How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keep your patio doors in a good condition to safeguard your home against unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors and their locks. If your patio door lock does not operate properly You can make basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway, and handle. Inspect the Lock Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their huge glass size and convenient place within a house. It is important that your locks are working properly to keep your home safe. There are easy methods to fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/weymouth-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ is to check the lock to make sure nothing is hindering it from latching or locking. You should take care to address any issues you discover, such as loose screws or rust. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the door's location could suffice to resolve the problem. Another issue that is common is dust or debris which can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. To avoid this happening, make sure to clean your patio door on a regular basis and clean the lock hardware. If necessary, you can use a mild soap solution. However, make sure that you dry the lock completely afterward. In addition, it is recommended to oil the lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to the parts of a fine-tuned machine, and they could become stuck and jammed as any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant, can be used to clean any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock cylinder. This will help keep it functioning smoothly. It is essential to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you find a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the current mechanism. If you're not sure how to do it you can contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson for help. Clean the Lock The intricate parts of the door lock can get jammed over time due to dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These issues can affect the security of your home. But it's easy to fix these issues If you know how. Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Using a damp cloth, clean any stains or debris that might hinder your lock from functioning properly. Use soapy water with hot water and a small amount of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before re-using them. Most patio doors use mortise locks that is secure, but can be prone to issues over time. If your uPVC lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For the uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of soapy water. The next step is to remove the screws that hold the latch body in the position. After you have removed the latch plate and handle then you can take it from its slot on the door frame. Once the latch is 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, a graphite pen can be used to remove any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you might need to move the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be handled by professionals. However, you can practice shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by opening and closing the door with the cylinder in the lock position, and then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that hold the cylinder in place. Lubricate the Lock Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to lubricate both the lock and the keyhole themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and extend its lifespan. Dry graphite is an excellent option to lubricate tiny metal parts, like locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also longer-lasting than liquids. 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 designed specifically for lock cylinders. Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other liquid lubricants. They are effective at both high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may get accumulated over time, and can displace other lubricants that you've used. Teflon Lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also excellent for cold conditions, since they can help prevent ice accumulation inside the lock. If your lock cylinder feels 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 replace it with a a new cylinder matched to the keys you have. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder if the door isn't equipped with one. This will improve safety and security. They can also put a new lock faceplate on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning it and lubricating it does not work, the problem could be that the latch on the door isn't aligned properly with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio door and examine the top and bottom of the opening for the latch. If the door is aligned with the frame or jamb and you are able to check, then it is. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it up or down until the lock latch catches the latch hasp tightly when the door is closed. Sometimes the latch can be difficult to close because of a worn-out cylinder. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, so you'll require a replacement. It is important to choose an alternative cylinder that is similar in size to the one you have had previously and has the same style keyway, which means you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new cylinder. You can purchase replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your current cylindrical to purchase an alternative. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then visit your local hardware store to seek assistance. Once you have the new cylinder in place, unscrew it from the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame with a screwdriver. Place the screw in a secure place so that you don't lose it or damage it. Then, loosen enough the set screw on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door). Replace the Lock A patio door lock not functioning properly could be a major risk to your security. Dirt and debris can get stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this is not treated promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and won't longer provide security. It's a straightforward DIY project to replace the patio door lock. It's all you need are a few tools and some time. Begin by examining the lock to see what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch doesn't work it could 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 so that it is as secure and strong as it can be. If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project on your own seek out an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to help you with the installation of the new lock. They'll have the knowledge and tools to do it properly and ensure that the new lock will work with your patio door. Maintaining your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Verify that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to avoid it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated more frequently. The type of lubricant is important, so be sure to select one that's specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). For the best results apply the lubricant direct onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.