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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door LocksKeep your patio doors in good condition to safeguard your home from intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors and their locks.You can repair your patio door lock yourself if it is not working correctly. These steps can fix issues with the handle, keyway and latch.Check the lockPatio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and convenient position within a home. It is important to ensure your home is safe. There are a few easy ways to repair patio door locks that have stopped working.The first step is to inspect the lock to ensure nothing is blocking it from latching or locking. If you notice any issues, such as loose screws or rust, or even the wrong alignment, these must be addressed immediately. In some instances, a slight adjustment to the door’s location could suffice to resolve the problem.Another issue that is common is dust or debris that could cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down the lock hardware frequently to avoid this. If you need to, apply a mild soap solution. But, be sure that the lock is dried completely afterwards.It is also a good idea to lubricate your lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a finely tuned machine, and they could get stuck and jammed just as any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant can help dislodge any dirt or debris that has collected inside the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly.Knowing the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also important. This will help you choose an appropriate lock that is compatible with your existing mechanism. If you’re not sure how to proceed you can contact a professional tradesperson or locksmith for help.Clean the LockThe intricate parts of the door lock could get jammed over time due to dust, dirt, and hot and cold weather. These issues can compromise your home’s security. But it’s easy to fix these issues when you know how.Before you attempt any repairs, first clean your lock. With a damp cloth, clean any dirt or stains that could be preventing your lock from functioning properly. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to clean the mechanism of your lock and wash away any grit or grime that has accumulated over time. After you’ve cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again.Most patio doors are secured by mortise locking mechanisms. This is a secure lock but can develop issues in time. If your uPVC lock is stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Start by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. The next step is to remove the screws that hold the latch body in place. With the latch plate and handle removed, you’ll be ready to remove the latch from its slot in the door frame.After the latch has been removed it is possible to lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil like WD40. If you don’t have WD40 alternative, you could try using graphite pencils to help remove any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you might need to move the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be performed by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without having to remove it from the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws holding the cylinder in place are.Lubricate the LockAfter your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it’s time for lubrication of the keyhole and the locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant can keep your lock in good condition, and extends its life.Dry graphite powder is excellent to lubricate small metal parts like locks because it’s not sticky or oily, and it lasts longer than liquid lubricants. 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-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 won’t attract as much dust and dirt as other liquid lubricants. They are efficient at high and low temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can build up over time, and can displace other lubricants you’ve used.Teflon lubricants can be an ideal alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and don’t attract dirt or dust. They’re also good for colder environments since they can help stop the accumulation of ice inside the lock.If your lock’s 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 replace it with a an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your existing keys. They can also make repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder in case your door does not have one. tilt and slide patio door repairs near me can 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 CylinderIf cleaning and lubricating it does not work, the problem could be that the latch on the door is not aligned correctly with the jamb or frame. To determine this open the sliding patio door, and look both ways from the door’s opening to determine whether the door is aligned to the frame or jamb. If not, loosen screws that hold the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch hasp when the door is closed.Sometimes the latch isn’t closing properly because of a worn-out cylinder. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, so you’ll need an alternate. You should select one with the same keyway and dimensions as the previous one. This allows you to replace it with ease by unscrewing the two halves and inserting the replacement cylinder.There are replacement cylinders available in a variety of stores for home improvement. You’ll be required to know the name and model of the existing cylinder to be able to purchase one that is compatible with it. If you don’t have the model or manufacturer number, take a picture of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and head to a hardware store to get assistance.Once you have the new cylinder in place remove it from the flat screw holding it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame using the screwdriver. Put the screw somewhere safe so that you do not lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder’s keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout of the door) and let it loose enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.Replace the LockA patio door lock that isn’t functioning properly can be a serious security risk. It’s not uncommon for dirt and debris to become lodged in the lock mechanism If this isn’t addressed promptly the lock could eventually break down and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires just a few tools and bit of time.Start by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the lock latch may be bent too much to perform as it should. If this is the case, you should replace the latch using mortise locking to ensure it’s as secure and strong as you can.If you aren’t comfortable tackling this DIY project yourself contact a locksmith or door hardware specialist to help you with the installation of the new lock. They’ll have the knowledge and tools to complete the job correctly and make sure that the new lock will work with your patio door.Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock functioning effectively. Check that the knobs and handles aren’t loose, and if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant is crucial, so make certain to select one specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40’s Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve best results.