to apply, and you can also apply it to sliding doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is specifically designed for lock cylinders. Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and won't attract as much dust and dirt as other kinds of liquid lubricants. They work well at low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants may create accumulation over time and could displace other lubricants you've used. Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they last for a long time and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also good for cold environments because they can prevent ice from building up inside the lock. If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith can remove the lock mechanism and put in an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your current keys. They can also perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. If your door does not have an cylinder for your lock an expert can replace it to increase security and safety. They can also put the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning it and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be that the latch on the door isn't aligned properly with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio door and look up and down at the opening for the latch. If the door is in line with the frame or jamb then you can test. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it up or down until the latch catches the latch tightly when the door is closed. The latch is also sometimes difficult to close due to the cylinder is worn. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, so you'll require an alternative. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-caterham/ to choose a new cylinder that is similar in size to the previous one and has the same style keyway, which means you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two halves of the lock to one side and inserting the new cylinder. Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll need the name and model number of your existing cylindrical to purchase an alternative. 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 for help. Once you have the new cylinder installed, unscrew it from the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame with a screwdriver. Set the screw in a safe place to ensure that you don't lose or damage it. Then, loosen the set screw that is located on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole in the door). Replace the Lock A patio door lock that's not functioning properly could cause serious danger to your security. Dirt and debris can become stuck in the lock mechanism. If this is not addressed promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and won't longer offer security. It's a simple DIY project to change the patio door lock. You only need a few tools and some time. Start by inspecting the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch doesn't work it could be bent to far to perform as it should. If this is the case, you should replace the latch with mortise locking systems to ensure that it's as secure and strong as possible. Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're not sure about undertaking this DIY project. They'll have the tools and expertise needed to install the lock properly. Routine maintenance is the key to keep your patio door lock functioning properly. Check that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least every year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks subject to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated more frequently. The type of lubricant you use is vital, so be sure to choose one that's specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism to get best results.