How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Maintaining your patio doors in good working in good order will keep your home safe from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors as well as their locks. You can fix your patio door lock by yourself in the event that it isn't working correctly. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway, and handle. Check the Lock Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their huge glass size and their convenient place within a house. Having well-functioning locks is therefore important to ensure your home's security. There are simple ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly. The first step is to examine the lock to ensure nothing hinders it from locking or latching. You must take care to address any issues you discover, such as loose screws or rust. In some instances an adjustment of just a few inches to the direction of the patio door might suffice to resolve the issue. Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to fail to perform as it should. Clean your patio door and wipe down all lock hardware regularly to prevent this. You can make use of a mild detergent in the event of need, but be sure to dry the lock thoroughly afterwards. In addition, it is a good idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are similar to those in a machine that is finely tuned. They can jam and become stuck like any mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help get rid of any dirt or debris that may have accumulated within the lock cylinder and ensure that it is operating efficiently. The exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also important. This will help you locate an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you aren't sure how to do this, it's advisable to speak with an expert locksmith or tradesperson to get help. Clean the Lock The intricate parts of the door lock could jam up over time due to dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues can compromise your home security. These issues are easy to solve if you know what to do. Before making any repairs, clean your lock. With a damp cloth, wipe away any stains or debris that could be preventing your lock from working properly. Use soapy water with hot water and a small amount of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them. The majority of patio doors are secured by mortise locking systems. This is a safe lock but can develop problems in time. If you're uPVC locks has become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. For the uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to unfasten the screws that keep the latch in place. Once you have 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 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to remove dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working, you might need to relocate the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be performed by a professional. But you can practice repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, and then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are located that secure the cylinder. Lubricate the Lock When your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to grease the lock and the keyhole themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its lifespan. Dry graphite powder is excellent to lubricate small metal parts like locks because it's not sticky or oily and lasts for longer than liquid greases. It is easy to use and is suitable for use on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock-cylinders. Liquid lubricants may be more efficient than graphite powder, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and will not attract as much dust or dirt as other types of liquid fluids. They are efficient at high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants get accumulated over time, and can displace other lubricants that you've used. Teflon Lubricants are an ideal alternative to silicone lubricants since they are long-lasting and do not attract dust or dirt. They're also ideal for cold environments, as they prevent the build-up of ice inside the lock. If your lock cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it is probably worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and put in an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with the keys you have. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder in case your door does not have one. This can increase safety and security. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that are in keeping with the rest. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning the lock and lubricating it doesn't work, the problem may be that the latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. To determine this you need to open the sliding patio door and sight both ways from the latch opening to determine whether the door is aligned with the jamb or frame. If not, loosen screws that hold the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch's hasp when the door is closed. Sometimes the latch 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. You should choose one with the same keyway and size as the previous one. This allows you to replace it with ease by removing the two halves and putting in the new cylinder. Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-epsom/ 'll need to know the brand and model of your current cylinder in order to buy one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number, take a picture of the cylinder and its mounting screws, and then go to a hardware store to get assistance. Once you have the new cylinder installed take it off the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame using a screwdriver. Place the screw in a secure location so that you don't lose it or damage it. Then, loosen the set screw that is 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 working properly could pose an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris can become stuck in the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't treated promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and no longer offer security. It's a simple DIY project to change the patio door lock. You'll only need a few tools and some time. Begin by examining the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If lubricating and cleaning don't aid, the latch may be bent too much to perform as it should. In this instance it is recommended to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure it's as strong and secure as possible. If you're not comfortable with this DIY project yourself, consult with an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you with the installation of the new lock. They will have the experience and tools to do it properly and ensure that the new lock will work with your patio door. Routine maintenance is the key to keep your patio door lock operating properly. Verify that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate the lock at least once per year to prevent it from squeezing or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated regularly. It is crucial to choose a lubricant that is specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve best results.