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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keep your patio doors in a good working condition to protect your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements could cause the doors and locks to become misaligned or damaged. You can repair your patio door lock by yourself 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 house. It is crucial that your locks are working properly to keep your home safe. There are easy solutions to fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning. The first step is to inspect the lock and make sure there is nothing blocking it from latching or locking. If you find any issues like loose screws, rust, or the wrong alignment, these must be addressed immediately. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio door could suffice to resolve the problem. Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to fail to work properly. To avoid this happening, make sure to clean your patio door on a regular basis and wipe down the lock's hardware. You can use a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but be sure to dry the lock completely afterward. In addition, it is recommended to oil the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a finely tuned machine, which means that they can get stuck and jammed just like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant can help to dislodge any dirt or debris that has accumulated inside the lock cylinder and ensure that it is operating efficiently. It is essential to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you choose the perfect lock to match the existing mechanism. If you're not sure what to do get help, consult a professional locksmith or tradesperson to get help. Clean the Lock The intricate parts of the door lock could get jammed over time due to dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These issues could compromise your home's security. These problems are easy to solve if you know how to do. Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Wipe away any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Make use of hot soapy water and a bit of grit to clean the lock mechanism. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them. Most patio doors are fitted with mortise locks that is safe 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 start by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to remove the screws that secure the latch body in the position. With the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be able to remove the latch from its slot in the door frame. After the latch has been removed, you can lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't have WD40, you can also try using graphite pencils to help get rid of any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you may have to relocate the locks cylinders. This will require some additional tools and is best done by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without having to take it off the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are. Lubricate the Lock If your lock is clean of dirt and debris, it's a good time to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant will keep your lock in good shape, which will extend its life. Dry graphite is a fantastic option to lubricate tiny metal parts, such as locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also more durable than liquids. It is easy to use and can be used on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock-cylinders. Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and will not attract as much dust or dirt as other kinds of liquid lubricants. They work well at high and low temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants may create accumulation over time and could displace other lubricants you've used. Teflon lubricants can be an ideal substitute for silicone lubricants, as they are long-lasting and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also suitable for cold environments because they'll prevent ice from building up inside the lock. If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will remove the lock mechanism and install an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your current keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if the door does not have one. This can increase safety and security. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door that are compatible with the rest. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it don't work, the issue could be that the latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or frame of the door. To determine this, 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 you can loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch catches the latch tightly when the door is closed. The latch can also be difficult to close due to the cylinder has worn out. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, which is why you'll need to get an alternative. It is recommended to select a cylinder with the same keyway and dimensions as the one you had previously. This allows you to replace it with ease by unscrewing the two halves before inserting the replacement cylinder. Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of your existing cylinder so you can buy one that matches it. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number you can take a photograph of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws, and then go to the hardware store for assistance. Once you have a new cylinder, remove the flat screw that holds it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure so you don't lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout of the door) and then loosen it enough to allow the cylinder to rotate. Replace the Lock A patio door lock that's not functioning properly could be a major risk to your security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to become lodged in the lock's mechanisms If this isn't addressed quickly enough the lock could eventually fail and stop providing security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires only some tools and a bit of time. Begin by examining the lock and determining the cause of the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch does not work the latch could be bent too far to work properly. In this situation it's best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure it is as secure and strong as is possible. Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're not sure about undertaking this DIY project. They will have all the tools and experience to install the lock properly. Repair My Windows And Doors is the key to keeping your patio door lock working correctly. Make sure the knobs and handle aren't loose and if they're, tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to avoid it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated regularly. It is crucial to use a lubricant that has been specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). To get the best results apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.