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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keep your patio doors in good condition to safeguard your home from intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors as well as their locks. If your patio door lock does not work properly You can make basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway and handle. Check the Lock Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their huge glass size and their convenient position within a home. A lock that is functional and secure is essential to ensure that your home is safe. Fortunately, there are simple ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly. First, inspect the lock and make sure there is nothing that is hindering it from locking or latching. If you notice any issues like loose screws or rust, or even the wrong alignment, these must be addressed promptly. In some instances an adjustment of the position of the patio door could be sufficient to fix the issue. Another issue that is common is debris or dust that could cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. Clean your patio door and clean all hardware of the lock regularly to avoid this. You can apply a mild detergent solution when needed, but ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterwards. It is also a good idea lubricate your lock regularly. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to the parts of a fine-tuned machine, so they can get stuck and jammed just as any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant will help remove any dirt or debris that has collected in the lock's cylinder, and help keep it running smoothly. Knowing the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is also crucial. This will help you locate a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you aren't sure how to go about this, it's best to speak with an expert locksmith or tradesperson for help. Clean the Lock The intricate parts of the door lock can jam up over time because of dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These issues can compromise your home security. These issues are simple to fix if you know what to do. Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. With sliding patio door repairs near me Repair My Windows And Doors , remove any dirt or stains that could hinder your lock from working properly. Make use of hot soapy water and a little grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again. The majority of patio doors have a mortise lock that is secure, but can be prone to problems in the course of time. If you're uPVC locks have become stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to unfasten the screws that keep the latch in the position. After removing the latch plate and handle and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame. Once the latch has been removed, you can lubricate it by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't have a WD40 alternative, you could try using a graphite pencil to remove any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work it is possible to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by an expert. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without having to remove it from the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame where the screws holding the locking cylinder are. Lubricate the Lock After your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to grease the lock and the keyhole themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant helps keep your lock in top shape, extending its lifespan. Dry graphite powder is great for lubricating small metal parts like locks because it's not oily or sticky, and it lasts longer than liquid lubricants. It is easy to use and is suitable for use on sliding doors tracks for garage doors, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock cylinders. Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other kinds of liquid fluids. They are suitable for high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may accumulate over time, and displace other lubricants you've used. Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also great for cold climates since they can help keep ice from accumulating inside the lock. If your lock cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with 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 in case your door isn't equipped with one. This will increase security and safety. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door to match the rest. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning and lubricating the door doesn't work, the problem could be that the latch on the door isn't properly aligned with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio door, and take a look upwards and downwards at the latch opening. If the door is aligned with the jamb or the frame then you can test. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch catches the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is closed. Sometimes, the latch is difficult to close due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. You'll require a new for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is important to choose a new cylinder that is exactly the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same style keyway, so you can easily replace it by screwing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new cylinder. Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. 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 and its mounting screws. Then, visit your local hardware store to seek help. When you have a new cylinder, unscrew the screw with a flat head that is holding it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame with the screwdriver. Set the screw somewhere secure so that you don't lose it. Then, loosen the set screw that is on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door). Replace the Lock A patio door lock that's not working properly could pose a serious security risk. Dirt and debris can get caught in the lock mechanisms. If this issue isn't addressed promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and won't longer offer security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires some tools and a small amount of time. Begin by looking at the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubrication don't help, the latch may be too bent to perform as it should. In this case it's best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock so that it's as strong and secure as possible. Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're unsure about tackling this DIY project. They'll have all the tools and expertise needed to properly install the lock. Regular maintenance is the key to ensure that your patio door lock operating correctly. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and, if they are, tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant used is important, so be sure to select one that's specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). To get the best results apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.