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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. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors as well as their locks. If your patio door lock does not operate properly, you can make some 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 large amounts of glass and their central position within a home. patio door repair near me is essential that your locks are working properly to keep your home secure. There are a few 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 that is hindering it from locking or latching. It is important to deal with any issues you spot like loose screws or rust. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the patio door's position may be sufficient to fix the issue. Another issue that is common is dust or debris that could cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. To avoid this occurring, be sure to clean your patio door regularly and wipe down the lock hardware. You can use a mild detergent solution if necessary, but always remember to dry the lock completely afterward. In addition, it's recommended to oil the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are similar to those found in a finely tuned machine. They can jam or become stuck as with any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a small amount of lubricant can be used to get rid of any dirt or debris from the lock cylinder. This will help keep it running at a high speed. Identifying the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is important. This will help you find an appropriate lock that is compatible with your current mechanism. If you're not sure how to accomplish this, it's best to talk to an expert locksmith or tradesperson to get help. Clean the Lock The intricate parts of the door lock may jam up over time because of dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These problems can threaten your home's security. These problems are easy to solve if you know how to do. Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. Clean up any stains or debris using a damp cloth. Then use a bit of 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, allow them to dry completely before re-using them. The majority of patio doors are secured using mortise locking mechanisms. This is a safe lock, but it is susceptible to problems in time. If your uPVC lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. The next step is to loosen the screws that keep the latch in the position. After you have removed the latch plate and handle, you can remove it from its slot on the door frame. After the latch has been removed, you can lubricate the lock with an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't own WD40 alternative, you could use a graphite pencil to help dislodge any grit or dirt within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may need to reposition locks cylinders. This will require some additional tools and is best done by an expert. But you can practice moving the cylinder around without removing it from the door by opening and closing the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, after which drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that secure the cylinder. Lubricate the Lock Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to lubricate both the keyhole and the locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its life. Dry graphite powder is ideal for lubricating small metal components like locks because it's not oily or sticky and lasts 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 recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock cylinders. Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and won't attract as much dust and dirt as other kinds of liquid lubricants. They are effective in low and high temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can build up over time, and can displace other lubricants you've used. Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants since they last longer and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also excellent for cold climates, since they can help prevent ice accumulation inside the lock. If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, then it is probably worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and install an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with the keys you have. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder in case your door does not have one. This will improve safety and security. They can also put the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning the lock and lubricating it do not work, the issue could be that the door latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. To test this you need to open the sliding patio door and look upwards and downwards from the latch opening to determine whether the door is in line with the jamb or frame. If not, loosen the screws fixing the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the lock latch is securely catching the latch's hasp as the door closes. Sometimes the latch can be difficult to close because of a worn-out cylinder. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, which is why you'll need to get a replacement. It is recommended to select a cylinder that has the same keyway and size like the one that came before it. This will allow you to change it quickly by unbolting the two halves before inserting the replacement cylinder. Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need the name and model number of your current cylinder to purchase an alternative. If you don't have the model or manufacturer you can take a photograph of the cylinder along with its mounting screws, and then go to a hardware store to get assistance. When you have a new cylinder, unscrew the screw with a flat head that holds it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure to ensure you don't lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout inside the door) and then loosen it enough to turn the cylinder. Replace the Lock A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could pose a serious risk to your security. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to get lodged inside the lock's mechanisms, but if this isn't dealt with quickly enough the lock could eventually fail and cease to provide security. It's a simple DIY project to change the patio door lock. You only need a few tools and some time. Begin by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch does not work, it may be bent too much to work properly. If this is the case, replace the lock latch with mortise locking systems to ensure it's as solid and secure as it can be. Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're unsure in tackling this DIY task. They'll have the equipment and know-how to install the lock properly. Regular maintenance is the key to keep your patio door lock working correctly. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose, and if they are tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to keep it from becoming stuck or stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more frequently. It is essential to use a lubricant that has been specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve the best results.