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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

Keep your patio doors in a good condition to safeguard your home from intruders. However, the elements could cause the doors and locks to be misaligned or damaged.

If your patio door lock does not perform as it should You can make basic repairs at home. 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 amount of glass and convenient position within a home. It is crucial that your locks are working correctly to keep your home safe. There are a few easy methods to repair patio door locks that have stopped working.

First, examine the lock and ensure that nothing is blocking it from latching or locking. You should take care to address any issues you discover like loose screws or corrosion. In some instances, a slight adjustment to the patio door's position may be enough to solve the problem.

Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to fail to function properly. To prevent this from happening, make sure to clean your patio door frequently and clean the lock hardware. You can use a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but remember to dry the lock thoroughly afterward.

In addition, it's an ideal idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are similar to those used in a finely tuned machine. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck as with any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a small amount of lubricant could be used to get rid of any debris or dirt from the lock's cylinder. This will help keep it running at a high speed.

Knowing the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is also important. This will help you locate the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to go about this, it is advisable to talk to a locksmith or professional tradesperson to get help.

Clean the Lock

The intricate parts of the door lock could jam up over time due to dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These problems can threaten your home's security. However, it's not difficult to fix these problems If you know how.

Before you attempt any repairs, clean your lock. Clean any stains and debris with a moist cloth. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to clean the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any dirt or grime that has built up over time. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them.

Most patio doors are secured with a mortise locking system. This is a secure lock but can develop problems in time. If your uPVC lock is stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For a uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of soapy water. Next, you'll want to loosen the screws that keep the latch in place. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you can remove the latch from its slot in the door frame.

Once the latch is detached, you can lubricate the lock with an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't own WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to remove dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you might need to move the your lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and is best done by a professional. But you can practice moving the cylinder around without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, after which drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that keep the cylinder in place.

Lubricate the Lock

If your lock is clean from dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and extend its lifespan.

Dry graphite powder is ideal for lubricating small metal components such as locks, because it's not oily or sticky and lasts for longer than liquid greases. It's simple to use and can be used on sliding doors tracks for garage doors and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders.

Liquid lubricants can be more efficient than graphite powder particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They work well at low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may build up over time, and can displace other lubricants you've used.

Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they last longer and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also excellent for cold conditions, since they prevent the build-up of ice within the lock.

If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your keys. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. If your door doesn't have the lock cylinder or faceplate, a professional can install it to increase security and security. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors 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 and lubricating it don't work, the problem may be that the latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. Open the sliding patio door and look up and down at the latch opening. If the door is in line with the frame or jamb and you are able to check, then it is. 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 hasp tightly when the door is shut.

The latch can also be difficult to close as the cylinder is worn out. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, and you'll need an alternative. You should choose one with the same keyway and size as the previous one. This will allow you to replace it with ease by unscrewing the two halves before inserting the new cylinder.





Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your existing cylindrical to purchase the replacement. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then visit the local hardware store for assistance.

Once you have the new cylinder in place remove it from the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock 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 in the door) and let it loose enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that's not working properly could pose an extremely risk to security. Dirt and debris could become stuck within the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't addressed promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and won't longer offer security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires just some tools and a little time.

Start by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If cleaning and lubrication don't aid, the latch may be too bent to work properly. If this is the case, you should replace the latch with mortise locking to ensure that it's as solid and secure as you can.

Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're unsure in tackling this DIY task. They will have all the equipment and know-how to install the lock properly.

Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock functioning properly. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant you use is vital, so be certain to select one specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). For best results apply the lubricant direct to the key hole of the lock mechanism.