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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keep your patio doors in good condition to safeguard your home against unwanted intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to your patio doors and their locks. You can repair your patio door lock by yourself when it's not functioning properly. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway, and latch. Inspect the Lock Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge glass size and convenient position within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore essential to ensure that your home is safe. There are easy ways to fix patio door locks which have stopped functioning. The first step is to examine the lock to see if anything hinders 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 an adjustment of the patio door's position may suffice to resolve the problem. Another common issue is debris or dust which can cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all hardware of the lock regularly to prevent this. If you need to, use a mild soap solution. But, be sure to dry the lock completely afterward. It is also a good idea that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those used in a machine that is finely tuned. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant can help get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated within the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly. It is important to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you find the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to do it get help, consult a professional locksmith or tradesperson to get help. Clean the Lock Over time, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the intricate components of your door lock to become stuck. These issues could compromise your security at home. But it's easy to fix these problems when you know how. Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Wipe away any stains and debris with a moist cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a bit of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them. Most patio doors are fitted with mortise locks that is safe but is susceptible to issues with time. If your uPVC lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to loosen the screws that keep the latch in place. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you can take the latch out of its slot in the door frame. Once the latch is removed it is possible to lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil like WD40. If you don't have a WD40, you can also try using a graphite pencil to get rid of any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work it is possible to reposition the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without having to take it off the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame where the screws holding the locking cylinder are located. Lubricate the Lock After your lock is clean and free of dirt and 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, such as locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. 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 recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock cylinders. Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite powder particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and won't attract as much dust and dirt as other kinds of liquid lubricants. 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 lubricants can be a good substitute for silicone lubricants, as they are long-lasting and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also ideal for cold conditions, since they prevent the build-up of ice within the lock. If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can dismantle the lock mechanism, and then install the cylinder of a new model that matches your existing keys. They can also perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with a lock cylinder or faceplate, a professional can install it to increase security and security. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that are compatible with the rest of the door. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If lubricating the lock and cleaning it don't work, the issue could be that the door latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. To check this, open the sliding patio door and look upwards and downwards from the door's opening to determine whether the door is in line with the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws fixing the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch hasp when the door closes. The latch can also be difficult to close because 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 important to choose a new cylinder that is exactly the same size as the previous one and has the same style keyway, so that you can easily replace it by screwing the two parts of the lock apart and then inserting the new cylinder. Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of the existing cylinder to be able to purchase one that matches it. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then go to your local hardware store for help. Once you have the new cylinder in place, unscrew it from the flat screw holding it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame with the help of a screwdriver. Set the screw in a secure location so you don't loose 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 in the door). Replace the Lock A patio door lock that's not working properly could pose a serious security risk. Dirt and debris could get stuck within the lock mechanism. If patio door repair isn't treated promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and won't longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires a few tools and bit of time. Start by examining the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication don't help, the lock latch could be bent too much to work properly. If this is the case, you should replace the lock latch with mortise locking to ensure that it's as strong and secure as you can. If you're not comfortable with this DIY project on your own contact a locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you with the installation of the new lock. They'll have the expertise and tools to do it properly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door. Routine maintenance is the key to ensure that your patio door lock working correctly. Check that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate the lock at least once per year to avoid it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is essential to choose a lubricant that has been specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). To get the best results, apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.