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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Maintaining your patio doors in good order will help safeguard your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors as well as their locks. You can repair your patio door lock on your own if it is not working correctly. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway and handle. Inspect the Lock Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their large amount of glass and the convenient position within a home. It is important that your locks are working properly to ensure your home is secure. Luckily, there are some simple ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that have stopped working correctly. The first step is to inspect the lock and make sure there is nothing blocking it from locking or latching. If you find any issues such as loose screws or rust, or even the wrong alignment, these must be addressed promptly. In some instances an adjustment of just a few inches to the direction of the patio door may suffice to resolve the problem. Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism to fail to perform as it should. Clean your patio door and clean the lock hardware frequently to avoid this. If necessary, you can use mild soap. However, you must be sure that you dry the lock completely afterward. In addition, it is a good idea to lubricate the lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like the parts of a fine-tuned machine, and they could be jammed and stuck just as any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant can be used to clean any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock's cylinder. This will help keep it running at a high speed. It is crucial to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you find an appropriate lock that is compatible with the existing mechanism. If you're not sure what to do get help, consult an expert locksmith or tradesperson to get help. Clean the Lock Over time, hot and cold weather, dust, and dirt can cause the intricate parts of your door lock to get jammed. These issues can compromise your security at home. But it's simple to fix these problems If you know how. Before you attempt any repairs, first clean your lock. Wipe away any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Then, use a little hot soapy water to wash the lock mechanism and remove any grime or grit that has built up over time. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them. The majority of patio doors are secured using mortise locking mechanisms. This is a secure lock, but it is susceptible to issues with time. If you're uPVC locks have become stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. For an uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of hot soapy water. The next step is to remove the screws that keep 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 by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't have a WD40 alternative, you could use graphite pencils to help remove any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you might need to move the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be handled by professionals. You can try repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, and then drawing 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 idea to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant helps keep your lock in top shape, which will extend its life. Dry graphite powder is ideal for lubricating small metal components like locks since it's not sticky or oily and lasts longer than liquid greases. 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-type graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock cylinders. Liquid lubricants may be more effective than graphite powder especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They are efficient at low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants may create buildup over time and can displace other lubricants you've used. Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they last for a long time and don't attract dust and dirt. They are also great for cold environments, as they prevent the build-up of ice inside the lock. If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely to be worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith can dismantle the lock mechanism, and then install an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your current keys. They can also make repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. If your door doesn't have an cylinder for your lock or faceplate, a professional can install it to increase security and safety. They can also install an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be that the door latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the frame of the door. To check this open the sliding patio door and sight both ways from the door's opening to see whether the door is in line with the frame or jamb. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it up or down until the latch is able to catch the latch tightly when the door is shut. Sometimes, the latch can be difficult to close due to a worn-out cylinder. You'll require a new cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. You should choose a cylinder that has the same keyway and size as the previous one. This allows you to replace it easily by removing the two halves and putting in the replacement cylinder. Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. 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 know the model or manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then, visit the local hardware store for assistance. Once you have a new cylinder, loosen the screw with a flat head that is holding it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and the door frame. Set the screw in a secure location so that you don't lose it or damage it. Then, loosen enough the set screw on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door). Replace the Lock A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly can be a serious security risk. Dirt and debris could get caught in the lock mechanisms. If this issue isn't addressed promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and won't longer offer security. It's a straightforward DIY project to change the patio door lock. You'll only need the tools you need and some time. Begin by looking at the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubrication don't help, the lock latch may be bent too much to work properly. If this is the case, you should replace the latch with mortise locking systems to ensure that it's as secure and strong as you can. Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're not sure in tackling this DIY task. Repair My Windows And Doors will have all the tools and expertise needed to properly install the lock. Routine maintenance is essential to keep your patio door lock operating effectively. Make sure that the knobs and handles aren't loose and, if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least every year to keep it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather should be lubricated more frequently. The type of lubricant used is crucial, so make certain to select one specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). For best results apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.