How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keeping your patio doors in good working order will help protect your home from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements may cause the doors and their locks to be misaligned or damaged. You can repair your patio door lock on your own in the event that it isn't functioning properly. These steps can fix issues with the handle, keyway and latch. Inspect the Lock Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their large amount of glass and convenient position within a house. A lock that is functional and secure is important to ensure your home is safe. Fortunately, there are easy methods to troubleshoot or repair patio door locks that aren't functioning properly. First, inspect the lock and make sure nothing is blocking it from locking or latching. If you spot any issues, such as loose screws or rust, or an issue with alignment, they should be addressed immediately. In some instances an adjustment of the door's location could be sufficient to fix the issue. Another issue that is common is dust or debris which can cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. To prevent this from occurring, be sure to clean your patio door frequently and wipe down the lock hardware. You can make use of a mild detergent when needed, but be sure to dry the lock completely afterward. Additionally, it's an ideal idea to lubricate the lock regularly. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are similar to those used in a precision-tuned machine. They can jam and become stuck as with any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or 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. It is important to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you choose the perfect lock to match your existing mechanism. If you are unsure about how to go about this, it is advisable to contact a locksmith or professional tradesperson for help. Clean the Lock Over time, hot and cold weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate components of the door lock to become blocked. These problems can threaten your home security. But it's simple to fix these issues if you know how. Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Clean up any stains or debris using a damp cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a small amount of grit to clean the lock mechanism. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again. The majority of patio doors are secured with mortise locking mechanisms. This is a safe lock but can develop problems over time. If you're uPVC locks have become stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. For an uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate with a little of soapy water. Next, you'll want to loosen the screws that keep the latch in place. With the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be able to remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame. Once the latch has been removed and lubricated, you can apply with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have WD40, you can also use a graphite pencil to help remove any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you may need to reposition locks cylinders. This will require additional tools and should be performed by professionals. However, you can practice shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by opening and closing the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, and then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that secure the cylinder. Lubricate the Lock Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to lubricate both the lock and the keyhole themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant can keep your lock in good condition, and extends its life. Dry graphite powder is ideal for lubricating small metal parts like locks because it's not sticky or oily and lasts longer than liquid greases. It's easy to use and can be used on sliding doors tracks for garage doors, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock cylinders. Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They work well in low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants can cause accumulation over time and could replace other lubricants you've tried. Teflon Lubricants are an ideal substitute for silicone lubricants, as they are long-lasting and do not attract dust or dirt. They're also ideal for cold conditions, since they can prevent ice buildup within the lock. If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's probably worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith will dismantle the lock mechanism and put in a new cylinder that matches your current keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder in case your door isn't equipped with one. This will improve security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door to are in keeping with the rest. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning and lubricating the door doesn't work, the issue could be that the latch on the door isn't aligned properly with the jamb or frame. To check this you need to open the sliding patio door and sight upwards and downwards from the latch opening to determine if the door is parallel with the frame or jamb. If not, remove the screws fixing the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly catching the latch's hasp as the door is closed. The latch is also sometimes difficult to close due to the cylinder has worn out. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, and you'll need a replacement. It is important to choose a new cylinder that is the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same keyway, so that you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new cylinder. Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your current cylinder to purchase the replacement. If you don't have the model or manufacturer you can take a photograph of the cylinder and its mounting screws, and then go to a hardware store to get help. Once you have the new cylinder in place remove it from the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Put the screw in a secure place so that you don't lose it 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 rotate the cylinder. Replace the Lock A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could pose an extremely risk to security. Dirt and debris can get stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this issue isn't taken care of promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and will no longer offer security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires a few tools and a bit of time. Begin by examining the lock and determining what's causing the issue. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the lock latch may be bent too much to work properly. In this instance it is recommended to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure that it's as strong and secure as is possible. If you're not comfortable with this DIY task yourself contact an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to help you with the installation of the new lock. They'll have the expertise and tools to complete the job correctly and ensure that the new lock works with your patio door. Keeping https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/west-bromwich-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ in good working condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Verify that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to prevent it from squeezing or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are subject to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more often. The type of lubricant used is crucial, so make certain to select one specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). For the best results apply the lubricant direct to the key hole of the lock mechanism.