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 may cause the doors and their 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 fix issues with the latch, keyway, and handle. Check the Lock Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of the large amount of glass and their convenient place within a house. It is essential to ensure that your home's security. Luckily, there are some simple ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that aren't working correctly. First, inspect the lock to ensure nothing is blocking it from latching or locking. If you find any issues like loose screws or rust, or even the wrong alignment, these must be addressed promptly. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the direction of the patio door might suffice to resolve the problem. Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to function properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all hardware of the lock regularly to avoid this. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-london/ can apply a mild detergent solution if necessary, but always ensure that you dry the lock completely afterward. In addition, it is an ideal idea to lubricate the lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a finely tuned machine, which means that they can become stuck and jammed as any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant can help to get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and ensure that it is operating efficiently. The exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also crucial. This will help you find the perfect lock to match your existing mechanism. If you aren't sure how to go about this, it is advisable to talk to an expert locksmith or tradesperson to get help. Clean the Lock Over time, cold and hot weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate components of your door lock to get blocked. These issues can compromise your security at home. These issues are simple to solve if you know what to do. Before you attempt any repairs, clean your lock. Clean any stains and debris using a damp cloth. Make use of hot soapy water and a little grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them. Most patio doors are secured by a mortise locking system. This is a secure lock but can develop issues with time. If your uPVC lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. The next step is to loosen the screws that hold the latch body 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. 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 have WD40 or similar product, you can use a graphite pencil to help remove any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work, you might need to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and is best done by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without needing to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws that hold the cylinder in place are. Lubricate the Lock After your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to lubricate both the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant can keep your lock in top shape, which will extend its life. Dry graphite powder is excellent for lubricating small metal components such as locks, because it's not oily or sticky and lasts for longer than liquid greases. It is easy to use and is suitable for use on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and door hinges. 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, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other types of liquid fluids. They work well in high and low temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants may create buildup over time and can be displaced by other lubricants that you've used. Teflon lubricants can be an ideal substitute for silicone lubricants, since they are long-lasting and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also good for cold environments because they can prevent ice from building up within the lock. If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, it is probably worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a the new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with an cylinder for your lock an expert can replace it to increase security and security. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door that are in keeping with the rest. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning and lubricating it does not work, the issue could be that the latch on the door is not aligned properly with the frame or jamb. To determine this, open the sliding patio door and sight up and down from the latch opening to see whether the door is aligned to the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch catches the latch hasp tightly when the door is closed. Sometimes the latch can be difficult to close due to a worn-out cylinder. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, and you'll require a replacement. It is recommended to select a cylinder that has 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 new cylinder. There are replacement cylinders available at a variety of home improvement stores. You'll need the name and model number of your current cylinder to purchase a replacement. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then, visit the local hardware store for assistance. When you have a new cylinder, unscrew the flat screw that holds it in place, and remove the plate that holds it in place. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door as well as the door frame. 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 functioning properly could pose an immediate security risk. It's not common for dirt and other debris to become lodged in the lock mechanisms, but if this isn't dealt with quickly enough the lock could eventually fail and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires a few tools and a small amount of time. Begin by examining the lock to see what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch fails the latch could be bent to far to perform as it should. In this instance it is recommended to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure that it is as secure and strong as it can be. Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're not sure in tackling this DIY task. They'll have the equipment and know-how to install the lock correctly. Maintaining your patio door lock in good working condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Check that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant used is important, 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 the keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve the best results.