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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Maintaining your patio doors in good working in good condition will protect your home from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements may cause the doors and locks to become misaligned or damaged. You can fix your patio door lock on your own if it is not functioning properly. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway, and latch. Inspect the Lock Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their large quantity of glass and their convenient position within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore important to ensure your home's security. There are a few easy ways to fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning. First, examine the lock and ensure that there is nothing blocking it from locking or latching. It is important to take care to address any issues you discover such as loose screws or rust. In some cases, a slight adjustment to the position of the patio door could be sufficient to fix the issue. Another common issue is dust or debris that could cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To avoid this occurring, be sure to clean your patio door frequently and clean the lock hardware. If necessary, you can apply a mild soap solution. However, make sure to dry the lock completely afterwards. It is also a good idea to to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are similar to those in a precision-tuned machine. They can jam and become stuck as with any mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant will help get rid of any dirt or debris that may have accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and ensure that it is operating efficiently. It is important to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you choose the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you aren't sure how to go about this, it is advisable to speak with an expert tradesperson or locksmith to get help. Clean the Lock The intricate parts of the door lock can become jammed because of dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These issues can compromise your home security. But it's simple to fix these issues when you know how. Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Using a damp cloth, wipe away any stains or debris that may hinder your lock from working properly. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to clean the mechanism of your lock and wash away any grit or grime that has built up over time. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them. The majority of patio doors are secured using mortise locking mechanisms. This is a secure lock, but it can also cause problems in time. If you're uPVC locks has become stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. For a uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a little of hot soapy water. Then, take off the screws that hold the body of the latch in place. After you have removed the latch handle and plate and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame. Once the latch is detached it is possible to lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't own WD40, you can also try using graphite pencils to help get rid of any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may need to reposition locks cylinders. This will require additional tools and should be done by professionals. You can try shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by opening and closing the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that secure the cylinder. Lubricate the Lock After your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time for lubrication of the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the correct type of lubricant helps keep your lock in top condition, and extends its life. Dry graphite is a fantastic method to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also longer-lasting than liquids. It's easy to apply, and you can also apply it to sliding doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. patio doors repairs recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock cylinders. Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and won't attract as much dust and dirt as other kinds of liquid lubricants. They are suitable for both low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants build up over time and eventually replace other lubricants you've tried. Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants since they last for a long time and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also ideal for cold climates, since they can help prevent ice accumulation inside 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 the new cylinder that matches your keys. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder in case your door does not have one. This will increase safety and security. They can also put a new lock faceplate on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning it and lubricating it do not work, then the issue could be that the latch on the door is not aligned correctly with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio doors and take a look upwards and downwards at the latch opening. If the door is parallel to the jamb or the frame and you are able to check, then it is. If not, loosen screws fixing the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch's hasp as the door is closed. The latch is also sometimes difficult to close because the cylinder has worn out. You'll need a replacement cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. It's important to choose a new cylinder that is similar in size to the one you have had previously and has the same keyway, so you can easily replace it by removing the two parts of the lock apart and then inserting the new cylinder. Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll need the name and model number of the existing cylindrical to purchase a replacement. If you don't have the model or manufacturer you can take a photograph of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws and go to the hardware store for help. Once you have a new cylinder, loosen the screw with a flat head that holds it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame using the screwdriver. Place the screw in a safe place 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 in the door). Replace the Lock A patio door lock that's not functioning properly could pose an immediate security risk. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to get lodged inside the lock's mechanisms however if the issue isn't addressed promptly the lock will eventually fail and stop providing security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires just a few tools and a small amount of time. Start by inspecting the lock to determine what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch doesn't work the latch could be bent too much to perform as it should. In this case it is recommended to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure it's as strong and secure as possible. If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY project yourself seek out an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to help you with the installation of the new lock. They'll have all the tools and experience to install the lock properly. Keeping your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Make sure that the knobs and handle aren't loose, and if they are, tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather should be lubricated more frequently. It is crucial to choose a lubricant that has been specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism for best results.