How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keep your patio doors in a good working condition to protect your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and their locks to be misaligned or damaged. If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway, and handle. Check the lock Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and the convenient position within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore essential to ensure that your home's security. There are easy methods to fix patio door locks that have stopped working. First, examine the lock and make sure nothing is blocking it from locking or latching. If you notice any issues, such as loose screws or rust, or an issue with alignment, they should be addressed immediately. In some cases an adjustment of just a few inches to the location of the patio door may be enough to fix the issue. Another common issue is debris or dust which can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all lock hardware regularly to avoid this. If needed, you can use mild soap. But, be sure that you dry the lock completely afterwards. It is also a good idea to lubricate your lock regularly. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those in a precision-tuned machine. They can jam or become stuck as with any mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant can help dislodge any dirt or debris that has collected within the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly. The exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also important. This can help you find a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you're unsure of how to proceed, contact an expert locksmith or 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 become blocked. These issues could compromise your security at home. These issues are simple to solve if you know what to do. Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Wipe away any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a bit of grit to clean the lock mechanism. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them. The majority of patio doors have a mortise lock that is secure, however, it is susceptible to problems over time. If you find that your uPVC locks has become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. For a uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to remove the screws that secure the latch body in the position. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you can remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame. Once the latch is removed, you can lubricate it using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have a WD40, you can also try using a graphite pencil to help remove any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work it may be necessary to move the lock cylinder. This will require 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. Make pencil marks on the frame the area where the screws that support the cylinder in place are. Lubricate the Lock If your lock is clean of dirt and debris It's the perfect time to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant can keep your lock in top shape, which will extend its life. Dry graphite powder is ideal for lubricating small metal components like locks since it's not sticky or oily and lasts for longer than liquid fluid lubricants. It's easy to use and can be used on sliding doors tracks for garage doors and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock cylinders. Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other liquid fluids. They are efficient at high and low temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants could cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may displace other lubricants you've used. Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants since they last for a long time and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also great for colder environments since they can help keep ice from accumulating 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 will take apart the lock mechanism and install the cylinder of a new model that matches your existing keys. They can also make repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. If https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-london/ doesn't have the lock cylinder or faceplate, a professional can install it to improve security and security. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door that match the rest of the door. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning it and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be due to the latch on the door isn't aligned correctly with the frame or jamb. To check this, open the sliding patio door, and look upwards and downwards from the door's opening to determine whether the door is aligned with the frame or jamb. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it up or down until the latch catches the latch tightly when the door is shut. The latch is also sometimes difficult to close because the cylinder is worn out. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, and you'll need a replacement. You should choose a cylinder that has the same keyway and size as the previous one. This allows you to change it quickly by unbolting the two halves and inserting the replacement cylinder. Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll need to know the brand and model of your existing cylinder so you can buy one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number you can take a photograph of the cylinder and its mounting screws and head to the hardware store for assistance. When you have a new cylinder, loosen the screw with a flat head that is holding it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Put the screw in a safe place to ensure that you don't lose or damage it. Then, loosen enough 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's not functioning properly could pose an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris can become stuck in the lock mechanism. If this is not taken care of promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and will no longer offer security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires some tools and a little time. Start by examining the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the lock latch could be bent too much to perform as it should. In this instance it's best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure that it's as sturdy and secure 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 equipment and know-how to properly install the lock. Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock functioning effectively. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks subject to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more frequently. It is crucial to select a lubricant which is specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For the best results, apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.