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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keeping your patio doors in good working order will help keep your home safe from intruders who aren't yours. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors and their locks. You can repair your patio door lock by yourself if it is not working properly. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway, and handle. Check the Lock Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and the convenient position within a home. A lock that is functional and secure is crucial to ensure your home's security. There are easy solutions to fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning. First, inspect patio door repairs near me and make sure nothing is blocking it from locking or latching. If you find any issues such as loose screws or rust, or even an issue with alignment, they should be addressed immediately. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the direction of the patio door might be enough to fix the problem. Another common issue is dust or debris that can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down the lock hardware frequently to prevent this. If necessary, you can use a mild soap solution. However, make sure that you dry the lock completely afterwards. In addition, it's an ideal idea to lubricate the lock regularly. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a fine-tuned machine, which means that they can get stuck and jammed just as any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and help keep it running smoothly. Knowing the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is crucial. This can help you find the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with the current mechanism. If you're not sure how to do it, contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson for assistance. Clean the Lock The intricate parts of the door lock can get jammed over time due to dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues can compromise your security at home. These issues are simple to solve if you know how to do. Before you attempt any repairs, clean your lock. Clean any stains and debris using a damp cloth. Make use of hot soapy water and a small amount of grit to clean the lock mechanism. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them. Most patio doors use mortise locks that is secure, but can be prone to problems over time. If your uPVC locks have become stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. For the uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of soapy water. Next, you'll want to unfasten the screws that hold the latch body in the position. With the latch plate and handle removed, you can remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame. Once the latch is removed, 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 eliminate dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it is possible to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be performed by professionals. However, you can practice moving the cylinder around without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, after which drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that keep the cylinder in place. Lubricate the Lock When your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to lubricate both the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its life. Dry graphite is a great option to lubricate tiny metal parts, such as locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It also lasts longer than liquids. It is easy to use and can be used on sliding doors tracks for garage doors and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant specifically designed for lock cylinders. Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other liquid lubricants. They are effective in low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants may create the formation of a buildup over time, and may displace other lubricants you've used. Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they last longer and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also ideal for cold conditions, since they can prevent ice buildup within the lock. If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it's likely to be worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a a new cylinder matched to the keys you have. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. If your door does not have the lock cylinder or faceplate, a professional can install it to increase security and security. They can also install a new lock faceplate on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware. 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 correctly with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio doors and look up and down at the opening for the latch. If the door is parallel to the frame or jamb then you can test. If not, loosen screws that hold the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly catching the latch's hasp as the door closes. The latch may also be difficult to close due to the cylinder has worn out. It is necessary to replace the cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is essential to select a new cylinder that is exactly the same size as the previous one and has the same style keyway, so you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new cylinder. You can find replacement cylinders in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your current cylindrical to purchase an alternative. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number then take a photo of the cylinder along with its mounting screws, and then go to the hardware store for assistance. When you have a new cylinder, unscrew the screw with a flat head that holds it in place, and remove the plate that holds it in place. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Put the screw in a secure place so you don't loose or damage 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 functioning properly can be an immediate security risk. It's not common for dirt and other debris to become lodged in the lock mechanisms however if the issue isn't dealt with quickly enough, the lock can eventually break down and stop providing security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires only some tools and a small amount of time. Begin by looking at the lock to determine what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch fails it could be bent too far to work properly. In this situation, it would be best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure that it's as sturdy and secure as it can be. Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're unsure about undertaking this DIY project. They'll have the knowledge and tools to complete the task correctly and make sure that the new lock works with your patio door. Keeping your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Make sure that the knobs and handles aren't loose, and if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least once per year to avoid it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is crucial to choose a lubricant that has been specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For best results apply the lubricant direct onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.