How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keeping your patio doors in good in good order will safeguard your home from intruders who aren't yours. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to your patio doors and their locks. You can repair your patio door lock yourself in the event that it isn't working correctly. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway, and latch. Check the Lock Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge glass size and their central position within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore important to ensure your home's security. There are easy methods to troubleshoot or repair patio door locks that have stopped working correctly. The first step is to check the lock to see if anything is preventing it from locking or latching. If you find any issues, such as loose screws, rust, or the wrong alignment, these must be addressed promptly. In some instances an adjustment of the door's location could suffice to resolve the issue. Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism to perform as it should. Clean your patio door and wipe down the lock hardware frequently to prevent this. If you need to, use a mild soap solution. But, be sure that the lock is dried completely afterwards. In addition, it is a good idea to lubricate the lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a fine-tuned machine, so they can be jammed and stuck just as any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant will help dislodge any dirt or debris that may have accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and keep it operating smoothly. It is crucial to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will allow you to find the perfect lock to match your existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to do it, contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson for assistance. Clean the Lock Over time, hot and cold weather dust and dirt can cause the delicate parts of your door lock to become blocked. These problems can compromise the security of your home. These problems are easy to solve if you know what to do. Before you attempt any repairs, first clean your lock. Clean up any stains or debris with a moist cloth. Use hot soapy water and a bit of grit to clean the lock mechanism. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them. Most patio doors are fitted with mortise locks, which is secure but can be prone to problems over time. If your uPVC lock is stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For an uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that hold the body of the latch in the position. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be able to remove the latch from its slot in the door frame. Once the latch is detached, you can lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't have a WD40 alternative, you could use a graphite pencil to help get rid of any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work it may be necessary to move the lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and is best done by a professional. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without needing to remove it from the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame inside the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder 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. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good shape and extend its lifespan. Dry graphite is an excellent option to lubricate tiny metal parts, such as locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also longer-lasting than liquids. It's easy to use and is suitable for use on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and door hinges. 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 are water resistant and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other types of liquid fluids. They work well at low and high temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can build up over time and eventually replace other lubricants you've tried. Teflon oil can be an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they are long-lasting and do not attract dirt or dust. They're also good for cold climates since they'll keep ice from accumulating inside the lock. If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, then it's likely to be worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a the new cylinder that matches your keys. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder if the door does not have one. This will increase security and safety. They can also put the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning the lock and lubricating it don't work, the problem may be that the latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the frame of the door. To test this, open the sliding patio door and sight up and down from the door's opening to see whether the door is in line with the frame or jamb. If not, remove the screws fixing the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch hasp when the door is closed. Sometimes, the latch isn't closing properly because of a worn-out cylinder. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, which is why you'll require an alternate. It is important to choose the new cylinder that's the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same keyway, so you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two parts of the lock apart and inserting the new cylinder. You can purchase replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of your existing cylinder in order to buy one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number then take a photo of the cylinder and its mounting screws, and then go to a hardware store to get assistance. Once you have the new cylinder installed take it off the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame with the help of a screwdriver. Place the screw in a safe place so that you do not 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's not functioning properly could pose a serious security risk. Dirt and debris can get stuck in the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't treated promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and no will be able to provide security. It's a simple DIY project to replace the patio door lock. You only need just a few tools and a bit of time. Begin by examining the lock to see what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch fails the latch could be bent too much to work properly. In this situation it's best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure it is as secure and strong as is possible. If you're not comfortable with this DIY project on your own, consult with an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you with the installation of an entirely new lock. They'll have the knowledge and tools to do it properly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door. Routine maintenance is essential to keep your patio door lock operating correctly. Make https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/canterbury-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ that the handle and knobs aren't loose and if they're, tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. It is essential to select a lubricant which is specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to get best results.