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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keep your patio doors in good working condition to protect your home against unwanted intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and locks to be misaligned or damaged. If your patio door lock doesn't operate properly it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway, and handle. Inspect the Lock Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their large amount of glass and convenient location within a home. It is essential to ensure that your home's security. Luckily, there are some easy methods to troubleshoot or fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly. First, inspect the lock and make sure there is nothing blocking it from latching or locking. If you notice any issues, such as loose screws or rust, or misalignment, these should be addressed promptly. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the location of the patio door might be enough to fix the issue. Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism not to function properly. To prevent this from happening, make sure to clean your patio door on a regular basis and wipe down the lock hardware. If necessary, you can use a mild soap solution. But, be sure to dry the lock completely afterwards. It is also a good idea to regularly oil your lock. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a finely tuned machine, so they can be jammed and stuck just as any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant will help remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and keep it operating smoothly. Knowing the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also important. This can help you find a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you're unsure of how to do it you can contact a professional tradesperson or locksmith for assistance. Clean the Lock The intricate parts of the door lock may jam up over time because of dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues can affect the security of your home. These issues are simple to solve if you know what to do. Before making any repairs, clean your lock. With a damp cloth, wipe away any debris or stains that could be hindering your lock from working properly. 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 built up over time. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them. Most patio doors use a mortise lock that is safe but can be prone to problems over time. If you find that your uPVC locks are stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. For the uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of soapy water. Then, remove the screws that hold the body of the latch in the position. After you have removed the latch handle and plate and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame. After the latch has been 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 have a WD40, you can also use a graphite pencil to get rid of any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If patio doors repair near me Repair My Windows And Doors doesn't work, you might need to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be performed by professionals. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without having to take it off the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws holding the cylinder in place are. Lubricate the Lock If your lock is clean from dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its life. Dry graphite powder is great to lubricate small metal parts such as locks, because it's not oily or sticky, and it lasts longer than liquid fluid lubricants. It's easy to use and is suitable for use on sliding doors tracks for garage doors, and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock-cylinders. Liquid lubricants may be more efficient than graphite powder, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and won't attract as much dust and dirt as other kinds of liquid fluids. They are effective in low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants get accumulated over time, and displace other lubricants you've used. Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they last longer and do not attract dirt and dust. They are also great for cold conditions, since they can prevent ice buildup within the lock. If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith can dismantle the lock mechanism and put in an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your current keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door doesn't have the lock cylinder or faceplate, a professional can install it to improve security and security. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door to are in keeping with 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 is not properly aligned 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 in line with the jamb or the frame, then you can check. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it up or down until the latch catches the latch hasp tightly when the door is closed. The latch may also be difficult to close due to the cylinder is worn out. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, and you'll require an alternate. You should select a cylinder with the same keyway and size as the one you had previously. This will allow you to replace it easily by removing the two halves and putting in the replacement cylinder. Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of your existing cylinder to be able to purchase one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number, take a picture of the cylinder along with its mounting screws, and then go to a hardware store to get help. Once you have the new cylinder in place remove it from the flat screw holding it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame with the help of a screwdriver. Put the screw somewhere safe so that you do not lose it. Then, loosen enough the set screw on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole in the door). Replace the Lock A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could cause serious danger to your security. Dirt and debris could become stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this issue isn't addressed promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires only some tools and a small amount of time. Start by examining the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch doesn't work the latch could be bent too much to function properly. If this is the case, you should replace the lock latch with a mortise locking system to ensure that it's as solid and secure as you can. Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're unsure about undertaking this DIY project. They'll have the expertise and tools to complete the task properly and ensure that the new lock works with your patio door. Routine maintenance is essential to ensure that your patio door lock working properly. Make sure the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant you use is crucial, so make sure to select one that's specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). For best results apply the lubricant direct onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.