How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keep your patio doors in good condition to guard your home from intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to your patio doors and their locks. If your patio door lock doesn't work properly, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway, and handle. Check the Lock Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to the large amount of glass and their central place within a house. Having well-functioning locks is therefore essential to ensure that your home's security. Fortunately, there are easy ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly. The first step is to examine the lock to make sure nothing is hindering it from locking or latching. You must deal with any issues you spot like loose screws or corrosion. In some cases an adjustment of just a few inches to the direction of the patio door could suffice to resolve the problem. Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism not to work properly. To avoid this happening, ensure that you clean your patio door frequently and clean the lock's hardware. If necessary, you can use a mild soap solution. But, be sure that you dry the lock completely afterward. It is also a good idea to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are similar to those in a finely tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and get stuck just like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a small amount of lubricant can be used to clean any dirt or debris from the lock cylinder. This will help keep it running smoothly. The exact dimensions of the patio door lock is important. This can help you choose an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with the current mechanism. If you are unsure about how to accomplish this, it is advisable to speak with an expert tradesperson or locksmith for help. Clean the Lock The intricate parts of the door lock could get jammed over time because of dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These problems can compromise the security of your home. But it's simple to fix these issues If you know how. Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Clean up any stains or debris with a damp cloth. Then, use a little hot soapy water to clean the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any grit or grime that has accumulated over time. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them. Most patio doors are secured with mortise locking mechanisms. This is a secure lock but can develop problems in time. If your uPVC locks have become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. For a uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate with a little of hot soapy water. The next step is to unfasten the screws that secure the latch body in place. After you have removed the latch plate and handle, you can remove 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 with an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't own WD40, a graphite pen can be used to remove any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it may be necessary to move the lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and should be done by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without needing to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws that hold the locking cylinder are located. Lubricate the Lock If your lock is clean of debris and dirt It's the perfect time to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its lifespan. Dry graphite powder is excellent to lubricate small metal parts such as locks, because it's not oily or sticky and lasts longer than liquid greases. It's easy to use and can be used on sliding doors tracks for garage doors, and door hinges. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wythenshawe-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock cylinders. Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and won't attract as much dust and dirt as other liquid lubricants. They are suitable for high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants get accumulated over time and eventually replace other lubricants you've tried. Teflon Lubricants are an ideal alternative to silicone lubricants as they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also ideal for cold environments, as they can prevent ice buildup within the lock. If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a new cylinder matched to your keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if your door does not have one. This will increase security and safety. They can also put an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning it and lubricating it do not work, then the problem could be that the latch on the door isn't aligned properly with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio doors 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, loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the latch is securely catching the latch hasp when the door is closed. The latch can also be difficult to close due to the cylinder has worn out. You'll require a new for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is essential to select an alternative cylinder that is similar in size to the old one and has the same keyway, so you can easily replace it by screwing the two halves of the lock apart and then inserting the new cylinder. Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll need the brand and model number of your current cylinder to buy an alternative. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number, take a picture of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and head to an hardware store for help. If you have a brand new cylinder, unscrew the screw with a flat head that is holding it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. 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 in the door) and let it loose enough to turn 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 addressed promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and no will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires a few tools and little time. Start by inspecting the lock to determine what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the lock latch may be too bent to perform as it should. In this case it is recommended to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock so that it is as secure and strong as possible. Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're unsure about tackling this DIY project. They'll have the expertise and tools to complete the job correctly and make sure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door. Routine maintenance is essential to ensure that your patio door lock working effectively. Make sure the knobs and handle aren't loose and if they're tighten them as required. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are subject to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more frequently. It is important to select a lubricant which is specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism to get best results.