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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Maintaining your patio doors in good in good order will safeguard your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to your patio doors and their locks. If your patio door lock does not work properly You can make basic repairs at home. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway, and handle. Check the lock Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large amounts of glass and their central location within a home. It is important that your locks work properly to ensure your home is safe. There are easy ways to fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning. The first step is to examine the lock to ensure nothing hinders it from locking or latching. If you notice any issues, such as loose screws or rust, or misalignment, these should be addressed promptly. In some cases an adjustment of the patio door's position may be enough to solve the issue. Another issue that is common is debris or dust that can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. Clean your patio door and clean all hardware of the lock regularly to avoid this. If needed, you can use a mild soap solution. However, make sure to dry the lock completely afterwards. In addition, 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 are susceptible to jamming and get stuck just like any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a small amount of lubricant, can be used to clean any debris or dirt from the lock cylinder. This will ensure that it is functioning smoothly. It is important to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you find an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to proceed, contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson for assistance. Clean the Lock Over time, cold and hot weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate parts of your door lock to become blocked. These issues could compromise the security of your home. However, it's not difficult to fix these problems when you know how. Before you attempt any repairs, first clean your lock. Clean up any stains or debris with 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 accumulated over time. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them. Most patio doors are secured with mortise locking mechanisms. This is a safe lock, but it can also cause problems in time. If you find that your uPVC locks has become stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. For the uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that hold the body of the latch in place. With the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be ready to remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame. Once the latch is detached, you can lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't have WD40 or similar product, you can use a graphite pencil to help dislodge any grit or dirt within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working, you might need to move the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and is best done by an expert. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without having to remove it from 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. Lubricate the Lock If your lock is clean of dirt and debris, it's a good time to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and extend its lifespan. Dry graphite is a great option to lubricate tiny metal parts, like locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It also lasts longer 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 that is designed specifically for lock-cylinders. Liquid lubricants can be more effective than graphite powder particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and do not attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They are effective at both low and high temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can build up over time and eventually replace other lubricants you've tried. Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they last longer and don't attract dust and dirt. They are also great for cold environments, as they can prevent ice buildup within the lock. If your lock's 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 put in the cylinder of a new model that matches your current keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door does not have a lock cylinder an expert can replace it to increase security and security. patio door repairs near me can also put an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it don't work, the problem may be that the door's latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or door frame. Open the sliding patio door, and look up and down at the latch opening. If the door is in line with the jamb or the frame then you can test. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it up or down until the lock latch catches the latch tightly when the door is closed. Sometimes, the latch can be difficult to close because of a worn-out cylinder. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, so you'll need to get an alternative. You should choose one with the same keyway and dimensions as the previous one. This will allow you to replace it with ease by unscrewing the two halves and putting in the new cylinder. You can purchase replacement cylinders at a variety of home improvement stores. You'll need the brand and model number of your current cylindrical to purchase the replacement. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then, visit the local hardware store for assistance. Once you have the new cylinder installed take it off the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame using the help of a screwdriver. Place the screw in a safe place so that you don't lose or damage it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout inside the door) and let it loose enough to allow the cylinder to rotate. Replace the Lock A patio door lock that's not working properly could pose a serious security risk. It's not common for dirt and other debris to become lodged in the lock's mechanisms however if the issue isn't addressed quickly enough the lock will eventually break down and stop providing security. It's a simple DIY project to change the patio door lock. It's all you need are the tools you need and some time. Start by inspecting the lock and determining what's causing the issue. If lubricating and cleaning don't aid, the latch may be too bent to function properly. In this situation, it would be best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock so that it is as secure and strong as is possible. Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're not confident about undertaking this DIY project. They'll have the tools and experience to properly install the lock. 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 needed. Lubricate the lock at least once per year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant is crucial, so make sure to choose one that's specifically designed to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism for best results.