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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keep your patio doors in good working condition to protect your home from intruders. However, the elements may cause the doors and locks to become misaligned or damaged. You can repair your patio door lock on your own if it is not functioning properly. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway and handle. Check the Lock Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their huge glass size and their central location within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore essential to ensure that your home's security. There are easy solutions to fix patio door locks which have stopped functioning. The first step is to inspect the lock and ensure that nothing is blocking it from latching or locking. If you find any issues like loose screws, rust, or misalignment, these should be addressed immediately. In some cases, a slight adjustment to the patio door's position may be enough to solve the problem. Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism to perform as it should. To prevent this from occurring, be sure to clean your patio door on a regular basis and clean the lock hardware. If necessary, you can apply a mild soap solution. However, make sure that you dry the lock completely afterward. In addition, it is recommended to oil the lock on a regular basis. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like the parts of a fine-tuned machine, which means that they can be jammed and stuck just as any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant can help to get rid of any dirt or debris that may have accumulated within the lock cylinder and keep it operating smoothly. It is essential to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you find the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with the current mechanism. If you aren't sure how to do this, it's best to speak with an expert locksmith or tradesperson for assistance. Clean the Lock Over time, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the intricate components of the door lock to become jammed. These problems can compromise your home's security. But it's simple to fix these issues If you know how. Before making any repairs, first clean your lock. Clean up any stains or debris using a damp cloth. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to wash the lock mechanism and remove any dirt or grime that has accumulated over time. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them. Most patio doors are fitted with mortise locks that is secure, but is susceptible to issues in the course of time. If your uPVC lock is stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For a uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a little of soapy water. Then, take off the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. After content have removed the latch plate and handle and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame. After the latch has been removed and lubricated, you can apply using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have WD40 alternative, you could use a graphite pencil to get rid of any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it may be necessary to move the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by a professional. You can try shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, and 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 to grease the keyhole and the locks themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its life. Dry graphite is a fantastic way to lubricate small metal parts, like locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It also lasts longer than liquids. It's easy to apply, and you can also apply it to 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 may be more effective than graphite powder especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and do not attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They are efficient at high and low temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants can cause accumulation over time and could be displaced by other lubricants that you've used. Teflon lubricants can be a good substitute for silicone lubricants, because they last longer and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also excellent for cold conditions, since they can prevent ice buildup inside the lock. If your lock cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it is probably worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door doesn't have the lock cylinder, a professional can replace it to improve 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 cleaning the lock and lubricating it don't work, the problem may be that the door's latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. Open the sliding patio door and examine the top and bottom of the opening for the latch. If the door is in line with the jamb or the frame then you can test. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch is able to catch the latch hasp tightly when the door is shut. Sometimes the latch isn't closing properly due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. It is necessary to replace the cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It's important to choose the new cylinder that's the same size as the old one and has the same style keyway, so that you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two parts of the lock apart and then inserting the new one. You can purchase replacement cylinders in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll be required to know the name and model of your existing cylinder so you can buy one that matches it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number you can take a photograph of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws and go to a hardware store to get assistance. Once you have a new cylinder, remove the flat screw that is holding it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame using the help of a screwdriver. Put the screw somewhere safe to ensure you aren't able to lose it. Then, loosen enough 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 functioning properly can be an immediate security risk. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to become lodged in the lock's mechanisms, but if this isn't addressed quickly enough, the lock can eventually break down and no longer provide security. It's a straightforward DIY project to change the patio door lock. It's all you need are just a few tools and a bit of time. Begin by examining the lock and determining the cause of the problem. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the lock latch may be too bent to perform as it should. In this instance it is recommended to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock so that it is as secure and strong as it can be. If you're not comfortable with this DIY project yourself seek out a locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you in the installation of a new lock. They'll have the knowledge and tools to complete the job properly and ensure that the new lock works with your patio door. Maintaining your patio door lock in good working condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Verify that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate the lock at least once per 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 you use is vital, so be certain to select one specifically designed for use with 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.