How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keeping your patio doors in good in good order will keep your home safe from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements may cause the doors and locks to become damaged or misaligned. If your patio door lock does not work properly, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway and latch. Check the Lock Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large amount of glass and convenient position within a house. It is essential that your locks are working properly to ensure your home is secure. There are a few easy methods to fix patio door locks that have stopped working. The first step is to inspect the lock to see if anything is preventing it from locking or latching. You should take care to address any issues you discover like loose screws or corrosion. In some cases, a slight adjustment to the position of the patio door could be enough to solve the problem. Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to fail to function properly. To avoid this happening, make sure to clean your patio door frequently and wipe down the lock's hardware. If necessary, you can apply a mild soap solution. However, you must be sure that you dry the lock completely afterward. It is also a good idea lubricate your lock regularly. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are similar to those in a precision-tuned machine. They can jam and become stuck like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant could be used to get rid of any dirt or debris from the lock's cylinder. This will ensure that it is functioning smoothly. It is important to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you find an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with the current mechanism. If you're not sure how to do it get help, consult a professional tradesperson or locksmith for assistance. 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's security. But it's easy to fix these problems If you know how. Before attempting any repairs, first clean your lock. With a damp cloth, remove any stains or debris that might be preventing your lock from working properly. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of your lock and wash away any grime or grit that has built up over time. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before using them again. The majority of patio doors have mortise locks that is secure, however, it is susceptible to problems over time. If your uPVC locks has become stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. For a uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of hot soapy water. Then, take off the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you can take the latch out of its slot in the door frame. Once the latch is removed it is possible to lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't own WD40, you can also try using a graphite pencil to remove any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you might need to move the your lock cylinder. This will require some additional tools and is best done by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without having to remove it from the door. Close and open 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 locking cylinder are. Lubricate the Lock When your lock is free from dirt and debris It's the perfect time to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and extend its lifespan. Dry graphite powder is great to lubricate small metal parts like locks because it's not sticky or oily, and it lasts longer than liquid lubricants. It's easy to apply and you can use it on 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, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and don't attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They work well in both low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants can cause accumulation over time and could replace other lubricants you've tried. Teflon oil can be an ideal alternative to silicone lubricants since they are long-lasting and do not attract dust or dirt. They're also great for cold environments because they can help stop the accumulation of ice inside the lock. If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, then it is probably worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism, and then install the cylinder of a new model that matches the keys you have. They can also perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with a lock cylinder or faceplate, a professional can install it to improve security and safety. They can also install the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning the lock and lubricating it don't work, the issue could be that the latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. To check this, open the sliding patio door and sight upwards and downwards from the latch opening to determine whether the door is in line with the frame or jamb. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch catches the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is shut. Sometimes, the latch can be difficult to close because of a worn-out cylinder. You'll need a replacement for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It's important to choose the new cylinder that's the same size as the previous one and has the same style keyway, so that you can easily replace it by removing the two parts of the lock apart and inserting the new cylinder. Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need to know the brand and model of your current cylinder so you can buy one that matches it. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then go to the local hardware store for help. When you have a new cylinder, loosen the flat screw that holds it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame with the screwdriver. Set the screw in a safe place to ensure that you don't lose or damage it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout of the door) and let it loose enough to allow the cylinder to rotate. Replace the Lock A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly can be a serious security risk. Dirt and debris can become stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this is not treated immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and won't will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires just a few tools and small amount of time. Start by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch fails, it may be bent to far to perform as it should. In this case it's best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure that it is as secure and strong as it can be. If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY task yourself seek out an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you in the installation of a new lock. They'll have the tools and expertise needed to properly install the lock. Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock working correctly. Make sure that the knobs and handle aren't loose and, if they are, tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to avoid it from sticking or becoming stiff. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-stevenage/ is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant 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). To get the best results apply the lubricant direct to the key hole of the lock mechanism.