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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keep your patio doors in good condition to safeguard your home from intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and locks to become damaged or misaligned. You can fix your patio door lock on your own in the event that it isn't functioning properly. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway and latch. Check the Lock Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their large amount of glass and convenient location within a home. It is essential that your locks work correctly to keep your home safe. There are easy solutions to fix patio door locks that have stopped working. The first step is to examine the lock to see if anything is hindering it from latching or locking. If you find any issues like loose screws or rust, or an issue with alignment, they should be addressed immediately. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the direction of the patio door might be enough to fix the issue. Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to fail to perform as it should. To prevent this from occurring, be sure to clean your patio door frequently and wipe down the lock hardware. If you need to, use a mild soap solution. However, make sure that you dry the lock completely afterwards. It is also a good idea to that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a finely tuned machine, so they can be jammed and stuck just like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant could be used to remove any debris or dirt from the lock cylinder. This will ensure that it is running smoothly. It is essential to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you choose 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 speak with an expert tradesperson or locksmith for help. Clean the Lock The intricate parts of the door lock can become jammed due to dust, dirt and cold and hot weather. These problems can threaten your home security. But it's simple to fix these issues when you know how. Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. Clean up any stains or debris using a damp cloth. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any dirt or grime that has built up over time. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again. The majority of patio doors are secured with a mortise locking system. This is a safe lock, but it can also cause problems with time. If your uPVC lock is stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Start by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that hold the body of the latch in the position. With 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 using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't own WD40, a graphite pen can be used to eliminate dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work, you might need to reposition the lock cylinder. This will require some additional tools and is best done by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without having to take it off the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws that hold the locking cylinder are located. Lubricate the Lock After your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to grease the keyhole and the locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its lifespan. Dry graphite is an excellent option to lubricate tiny metal parts, such as locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also more durable than liquids. It's easy to apply and you can apply it to sliding doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock cylinders. Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They work well in high and low temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can build up over time, and can displace other lubricants you've tried. Teflon lubricants can be an ideal substitute for silicone lubricants, since they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also excellent for cold conditions, since they prevent the build-up of ice within the lock. If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's likely worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with a the new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door doesn't have the lock cylinder, a professional can replace it to increase security and safety. They can also install the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning and lubricating it does not work, the issue could be due to the latch on the door isn't properly aligned with the jamb or frame. To determine this, open the sliding patio door and look upwards and downwards from the opening of the latch to determine whether the door is aligned with the jamb or frame. If not, remove the screws holding the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the latch is firmly catching the latch's hasp when the door is closed. The latch can also be difficult to close as the cylinder has worn out. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, so you'll need to get an alternate. You should choose a cylinder that has the same keyway and size as the one you had previously. This allows you to replace it easily by unscrewing the two halves and inserting the replacement cylinder. There are replacement cylinders available at a variety of home improvement stores. You'll need to know the brand and model of your existing cylinder in order to buy one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number you can take a photograph of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws and head to an hardware store for assistance. Once you have the new cylinder installed remove it from the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Put the screw in a secure place so that you don't lose or damage 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 that isn't functioning properly could pose an extremely risk to security. Dirt and debris could get caught in the lock mechanisms. If this is not addressed promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and won't longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires only some tools and a small amount of time. Begin by inspecting the lock to determine what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch doesn't work, it may be bent too much to perform as it should. If this is the case, replace the latch with mortise locking systems to ensure it's as secure and strong as it can be. Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're not confident in tackling this DIY task. They will have the experience and tools to complete the task correctly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door. Routine maintenance is essential to keeping your patio door lock operating effectively. Check that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather should be lubricated more often. The type of lubricant used is crucial, so make certain to select one specifically designed to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). To get the best results, apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.