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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Maintaining your patio doors in good order will help safeguard your home from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements could cause the doors and locks to be misaligned or damaged. If your patio door lock does not perform as it should You can make basic repairs at home. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway, and latch. Check the lock Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to the large amount of glass and convenient location within a home. It is crucial that your locks function properly to ensure your home is safe. There are simple ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that aren't functioning properly. First, examine the lock to ensure nothing is blocking it from locking or latching. If you spot any issues such as loose screws or rust, or even the wrong alignment, these must be addressed immediately. In some instances, a small adjustment to the location of the patio door could suffice to solve the problem. Another issue that is common is debris or dust which can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To prevent this from happening, make sure to clean your patio door regularly and clean the lock hardware. If necessary, you can apply mild soap. But, be sure that you dry the lock completely afterward. Additionally, it's recommended to oil the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are similar to those in a precision-tuned machine. They can jam or become stuck like any other mechanical device. patio doors repairs , or a tiny amount of lubricant can be used to remove any dirt or debris from the lock cylinder. This will keep it running at a high speed. The exact dimensions of your patio door lock is important. This can help you choose an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you're not sure what to do you can contact a professional tradesperson or locksmith for assistance. Clean the Lock Over time, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the delicate parts of your door lock to become jammed. These issues could compromise your security at home. But it's simple to fix these problems when you know how. Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Wipe away any stains and debris with a moist cloth. Use hot soapy water and a little grit to clean the lock mechanism. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them. Most patio doors are fitted with mortise locks that is secure, but can be prone to problems over 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. Next, you'll want to remove the screws that keep the latch in the position. After removing the latch plate and handle and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame. Once the latch is removed and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock with a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't have a WD40 or similar product, you can try using graphite pencils to help dislodge any grit or dirt within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you may need to reposition your lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be performed by a professional. 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 the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are located. Lubricate the Lock If your lock is clean of debris and dirt, it's a good time to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant helps keep your lock in good condition, and extends its life. Dry graphite powder is ideal to lubricate small metal parts such as locks, because it's not sticky or oily, and it lasts longer than liquid fluid lubricants. It's easy to apply, and you can also 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 efficient than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other liquid lubricants. They are suitable for high and low temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can get accumulated over time and eventually replace other lubricants that you've used. Teflon Lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants as they are long-lasting and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also suitable for colder environments since they can help prevent ice from building up within the lock. If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's probably worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and install a new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with the lock cylinder an expert can replace it to improve security and security. They can also put a new lock faceplate on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning and lubricating the door doesn't work, the problem could be that the latch on the door isn't properly aligned with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio door and look up and down at the opening for the latch. If the door is parallel to the jamb or the frame then you can test. If not, remove the screws holding the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch is firmly catching the latch's hasp as the door is closed. The latch can also be difficult to close due to the cylinder is worn. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, which is why you'll need to get an alternate. You should select a cylinder that has the same keyway and size like the one that came before it. This allows you to replace it with ease by unscrewing the two halves and inserting the new cylinder. There are replacement cylinders available in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll need to know the brand and model of the 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 and its mounting screws and head to an hardware store for assistance. If you have a brand new cylinder, unscrew the flat screw that is holding it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and the door frame. Set the screw in a safe location so that you don't lose it or damage it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout of the door) and let it loose enough to allow the cylinder to rotate. Replace the Lock A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could be a major risk to your security. Dirt and debris could become stuck within the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't treated promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and won't longer provide security. It's a straightforward DIY project to replace the patio door lock. You only need a few tools and some time. Begin by examining the lock to determine what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication do not aid, the latch may be too bent to work properly. If this is the case, you should replace the lock latch using a mortise locking system to ensure that it's as solid and secure as you can. If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY task yourself contact a locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you with the installation of a new lock. They'll have all the equipment and know-how to install the lock correctly. Keeping your patio door lock in good 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 required. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant used is crucial, so make sure to select one that's specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve best results.