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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

Maintaining your patio doors in good order will help protect your home from intruders who aren't yours. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to your patio doors and their locks.

You can fix your patio door lock by yourself when it's not working properly. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway, and handle.

Inspect the Lock

Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their large quantity of glass and their convenient position within a home. It is crucial that your locks work properly to keep your home secure. There are easy ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that aren't working correctly.

The first step is to check the lock to make sure nothing is preventing it from locking or latching. You should deal with any issues you spot, such as loose screws or corrosion. In some cases an adjustment of just a few inches to the location of the patio door could be enough to fix the issue.

Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism not to perform as it should. To prevent this from happening, ensure that you clean your patio door frequently and clean the lock hardware. If needed, you can apply mild soap. However, you must be sure that you dry the lock completely afterward.

It is also a good idea lubricate your lock regularly. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are similar to those in a machine that is finely tuned. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck like any mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help dislodge any dirt or debris that may have accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and keep it operating smoothly.

Knowing the exact dimensions of your patio repair near me door lock is important. This can help you find the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with the current mechanism. If you aren't sure how to go about this, it's advisable to speak with a locksmith or professional tradesperson to get help.

Clean the Lock

The intricate parts of the door lock can jam up over time due to dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These problems can threaten your home's security. These issues are simple to fix if you know what to do.

Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Clean up any stains or debris using a damp cloth. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to clean the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any grit or grime that has accumulated 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 secure, however, it is susceptible to issues in the course of time. If your uPVC locks are stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to unfasten the screws that secure the latch body in place. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you can take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.

Once the latch is removed it is possible to lubricate the lock using an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have WD40 alternative, you could try using a graphite pencil to remove any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work it may be necessary to reposition the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and is best done by a professional. However, you can practice shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by opening and closing 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

Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time for lubrication of the keyhole and the locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and extend its lifespan.

Dry graphite is a fantastic method to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also longer-lasting than liquids. It's easy to apply, and you can also use it on 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 are more effective than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and will not attract as much dust or dirt as other liquid lubricants. They are efficient at high and low temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants can cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may replace other lubricants you've tried.

Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they last for a long time and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also good for colder environments since they can help stop the accumulation of ice inside the lock.

If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your existing keys. They can also make repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. If your door does not have the lock cylinder or faceplate, a professional can install it to increase security and safety. They can also put 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 do not work, then the issue could be that the latch on the door is not properly aligned with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio door and take a look upwards and downwards at the opening of the latch. If the door is aligned with the frame or jamb then you can test. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch is able to catch the latch tightly when the door is closed.

The latch is also sometimes difficult to close due to the cylinder is worn out. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, which is why you'll need an alternate. You should choose one with the same keyway and size like the one that came before it. This will allow you to change it quickly by removing the two halves and inserting the new cylinder.

You can find replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll need the brand and model number of your current cylindrical to purchase the replacement. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then visit your local hardware store for help.

If you have a brand new cylinder, loosen the screw with a flat head that holds it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and the door frame. Place the screw in a safe place to ensure you don't loose or damage it. Then, loosen the set screw that is on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door).

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that isn't working properly can be a major risk to your security. Dirt and debris can get caught in the lock mechanisms. If this issue isn't treated promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires some tools and a small amount of time.

Start by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the problem. If lubricating and cleaning don't aid, the latch could be bent too much to perform as it should. If this is the case, you should replace the lock latch with mortise locking systems to ensure it's as secure and strong as possible.

Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're unsure in tackling this DIY task. They will have all the tools and expertise needed to properly install the lock.

Keeping your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Make sure the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to prevent it from becoming stuck or stiff. Locks that have been subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. It is crucial to select a lubricant which has been specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For the best results apply the lubricant direct onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.