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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

Keep your patio doors in a good condition to safeguard 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 perform as it should it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway, and handle.

Check the Lock

Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their large amounts of glass and their convenient position within a home. It is important that your locks function correctly to keep your home safe. There are a few easy ways to repair patio door locks that have stopped working.

The first step is to inspect the lock and ensure that there is nothing blocking it from latching or locking. If you notice any issues, such as loose screws or rust, or even the wrong alignment, these must be addressed immediately. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio doors repair door might be enough to fix the problem.

Another issue that is common is debris or dust that can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. To prevent this from happening, ensure that you clean your patio door on a regular basis and wipe down the lock hardware. You can apply a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but remember to dry the lock thoroughly afterwards.

It is also a good idea to lubricate your lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to the parts of a fine-tuned machine, and they could become stuck and jammed like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant, can be used to clean any dirt or debris from the lock cylinder. This will keep it functioning smoothly.

Identifying the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is also crucial. This will allow you to find the perfect lock to match your current mechanism. If you're unsure of how to proceed get help, consult a professional locksmith or tradesperson for assistance.

Clean the Lock

Over time, hot and cold weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate parts of your door lock to become jammed. These problems can compromise your home's security. These issues are easy to solve if you know how to do.

Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. Wipe away any stains and debris with a moist cloth. Use hot soapy water and a little grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them.

The majority of patio doors are secured by mortise locking mechanisms. This is a safe lock but can develop issues in time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Begin by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to unfasten the screws that keep the latch in place. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be able to take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.

Once the latch is detached and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock using a light engineering oil like WD40. If you don't own WD40 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to eliminate any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working, you might need to move the lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and is best done by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without needing to remove it from the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws holding the cylinder in place are.

Lubricate the Lock

When your lock is free from dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant will keep your lock in good condition, and extends its life.

Dry graphite powder is great for lubricating small metal components such as locks, because it's not oily or sticky and lasts for longer than liquid greases. It's easy to apply and you can apply it to sliding doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders.

Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and do not attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They are effective at both high and low temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants can cause buildup over time and can replace other lubricants you've tried.

Teflon Lubricants are an ideal substitute for silicone lubricants, since they are long-lasting and do not attract dirt or dust. They're also great for colder environments since they can help keep ice from accumulating within the lock.

If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's probably worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith can remove the lock mechanism and put in a new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also repair patio door lock or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door doesn't have a lock cylinder, a professional can replace it to increase security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that match the rest of the door.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning and lubricating the door doesn't work, the issue could be due to the latch on the door isn't aligned properly with the jamb or frame. To check this you need to open the sliding patio door, and look up and down from the latch opening to determine whether the door is in line to the frame or jamb. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch is able to catch the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is closed.

The latch may also be difficult to close as the cylinder has worn out. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, so you'll need to get an alternate. It is important to choose the new cylinder that's the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same keyway, so that you can easily replace it by screwing the two parts of the lock apart and then inserting the new one.

Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your existing cylinder to buy the replacement. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then, visit your local hardware store for assistance.

Once you have the new cylinder installed remove it from the flat screw holding it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure to ensure you don't lose 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's not functioning properly can be an immediate security risk. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to get stuck inside the lock mechanisms however if the issue isn't dealt with quickly enough the lock could eventually break down and stop providing security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires only a few tools and a little time.

Begin by examining the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch doesn't work the latch could be bent too much to work properly. If this is the case, replace the latch with mortise locking to ensure that it's as secure and strong as possible.

If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project yourself, consult with an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to help you with the installation of a new lock. They will have the experience and tools to complete the task correctly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door.

Maintaining your patio door lock in good condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Check that the knobs and handle aren't loose and if they're tighten them as required. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant is important, so be sure to choose one that's specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to get the best results.