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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keep your patio doors in a good condition to guard your home against unwanted intruders. However, the elements may cause the doors and their locks to be misaligned or damaged. You can repair your patio door lock by yourself if it is not working properly. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway, and latch. Inspect the Lock Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their huge glass size and convenient place within a house. A lock that is functional and secure is essential to ensure that your home's security. Fortunately, there are easy ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that aren't working correctly. First, inspect the lock to ensure nothing is blocking it from latching or locking. If you notice any issues like loose screws, rust, or the wrong alignment, these must be addressed immediately. In some cases an adjustment of just a few inches to the location of the patio door could suffice to solve the problem. Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to work properly. To avoid this happening, ensure that you clean your patio door frequently and clean the lock's hardware. You can use a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterward. It is also a good idea to lubricate your lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a fine-tuned machine, so they can get stuck and jammed just like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant could be used to get rid of any dirt or debris from the lock's cylinder. This will keep it running smoothly. Knowing the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is also crucial. This will help you locate the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with the current mechanism. If you aren't sure how to do this, it is advisable to talk to an expert tradesperson or locksmith for assistance. Clean the Lock The intricate parts of the door lock may jam up over time due to dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These problems can threaten your home's security. But it's easy to fix these problems If you know how. Before making any repairs, first clean your lock. Clean up any stains or debris with a damp cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a small amount of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them. Most patio doors are secured with mortise locking mechanisms. This is a safe lock but can develop problems over time. If your uPVC locks has become stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Then, take off the screws that are holding the body of the latch in the position. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be able to take the latch out of its slot in the door frame. Once the latch is detached and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock with an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't own WD40 alternative, you could try using a graphite pencil to dislodge any grit or dirt within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work it is possible to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and is best done by an expert. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without having to take it off the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame inside the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are. Lubricate the Lock After your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to lubricate both the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant can keep your lock in good shape, extending its lifespan. Dry graphite powder is great for lubricating small metal components like locks because it's not oily or sticky, and it lasts longer than liquid greases. It's easy to use and is suitable for use on sliding doors tracks for garage doors, and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders. Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite especially in humid climates. patio door repairs are resistant to water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They work well in both low and high temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can get accumulated over time and eventually replace other lubricants that you've used. Teflon Lubricants are an ideal substitute for silicone lubricants, as they are long-lasting and do not attract dirt or dust. They're also good for cold environments because they can help keep ice from accumulating within the lock. If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, then it is probably worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith can dismantle the lock mechanism and put in an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your current keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if your door isn't equipped with one. This will improve safety and security. They can also install the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be that the latch on the door is not properly aligned with the frame or jamb. To determine this, open the sliding patio door and sight up and down from the latch opening to see if the door is parallel to the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws holding the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the lock latch is securely catching the latch hasp when the door closes. Sometimes the latch can be difficult to close because of a worn-out cylinder. You'll require a new cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. It's important to choose a new cylinder that is exactly the same size as the previous one and has the same keyway, so you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two parts of the lock apart and inserting the new cylinder. Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of the existing cylinder so you can buy one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number, take a picture of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws and go to a hardware store to get help. Once you have the new cylinder installed take it off the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door as well as the door frame. Put the screw in a secure place so that you don't lose it or damage it. Then, loosen the set screw that is on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole in the door). Replace the Lock A patio door lock not functioning properly could be a major risk to your security. Dirt and debris can get stuck in the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't taken care of promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and will no longer provide security. It's a simple DIY task to change the patio door lock. It's all you need are a few tools and some time. Begin by inspecting the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubrication don't aid, the latch could be bent too much to function properly. If this is the case, you should replace the latch using mortise locking systems to ensure that it's as solid and secure as it can be. Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're unsure in tackling this DIY task. They'll have the expertise and tools to complete the task correctly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door. Regular maintenance is the key to ensure that your patio door lock functioning properly. Verify that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to avoid it from becoming stuck or stiff. It is recommended that locks exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more frequently. It is crucial to use a lubricant that is specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism for best results.