How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

Keep your patio doors in a good condition to guard your home from intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors and their locks.

You can fix your patio door lock on your own if it is not working properly. These steps can fix issues with the handle, keyway, and latch.

Inspect the Lock

Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of the large amount of glass and convenient place within a house. It is essential that your locks work properly to ensure your home is safe. There are a few easy ways to repair patio door frame repair doors - try what she says - patio door locks that have stopped functioning.

The first step is to inspect the lock and make sure nothing is blocking it from locking or latching. It is important to address any issues you find like loose screws or corrosion. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio door could be enough to fix the issue.

Another issue that is common is dust or debris that can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To prevent this from occurring, be sure to clean your patio door regularly and wipe down the lock hardware. You can apply a mild detergent solution if necessary, but always ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterwards.

It is also a good idea to that you regularly lubricate your lock. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like the parts of a fine-tuned machine, which means that they can get stuck and jammed just as any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a small amount of lubricant, can be used to remove any dirt or debris from the lock's cylinder. This will keep it running smoothly.

Knowing the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is also important. This will allow you to find an appropriate lock that is compatible with the existing mechanism. If you're unsure of how to proceed, contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson for help.

Clean the Lock

Over time, hot and cold weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate parts of the door lock to become stuck. These issues could compromise the security of your home. These problems are easy to solve if you know how to do.

Before you attempt any repairs, you must first clean your lock. With a damp cloth, clean any stains or debris that could be preventing your lock from working properly. Make use of hot soapy water and a bit of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before re-using them.

Most patio door locks repair doors use a mortise lock, which is secure but is susceptible to issues over time. If you're uPVC locks have become stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. The next step is to loosen the screws that keep the latch in place. 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 it is possible to lubricate the lock with an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have a WD40 alternative, you could try using graphite pencils to help dislodge any grit or dirt in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work it is possible to move the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and is best 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 lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws holding the cylinder in place are.

Lubricate the Lock

When your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time for lubrication of the keyhole and the locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant helps keep your lock in good shape, which will extend its life.

Dry graphite is a great method to lubricate small metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It also lasts longer than liquids. It's easy to apply, and you can also use it on sliding patio doors repairs doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders.

Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and do not attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They are suitable for high and low temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants may create buildup over time and can replace other lubricants you've tried.

Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone lubricants because they last for a long time and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also ideal for cold conditions, since they can prevent ice buildup inside the lock.

If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's probably damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a a new cylinder matched to the keys you have. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if the door does not have one. This will increase security and safety. They 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 it and lubricating it do not work, then the issue could be that the latch on the door is not aligned properly with the frame or jamb. To test this, open the sliding patio door, and look both ways from the latch opening to determine whether the door is in line with the frame or jamb. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch is able to catch the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is shut.

The latch can also be difficult to close due to the cylinder has worn out. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, so you'll need an alternate. It is essential to select the new cylinder that's similar in size to the one you have had previously and has the same keyway, which means you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock to one side and then inserting the new one.

Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of the existing cylinder to buy an alternative. If you don't have the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and go to an hardware store for help.

Once you have a new cylinder, remove the screw with a flat head that holds it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame using the help of a screwdriver. Place the screw in a safe place so that you do not lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole in the door).

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that isn't working properly could pose an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris can get stuck in the lock mechanism. If this is not treated immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and will no will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires just a few tools and small amount of time.

Start by examining the lock to see what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch doesn't work the latch could be bent too much to function properly. If this is the case, you should replace the latch using mortise locking to ensure it's as solid and secure as you can.

If you're not comfortable with this DIY task yourself, consult with an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to help you with the installation of a new lock. They'll have the knowledge and tools to do it properly and ensure that the new lock works with your patio door.

Keeping your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Check that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks subject to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant you use is important, so be certain to select one specifically designed to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). To get the best results apply the lubricant direct onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.