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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keep your patio doors in a good condition to guard your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements may cause the doors and locks to become misaligned or damaged. You can fix your patio door lock by yourself if it is not working correctly. These steps can fix issues with the handle, keyway, and latch. Check the Lock Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large amount of glass and the convenient position within a home. It is important to ensure your home is safe. There are easy ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that aren't functioning properly. The first step is to check the lock to ensure nothing is preventing it from locking or latching. You must address any issues you find like loose screws or corrosion. In some cases, a small adjustment to the position of the patio door may suffice to solve the problem. Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism not to work properly. To avoid this happening, ensure that you clean your patio door regularly and wipe down the lock hardware. If needed, you can apply a mild soap solution. But, be sure to dry the lock completely afterward. In addition, it is a good idea to lubricate the lock regularly. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a fine-tuned machine, which means that they can get stuck and jammed just like any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant will help get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and help keep it running smoothly. Knowing the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is crucial. This can help you choose a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the current mechanism. If you're not sure how to do this, it's advisable to speak with an expert tradesperson or locksmith for 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 issues can compromise your home's security. These problems are easy to solve if you know how to do. Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. With a damp cloth, clean any stains or debris that may hinder your lock from working properly. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any dirt or grime that has accumulated over time. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before re-using them. Most patio doors are secured by a mortise locking system. This is a safe lock, but it is susceptible to problems with time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For the uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of hot soapy water. Then, take off the screws that are holding the body of the latch in the position. With the latch plate and handle removed, you can remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame. Once the latch is removed and lubricated, you can apply with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have WD40 or similar product, you can try using graphite pencils to help remove any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you may need to reposition lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be handled by a professional. But you can practice moving the cylinder around without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that hold the cylinder in place. Lubricate the Lock When your lock is free of debris and dirt, it's a good time to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its lifespan. Dry graphite is an excellent way to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also longer-lasting than liquids. It's easy to apply and you can use it on sliding doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is specifically designed for lock cylinders. Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and do not attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They work well at high and low temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants can cause buildup over time and can be displaced by other lubricants that you've used. Teflon Lubricants are a good substitute for silicone lubricants, because they last longer and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also suitable for cold environments because they can prevent ice from building up within the lock. If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it's probably worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will dismantle the lock mechanism and install an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your existing keys. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder in case your door does not have one. This will increase security and safety. They can also install a new lock faceplate on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning it and lubricating it does not work, the issue could be due to the latch on the door is not aligned correctly with the jamb or frame. To test this open the sliding patio door and sight up and down from the opening of the latch to determine whether the door is aligned to the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it up or down until the latch catches the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is closed. The latch can also be difficult to close as the cylinder is worn. You'll require a new for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is recommended to select a cylinder with the same keyway and size as the previous one. This will allow you to replace it easily by removing the two halves and inserting the replacement cylinder. You can purchase replacement cylinders at a variety of home improvement stores. You'll need the name and model number of your current cylindrical to purchase the replacement. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then go to your local hardware store for help. If you have a brand new cylinder, unscrew the screw with a flat head that holds it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame with a screwdriver. 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 in the door) and let it loose enough to allow the cylinder to rotate. Replace the Lock A patio door lock that isn't working properly could pose a serious security risk. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to become lodged in the lock mechanism however if the issue isn't dealt with quickly enough the lock could eventually fail and no longer provide security. Replacing patio door repair near me is a simple DIY project that requires some tools and a bit of time. Start by inspecting the lock to determine what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch fails it could be bent to far to function properly. If this is the case, replace the lock latch using a mortise locking system to ensure that it's as strong and secure as it can be. Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're unsure about undertaking this DIY project. They'll have the tools and experience to install the lock properly. Keeping your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Make sure that the handle and knobs aren't loose, and if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least once per year to prevent it from squeezing or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is important to select a lubricant which is specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism to get the best results.