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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keep your patio doors in a good condition to safeguard your home against unwanted intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and locks to be damaged or misaligned. You can fix your patio door lock by yourself when it's not functioning properly. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway and latch. Check the Lock Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their large amount of glass and the convenient position within a home. It is important that your locks are working correctly to keep your home secure. There are simple ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that aren't working correctly. The first step is to inspect the lock and make sure there is nothing blocking it from latching or locking. You should address any issues you find such as loose screws or corrosion. In some instances, a small adjustment to the position of the patio door could be enough to fix the issue. Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to fail to work properly. To prevent this from happening, make sure to clean your patio door on a regular basis and clean the lock hardware. You can make use of a mild detergent if necessary, but always ensure that you dry the lock completely afterward. Additionally, it's an ideal idea to lubricate the lock regularly. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those found in a precision-tuned machine. They can jam or become stuck as with any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a small amount of lubricant, can be used to get rid of any debris or dirt from the lock cylinder. This will keep it functioning smoothly. The exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also crucial. This can help you choose an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you are unsure about how to accomplish this, it is advisable to contact an expert tradesperson or locksmith for assistance. Clean the Lock The intricate parts of the door lock may become jammed due to dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These problems can compromise the security of your home. But it's simple to fix these problems If you know how. Before attempting any repairs, clean your lock. With a damp cloth, wipe away any debris or stains that may hinder your lock from functioning properly. Make use of hot soapy water and a small amount of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before re-using them. The majority of patio doors are secured using a mortise locking system. This is a secure lock, but it can also cause issues in time. If your uPVC locks has become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to remove the screws that hold the latch body in the position. After you have removed the latch handle and plate and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame. After the latch has been removed it is possible to lubricate the lock with an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have WD40, a graphite pen can be used to remove any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it may be necessary to reposition the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be performed by a professional. 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, and then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that secure the cylinder. Lubricate the Lock Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to grease the keyhole and the locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its life. Dry graphite is an excellent method to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also longer-lasting than liquids. patio door repairs near me Repair My Windows And Doors to apply, and you can also apply it to sliding 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 are water resistant and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other kinds of liquid fluids. They are suitable for low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants accumulate over time and eventually replace other lubricants that you've used. Teflon Lubricants are an excellent substitute for silicone lubricants, as they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also excellent for cold climates, since they can prevent ice buildup within the lock. If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and put in a new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. If your door does not have the lock cylinder an expert can replace it to improve security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door to match the rest of the door. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be that the latch on the door isn't properly aligned with the frame or jamb. To test this, open the sliding patio door and look both ways from the door's opening to see if the door is parallel to the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch catches the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is closed. Sometimes, the latch can be difficult to close due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, so you'll need to get an alternative. It's important to choose a new cylinder that is the same size as the old one and has the same keyway, which means you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock apart and then inserting the new cylinder. Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll need to know the brand and model of your current cylinder so you can buy one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer you can take a photograph of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and go to a hardware store to get help. Once you have the new cylinder installed, unscrew it from the flat screw holding it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame using a screwdriver. Set the screw somewhere secure 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's not functioning properly could cause serious danger to your security. Dirt and debris can become stuck in the lock mechanism. If this is not addressed immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and no longer offer security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires a few tools and a little time. Start by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If lubricating and cleaning don't aid, the latch may be too bent to perform as it should. In this situation, it would be best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure it's as sturdy and secure as it can be. Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're not confident about tackling this DIY project. They will have the experience and tools to complete the job properly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door. Maintaining your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Make sure that the knobs and handle aren't loose and, if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to avoid it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are subject to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated more often. The type of lubricant is crucial, so make certain to select one specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to get best results.