How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Maintaining your patio doors in good working in good condition will protect your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements may cause the doors and their locks to become damaged or misaligned. If your patio door lock does not perform as it should it is possible to make 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 because of their large quantity of glass and their convenient position within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore crucial to ensure your home is secure. There are simple ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that aren't working correctly. The first step is to check the lock to ensure nothing is hindering it from locking or latching. If you find any issues like loose screws or rust, or misalignment, these should be addressed immediately. In some cases an adjustment of the position of the patio door could be enough to solve the issue. Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism to perform as it should. Clean your patio door and clean all hardware of the lock regularly to avoid this. You can use a mild detergent solution if necessary, but always remember to dry the lock thoroughly afterward. Additionally, it's recommended to oil the lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a fine-tuned machine, so they can become stuck and jammed like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help dislodge any dirt or debris that has collected within the lock cylinder and ensure that it is operating efficiently. Knowing the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also important. This will help you choose an appropriate lock that is compatible with your existing mechanism. If you are unsure about how to do this, it's advisable to contact a locksmith or professional tradesperson to get help. Clean the Lock The intricate parts of the door lock may jam up over time due to dust, dirt, and hot and cold weather. These issues can compromise your security at home. However, it's not difficult to fix these issues when you know how. Before you attempt any repairs, you must first clean your lock. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, wipe away any debris or stains that might be preventing your lock from functioning properly. Make use of hot soapy water and a bit of grit to clean the lock mechanism. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them. The majority of patio doors have a mortise lock that is secure, however, it is susceptible to problems in the course of time. If your uPVC lock is stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. The next step is to loosen the screws that secure the latch body in place. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you'll be ready to remove the latch from its slot in the door frame. After the latch has been removed, you can lubricate it with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/harrow-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ don't have WD40, you can also use a graphite pencil to remove any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you might need to move the your lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by a professional. But you can practice repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, and then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws keep the cylinder in place. Lubricate the Lock Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to lubricate both the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and extend its lifespan. Dry graphite is an excellent method to lubricate small metal parts, like locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also more durable than liquids. It's simple to use and is suitable for use on sliding doors tracks for garage doors, and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant specifically designed for lock cylinders. Liquid lubricants may be more efficient than graphite powder, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and won't attract as much dust and dirt as other types of liquid fluids. They work well at high and low temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants may create accumulation over time and could displace other lubricants you've used. Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants because they're long-lasting and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also good for cold climates since they can stop the accumulation of ice inside the lock. If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it's likely to be worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will take apart the lock mechanism, and then install an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with the keys you have. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with an cylinder for your lock, a professional can replace it to increase security and safety. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door to are in keeping with the rest of the door. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it don't work, the issue could be that the door latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or door frame. Open the sliding patio door and examine the top and bottom of the opening of the latch. If the door is in line with the jamb or the frame and you are able to check, then it is. If not, remove the screws fixing the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch's hasp as the door is closed. The latch is also sometimes difficult to close because the cylinder has worn out. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, and you'll need an alternative. You should select a cylinder that has the same keyway and size as the one you had previously. This allows you to replace it easily by unscrewing the two halves and inserting the replacement cylinder. You can find replacement cylinders in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of your current cylinder so you can buy one that is compatible with it. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then visit your local hardware store to seek assistance. Once you have the new cylinder in place, unscrew it from the flat screw holding it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame using the screwdriver. Put the screw somewhere safe so you don't lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout inside the door) and then loosen it enough to allow the cylinder to rotate. Replace the Lock A patio door lock that isn't working properly can cause serious danger to your security. It's not common for dirt and other debris to get lodged inside the lock mechanism however if the issue isn't addressed promptly the lock will eventually fail and cease to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires a few tools and a small amount of time. Begin by examining the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch doesn't work the latch could be bent to far to function properly. If this is the case, you should replace the lock latch using a mortise locking system to ensure it's as strong and secure as possible. Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're not confident about tackling this DIY project. They'll have the equipment and know-how to install the lock properly. Keeping your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Make sure the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. It is important to use a lubricant that is specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For best results, apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.