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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keep your patio doors in good condition to safeguard your home from intruders. However, the elements may cause the doors and their locks to become misaligned or damaged. You can fix your patio door lock by yourself in the event that it isn't working properly. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway and handle. Check the Lock Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and the convenient position within a house. It is crucial that your locks function properly to ensure your home is safe. There are easy ways to fix patio door locks which have stopped functioning. The first step is to inspect the lock to see if anything is preventing it from latching or locking. It is important to deal with any issues you spot such as loose screws or rust. In some cases an adjustment of just a few inches to the position of the patio door may suffice to resolve the issue. Another issue that is common is dust or debris which can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all hardware of the lock regularly to avoid this. If necessary, you can use a mild soap solution. However, make sure to dry the lock completely afterward. In addition, it's a good idea to lubricate the lock regularly. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a finely tuned machine, so they can get stuck and jammed 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 from the lock cylinder. replacing patio door will ensure that it is functioning smoothly. Identifying the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is also crucial. This can help you choose a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the current mechanism. If you're unsure of how to do it get help, consult a professional locksmith or tradesperson for assistance. Clean the Lock The intricate parts of the door lock may get jammed over time due to dust, dirt, and hot and cold weather. These issues could compromise your home security. These issues are simple to solve if you know what to do. Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. With a damp cloth, remove any stains or debris that may hinder your lock from functioning properly. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to clean the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any grime or grit that has accumulated over time. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them. Most patio doors use a mortise lock, which is secure but can be prone to problems over time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For an uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate with a little of hot soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. After removing the latch handle and plate then you can take it from its slot on the door frame. Once the latch is detached it is possible to lubricate the lock with an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have WD40 or a graphite pencil, a graphite pens can be used to clean dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work it may be necessary to move the lock cylinder. This will require some additional tools and is best done by a professional. But you can practice repositioning the cylinder 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 located that hold the cylinder in place. Lubricate the Lock If your lock is clean of dirt and debris It's the perfect time to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant helps keep your lock in top condition, and extends its life. Dry graphite powder is great for lubricating small metal components such as locks, because it's not sticky or oily, and it lasts longer than liquid fluid lubricants. It's easy to use and is suitable for use on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is specifically designed for lock cylinders. Liquid lubricants may be more efficient than graphite powder, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other kinds of liquid lubricants. They work well at high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants get accumulated over time, and displace other lubricants you've tried. Teflon Lubricants are an ideal alternative to silicone lubricants since they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also good for cold climates since they'll keep ice from accumulating within the lock. If your lock cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it is probably worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith will take apart the lock mechanism and install a new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder in case your door isn't equipped with one. This can increase safety and security. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door that are in keeping with the rest of the door. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning it and lubricating it doesn't work, the problem could be that the latch on the door isn't aligned correctly with the frame or jamb. To determine this, open the sliding patio door, and look both ways from the door's opening to see whether the door is aligned to the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it up or down until the latch is able to catch the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is closed. Sometimes, the latch is difficult to close due to a worn-out cylinder. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, so you'll need to get an alternative. It's important to choose a new cylinder that is the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same style keyway, so that you can easily replace it by screwing the two halves of the lock to one side and inserting the new cylinder. You can purchase replacement cylinders in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll need to know the brand and model of your existing cylinder to be able to purchase one that matches it. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then go to the local hardware store for assistance. Once you have the new cylinder installed take it off the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame with the help of a screwdriver. Set the screw in a safe place so that you don't lose or damage it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout in the door) and let it loose enough to turn the cylinder. Replace the Lock A patio door lock that isn't working properly could pose an extremely risk to security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to become lodged in the lock mechanism, but if this isn't addressed promptly the lock will eventually fail and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires just a few tools and bit of time. Begin by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch fails the latch could be bent too much to function properly. If this is the case, replace the latch with a mortise locking system to ensure that it's as strong and secure as you can. Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're unsure about tackling this DIY project. They'll have all the tools and experience to install the lock correctly. Routine maintenance is the key to keep your patio door lock operating effectively. Make sure that the handle and knobs aren't loose, and if they are, tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to keep it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant is vital, so be certain to select one specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism to get best results.