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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Maintaining your patio doors in good working in good condition will safeguard your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors as well as their locks. You can fix your patio door lock on your own if it is not working properly. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway and handle. Inspect the Lock Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and convenient location within a home. It is essential that your locks function correctly to keep your home safe. Luckily, there are some easy ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that have stopped working correctly. First, examine the lock and ensure that there is nothing that is hindering it from locking or latching. You must deal with any issues you spot, such as loose screws or rust. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the patio door's position may be enough to solve the issue. Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism not to work properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all lock hardware regularly to prevent this. If needed, you can use a mild soap solution. But, be sure to dry the lock completely afterwards. In addition, it is recommended to oil the lock regularly. go!! of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a fine-tuned machine, which means that they can become stuck and jammed as any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant will help dislodge any dirt or debris that has collected within the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly. It is important to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will allow you to find an appropriate lock that is compatible with your current mechanism. If you aren't sure how to do this, it's best to talk to an expert locksmith or tradesperson for help. Clean the Lock Over time, cold and hot weather, dust, and dirt can cause the intricate components of your door lock to get stuck. These problems can threaten your security at home. But it's easy to fix these problems If you know how. Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, remove any stains or debris that could hinder your lock from working properly. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of your lock and wash away any dirt or grime that has built up over time. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them. The majority of patio doors are secured using mortise locking mechanisms. This is a secure lock, but it can also cause problems with time. If your uPVC locks are stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to loosen the screws that hold the latch body in the position. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be ready to remove the latch from its slot in the door frame. Once the latch is removed then you can lubricate it with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't own WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to clean dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work it may be necessary to reposition the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be handled by professionals. However, you can practice shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that secure the cylinder. Lubricate the Lock Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time for lubrication of the lock and the keyhole themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its life. Dry graphite powder is ideal for lubricating small metal parts like locks because it's not oily or sticky and lasts longer than liquid greases. It's easy to apply and you can apply it to sliding doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock-cylinders. Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They are suitable for low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may build up over time, and can displace other lubricants you've used. Teflon Lubricants are an excellent substitute for silicone lubricants, since they are long-lasting and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also great for colder environments since they can keep ice from accumulating inside the lock. If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with the new cylinder that matches your keys. They can also perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder if your door isn't equipped with one. This can increase security and safety. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door to match the rest of the door. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If lubricating the lock and cleaning it do not perform, the issue could be that the door's latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or frame of the door. To test this, open the sliding patio door and look up and down from the door's opening to see whether the door is in line with the jamb or frame. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it up or down until the latch catches the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is shut. The latch may also be difficult to close due to the cylinder has worn out. You'll require a new for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is recommended to select a cylinder that has the same keyway and dimensions as the one you had previously. This will allow you to change it quickly by unbolting the two halves and inserting the new cylinder. Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll need to know the brand and model of your existing cylinder so you can buy one that matches it. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then visit your local hardware store to seek help. When you have a new cylinder, remove the screw with a flat head that holds it in place, and remove the escutcheon plate. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame with the screwdriver. Put the screw in a safe place so that you don't lose it or damage it. Then, loosen enough 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 working properly can be a major risk to your security. It's not common for dirt and other debris to get stuck inside the lock mechanism If this isn't dealt with quickly enough, the lock can eventually break down and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires just a few tools and little time. Start by inspecting the lock to determine what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch does not work it could be bent to far to function properly. If this is the case, you should replace the lock latch using mortise locking to ensure that it's as strong and secure as possible. If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project yourself, consult with an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you with the installation of the new lock. They will have all the tools and expertise needed to properly install the lock. Maintaining your patio door lock in good working condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Make sure that the knobs and handles aren't loose, and if they are, tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to avoid it from becoming stuck or stiff. Locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant is vital, so be sure to choose one that's specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). For best results apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.