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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. However, the elements may cause the doors and locks to be damaged or misaligned. You can fix your patio door lock yourself if it is not working correctly. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway, and latch. Check the Lock Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large amount of glass and the convenient position within a home. A lock that is functional and secure is crucial to ensure your home is secure. There are easy ways to repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning. First, inspect the lock and make sure there is nothing that is hindering it from locking or latching. If you find any issues like loose screws or rust, or misalignment, these should be addressed immediately. In some cases an adjustment of just a few inches to the position of the patio door might be enough to fix the issue. Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to fail to work properly. To avoid this occurring, be sure to clean your patio door regularly and wipe down the lock hardware. If necessary, you can use a mild soap solution. However, you must be sure that the lock is dried completely afterwards. It is also a good idea that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those used in a precision-tuned machine. They can jam and become stuck as with any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a small amount of lubricant could be used to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock cylinder. This will help keep it running smoothly. It is important to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will allow you to find a lock that perfectly matches your current mechanism. If you're unsure of how to proceed get help, consult a professional tradesperson or locksmith for assistance. Clean the Lock The intricate parts of the door lock can get jammed over time due to dust, dirt and cold and hot weather. These issues can affect your home's security. These issues are simple to solve if you know what to do. Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. With a damp cloth, remove any dirt or stains that could be preventing 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 dirt or grime that has accumulated over time. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them. Most patio doors are secured with mortise locking mechanisms. This is a safe lock, but it can also cause issues with time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. With the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be ready to take the latch out of its slot in the door frame. After the latch has been removed it is possible to lubricate the lock using an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't own WD40 alternative, you could try using a graphite pencil to help dislodge any grit or dirt in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it is possible to reposition the lock cylinder. This will require some additional tools and should be done by an expert. 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. Make pencil marks on the frame where the screws that hold the cylinder in place are. Lubricate the Lock When your lock is free of debris and dirt it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant will keep your lock in good shape, which will extend its life. Dry graphite powder is excellent for lubricating small metal components like locks because it's not sticky or oily, and it lasts longer than liquid greases. It is easy to use and can be used on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and hinges for doors. 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 especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They work well at high and low temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can get accumulated over time, and can displace other lubricants you've tried. Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they're long-lasting and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also ideal for cold environments, as they prevent the build-up of ice inside the lock. If your lock cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it is probably worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism, and then install an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your existing keys. They can also perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder if the door isn't equipped with one. This can increase security and safety. They can also install the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning and lubricating it do not work, then the issue could be due to the latch on the door is not aligned correctly with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio doors and examine the top and bottom of the opening of the latch. If the door is parallel to the frame or jamb, then you can check. If not, remove the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the 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. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, which is why you'll need to get a replacement. You should select one with the same keyway and dimensions as the previous one. This will allow you to change it quickly by unbolting the two halves and putting in the new cylinder. Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need the brand and model number of the existing cylindrical to purchase a replacement. If you don't have the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws, and then go to the hardware store for assistance. Once you have the new cylinder installed take it off the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and the door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure to ensure you do not lose it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout in the door) and let it loose enough to turn the cylinder. Replace the Lock A patio door lock that's not working properly can pose a serious risk to your security. Dirt and debris can get caught in the lock mechanisms. If this is not treated immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and will no will be able to provide security. It's a straightforward DIY project to change the patio door lock. It's all you need are just a few tools and a bit of time. Start by inspecting the lock and determining what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch fails the latch could be bent too far to function properly. If this is the case, you should replace the latch with mortise locking to ensure that it's as secure and strong as possible. If patio door repairs near me 're not confident in tackling this DIY project on your own, consult with an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to help you with the installation of the new lock. They will have all the equipment and know-how to install the lock correctly. Maintaining your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Check that the knobs and handles aren't loose and if they're tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to avoid it from becoming stuck or stiff. It is recommended that locks exposed to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated more often. It is important to select a lubricant which has been specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For the best results apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.