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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 unwanted intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and their locks to become damaged or misaligned. You can repair your patio door lock by yourself in the event that it isn't functioning properly. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway and handle. Inspect the Lock Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large amount of glass and convenient position within a home. It is important that your locks are working properly to ensure your home is secure. There are simple methods to fix patio door locks that have stopped working. First, examine the lock to ensure there is nothing that is hindering it from locking or latching. If you spot any issues such as loose screws or rust, or an issue with alignment, they should be addressed immediately. In some cases an adjustment of the door's location could be sufficient to fix the issue. Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to function properly. To avoid this occurring, be sure to clean your patio door frequently and clean the lock's hardware. If you need to, apply a mild soap solution. But, be sure that the lock is dried completely afterward. Additionally, it's recommended to oil the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those found in a precision-tuned machine. They can jam or get stuck just like any mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help dislodge any dirt or debris that may have accumulated inside the lock cylinder and ensure that it is operating efficiently. The exact dimensions of the patio door lock is also crucial. This will help you choose an appropriate lock that is compatible with your current mechanism. If you're not sure what to do you can contact a professional locksmith or tradesperson to get help. Clean the Lock The intricate parts of the door lock could jam up over time due to dust, dirt, and hot and cold weather. These issues can affect the security of your home. But it's simple to fix these problems if you know how. Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Clean up any stains or debris with a moist cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a small amount of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before re-using them. The majority of patio doors are secured using mortise locking systems. This is a safe lock, but it can also cause issues in 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. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors is to unfasten the screws that hold the latch body in the position. After you have removed the latch plate and handle then you can take it from its slot on the door frame. After the latch has been removed it is possible to lubricate the lock with an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have a WD40, you can also try using a graphite pencil to help dislodge any grit or dirt in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may have to relocate the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be handled by professionals. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without having to remove it from the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame the area where the screws that support the cylinder in place are. Lubricate the Lock If your lock is clean of dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant can keep your lock in top shape, extending its lifespan. Dry graphite is an excellent option to lubricate tiny metal parts, like locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also longer-lasting than liquids. It's easy to apply and you can use it on sliding doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders. Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite powder, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and don't attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They are effective at both high and low temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants could cause accumulation over time and could displace other lubricants you've used. Teflon lubricants can be an ideal alternative to silicone lubricants as they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also ideal for cold climates, since they prevent the build-up of ice inside 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 dismantle the lock mechanism and install an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your existing keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door does not have the lock cylinder, a professional can replace it to increase security and safety. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door that are compatible with the rest. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning and lubricating it doesn't work, the problem could be that the latch on the door is not aligned properly with the jamb or frame. To test this open the sliding patio door and sight both ways from the opening of the latch to see whether the door is aligned with the frame or jamb. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch is able to catch the latch hasp tightly when the door is closed. The latch may also be difficult to close due to the cylinder has worn out. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, and you'll require a replacement. It's important to choose the new cylinder that's similar in size to the previous one and has the same style keyway, so that you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock apart and inserting the new cylinder. Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need the brand and model number of your existing cylindrical to purchase an alternative. 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 go to an hardware store for help. Once you have the new cylinder installed take it off the flat screw holding it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame with a screwdriver. Place the screw in a safe place so you aren't able to 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 loosen it enough to turn the cylinder. 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 is not taken care of promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and will no will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires only some tools and a little time. Start by examining the lock to see what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch does not work the latch could be bent too far to perform as it should. If this is the case, replace the lock latch with mortise locking to ensure that it's as secure and strong as it can be. Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're not sure in tackling this DIY task. They will have the experience and tools to do it properly and ensure that the new lock works with your patio door. Routine maintenance is essential to keep your patio door lock functioning correctly. Check that the knobs and handles aren't loose, and if they are tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to prevent it from squeezing 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 you use is important, so be certain to select one specifically designed to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to get best results.