How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

Maintaining your patio doors in good working order will help keep your home safe from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to your patio doors and their locks.

You can repair Patio doors your patio door lock on your own when it's not working properly. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway and latch.

Inspect the Lock

Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their huge glass size and their central location within a home. It is essential to ensure that your home is safe. Luckily, there are some easy ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly.

First, inspect the lock to ensure there is nothing blocking it from locking or latching. It is important to deal with any issues you spot, such as loose screws or corrosion. In some instances an adjustment of the door's location could suffice to resolve the issue.

Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism not to work properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down the lock hardware frequently to prevent this. You can make use of a mild detergent if necessary, but always be sure to dry the lock completely afterward.

In addition, it's a good idea to lubricate the lock regularly. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a fine-tuned machine, so they can get stuck and jammed just as any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant can be used to remove any debris or dirt from the lock's cylinder. This will keep it functioning smoothly.

It is important to know the exact dimensions of the patio door repairs near me door lock. This will help you choose a lock that perfectly matches your current mechanism. If you aren't sure how to go about this, it's best to contact an expert tradesperson or locksmith to get help.

Clean the Lock

Over time, cold and hot weather, dust, and dirt can cause the delicate parts of your door lock to get blocked. These problems can threaten your home security. These issues are easy to solve if you know what to do.

Before you attempt any repairs, you must first clean your lock. Wipe away any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a bit of grit to clean the lock mechanism. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before re-using them.

The majority of patio doors have a mortise lock that is safe but can be prone to problems over time. If you find that your uPVC locks have become stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. Start by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place. With the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be able to remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame.

Once the latch is detached and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock with an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have WD40, you can also try using a graphite pencil to get rid of any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it may be necessary to relocate the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be done by professionals. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without having to take it off the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame where the screws that hold the cylinder in place are.

Lubricate the Lock

After your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to lubricate both the keyhole and the locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its lifespan.

Dry graphite is an excellent option to lubricate tiny metal parts, like locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also more durable than liquids. It is easy to use and can be utilized on sliding patio door lock repair doors tracks for garage doors, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant specifically designed for lock cylinders.

Liquid lubricants may be more effective than graphite especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other liquid fluids. They work well at low and high temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can accumulate over time, and displace other lubricants you've used.

Teflon lubricants can be an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also suitable for colder environments since they can stop the accumulation of ice within the lock.

If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's likely worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your existing 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 can increase security and safety. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door that are in keeping with the rest of the door.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning and lubricating the door doesn't work, the issue could be due to the latch on the door isn't properly aligned with the jamb or frame. To check this you need to open the sliding patio doors repairs patio door, and look both ways from the latch opening to determine whether the door is aligned with the frame or jamb. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch catches the latch tightly when the door is closed.

The latch can also be difficult to close as the cylinder is worn. It is necessary to replace the for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is recommended to select a cylinder that has the same keyway and dimensions as the one you had previously. This will allow you to replace it with ease by removing the two halves and putting in the replacement cylinder.

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

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 using a 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 in the door) and let it loose enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that's not working properly could pose a serious security risk. It's not common for dirt and other debris to get stuck inside the lock's mechanisms If this isn't addressed quickly enough the lock could eventually fail and cease to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires just a few tools and a bit of time.

Start by examining the lock to determine what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication don't aid, the latch may be too bent to perform as it should. In this instance it is recommended to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure it's as sturdy and secure as it can be.

Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're not sure about undertaking this DIY project. They'll have the tools and experience to properly install the lock.

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 are tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant used is vital, so be sure to select one that's specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). For best results apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.