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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Maintaining your patio doors in good order will help safeguard your home from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements can cause the doors and locks to be damaged or misaligned. You can fix your patio door lock on your own 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 frequently targeted by burglars because of their large quantity of glass and their convenient position within a house. It is essential that your locks work properly to keep your home safe. There are a few easy methods to repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning. The first step is to examine the lock to see if anything hinders it from latching or locking. It is important to address any issues you find like loose screws or rust. In some instances, a small adjustment to the location of the patio door might suffice to resolve the issue. Another common issue is dust or debris that can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. To prevent this from occurring, be sure to clean your patio door on a regular basis and wipe down the lock hardware. If you need to, use a mild soap solution. However, make sure that you dry the lock completely afterward. It is also a good idea to to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are similar to those found in a machine that is finely tuned. They can jam and become stuck like any mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant can help get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated within the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly. Knowing the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is important. This can help you find the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you're unsure of how to do it, contact a professional tradesperson or locksmith for assistance. Clean the Lock Over time, hot and cold weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate components of your door lock to get blocked. These issues could compromise your home's security. These problems are easy to solve if you know what to do. Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Wipe away any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Then, use a little hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of your lock and wash away any grit or grime that has built up over time. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again. Most patio doors use a mortise lock that is safe but is susceptible to problems in the course of time. If you find that your uPVC locks have become stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. Start by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. The next step is to remove the screws that secure the latch body in place. After removing the latch handle and plate, you can remove it from its slot on the door frame. After the latch has been removed, you can lubricate the lock with a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't own WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to remove dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you may need to reposition locks cylinders. This requires additional tools and should be done by an expert. You can try shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by opening and closing the door with 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 debris and dirt it's a good idea to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good condition and extend its lifespan. Dry graphite powder is great to lubricate small metal parts like locks since it's not oily or sticky and lasts for longer than liquid fluid lubricants. It is easy to use and is suitable for use on sliding doors tracks for garage doors, and door hinges. 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 resistant to water and will not attract as much dust or dirt as other kinds of liquid lubricants. They work well at low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may accumulate over time, and displace other lubricants that you've used. Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants since they last for a long time and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also good for cold environments because they'll keep ice from accumulating inside the lock. If patio doors replacement seems extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith will take apart the lock mechanism and put in an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your existing keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door does not have the lock cylinder or faceplate, a professional can install it to increase security and security. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that are compatible with the rest. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it doesn't perform, the issue could be that the latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or door frame. To check this, open the sliding patio door and look upwards and downwards from the opening of the latch to see whether the door is in line to the frame or jamb. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch catches the latch hasp tightly when the door is shut. The latch may also be difficult to close as the cylinder is worn out. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, so you'll need a replacement. It is essential to select an alternative cylinder that is similar in size to the old one and has the same style keyway, so you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new one. Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your existing cylinder to buy an alternative. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number, take a picture of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws and head to an hardware store for help. Once you have the new cylinder in place take it off the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure to ensure you don't lose it. Then, loosen the set screw that is located on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door). Replace the Lock A patio door lock not working properly can pose a serious risk to your security. It's not common for dirt and other debris to get lodged inside the lock mechanism however if the issue isn't addressed promptly the lock could eventually break down and stop providing security. It's a straightforward DIY project to replace the patio door lock. It's all you need are the tools you need and some time. Begin by examining the lock to determine what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication don't aid, the latch could be bent too much to work properly. If this is the case, replace the lock latch with mortise locking systems to ensure that it's as secure and strong as it can be. If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project yourself contact an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you with the installation of the new lock. They will have the experience and tools to do it correctly and ensure that the new lock works with your patio door. Keeping your patio door lock in good working condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Make sure the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate the lock at least once per year to avoid it from becoming stuck or stiff. Locks that are exposed to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant you use is important, so be sure to select one that's specifically designed to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to get the best results.