How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keep your patio doors in good condition to guard your home against unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors and their locks. You can fix your patio door lock yourself in the event that it isn't working properly. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway and handle. Check the Lock Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their large quantity of glass and their convenient position within a home. It is important to ensure your home is safe. Fortunately, there are easy ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that aren't functioning properly. The first step is to examine the lock to see if anything hinders it from locking or latching. If you spot any issues such as loose screws or rust, or even an issue with alignment, they should be addressed immediately. In some cases, a small adjustment to the position of the patio door may be enough to fix the issue. Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to fail to perform as it should. To avoid this happening, ensure that you clean your patio door on a regular basis and wipe down the lock hardware. If https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-crawley/ , you can use a mild soap solution. But, be sure that you dry the lock completely afterward. It is also a good idea that you regularly lubricate your lock. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like the parts of a fine-tuned machine, which means that they can be jammed and stuck just as any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help to dislodge any dirt or debris that may have accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and keep it operating smoothly. It is essential to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you choose a lock that perfectly matches your existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to proceed you can contact a professional locksmith or tradesperson to get help. Clean the Lock Over time, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the intricate components of your door lock to become stuck. These issues can compromise your home's security. But it's easy to fix these problems when you know how. Before you attempt any repairs, clean your lock. Clean any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to clean the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any dirt or grime that has accumulated over time. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again. Most patio doors use mortise locks, which is secure but is susceptible to issues over time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For the uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in the position. After you have removed the latch plate and handle and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame. After the latch has been removed, you can lubricate it with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't own WD40 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to eliminate dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you may need to reposition your lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and is best done by an expert. But you can practice shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, after which making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are located that secure the cylinder. Lubricate the Lock If your lock is clean from dirt and debris, it's a good time to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its lifespan. Dry graphite is an excellent method to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also more durable than liquids. It's easy to apply, and you can also use it on sliding doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant specifically designed for lock cylinders. Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other liquid fluids. They are effective in both low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants may create accumulation over time and could be displaced by other lubricants that you've used. Teflon lubricants can be an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They are also great for cold conditions, since they can prevent ice buildup inside the lock. If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, then it's probably worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart 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 in case your door does not have one. This can increase safety and security. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that are in keeping with the rest of the door. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning it and lubricating it does not work, the issue could be due to the latch on the door isn't aligned properly with the frame or jamb. To check this you need to open the sliding patio door and look upwards and downwards from the door's opening to see whether the door is aligned with the jamb or frame. If not, loosen 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 closes. The latch may also be difficult to close due to the cylinder is worn out. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, and you'll need to get an alternate. It is important to choose a new cylinder that is similar in size to the previous one and has the same keyway, which means you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two halves of the lock apart 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 existing cylinder to buy an alternative. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number you can take a photograph of the cylinder and its mounting screws and go to the hardware store for help. Once you have the new cylinder installed, unscrew it from the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame with a screwdriver. Place the screw in a safe location so you don't loose 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 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. Dirt and debris could become stuck within the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't taken care of immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires just a few tools and a little time. Start by examining the lock to see what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch fails it could be bent too far to function properly. If this is the case, you should replace the latch with mortise locking systems to ensure it's as solid and secure as possible. Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're unsure about undertaking this DIY project. They will have all the tools and experience to properly install the lock. Routine maintenance is essential to keep your patio door lock functioning properly. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and if they're tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to avoid it from becoming stuck or stiff. Locks that are subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is important to use a lubricant that has been 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 in the lock mechanism.