How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

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

You can fix your patio door lock by yourself in the event that it isn't working properly. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway and handle.

Check the lock

patio door repairs doors are often targeted by burglars due to the large amount of glass and convenient place within a house. A lock that is functional and secure is important to ensure your home is secure. There are simple methods to fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning.

The first step is to check the lock to ensure nothing hinders it from latching or locking. If you spot any issues like loose screws or rust, or the wrong alignment, these must be addressed immediately. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the patio door's position may be sufficient to fix the issue.

Another common issue is debris or dust that can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To avoid this occurring, be sure to clean your patio door regularly and wipe down the lock's hardware. If you need to, use mild soap. But, be sure to dry the lock completely afterward.

It is also a good idea lubricate your lock regularly. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door repair door lock are similar to those of a fine-tuned machine, so they can become stuck and jammed like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a small amount of lubricant could be used to remove any debris or dirt from the lock cylinder. This will keep it functioning smoothly.

It is important to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will allow you to find the perfect lock to match your existing mechanism. If you aren't sure how to accomplish this, it's advisable to speak with an expert locksmith or tradesperson for help.

Clean the Lock

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

Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. With a damp cloth, wipe away any stains or debris that could be hindering your lock from working properly. Use hot soapy water and a small amount of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.

Most patio doors use mortise locks that is secure, but is susceptible to issues in the course of time. If your uPVC locks are stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. The next step is to unfasten the screws that secure the latch body in the position. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you'll be able to remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame.

Once the latch has been removed and lubricated, you can apply by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't own WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to remove any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work it may be necessary to move the lock cylinder. This will require some additional tools and is best done by an expert. 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, then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that keep the cylinder in place.

Lubricate the Lock

If your lock is clean from dirt and debris It's the perfect time to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its lifespan.

Dry graphite is an excellent way to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It also lasts longer than liquids. It's easy 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 type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders.

Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite powder especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They work well at high and low temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants may create buildup over time and can displace other lubricants you've used.

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

If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's probably worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with the new cylinder that matches your keys. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with a lock cylinder an expert can replace it to improve security and safety. They can also put a new lock faceplate on your patio sliding door repair near me door to match the rest of the hardware.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning and lubricating it doesn't work, the issue could be that the latch on the door is not aligned properly with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding glass patio doors repair patio door and look up and down at the opening of the latch. If the door is in line with the frame or jamb and you are able to check, then it is. If not, loosen screws holding the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the latch is firmly catching the latch hasp when the door is closed.

The latch is also sometimes difficult to close due to the cylinder is worn out. A worn-out cylinder can make 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 one you have had previously and has the same style keyway, which means you can easily replace it by removing the two parts of the lock apart and inserting the new cylinder.

Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of the existing cylinder so you can buy one that matches it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer then take a photo of the cylinder and its mounting screws, and then go to the hardware store for help.

Once you have the new cylinder in place, unscrew it from the flat screw holding it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door as well as the door frame. Set the screw in a safe place so you don't loose or damage it. Then, loosen enough the set screw that is located on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door).

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that's not functioning properly could pose a serious security risk. Dirt and debris could get stuck within the lock mechanism. If this is not treated promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and no longer offer security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires just some tools and a little time.

Begin by inspecting the lock to determine what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch does not work it could be bent to far to perform as it should. In this case, it would be best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure it's as strong and secure as is possible.

Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're not confident about undertaking this DIY project. They'll have the knowledge and tools to complete the task correctly and ensure that the new lock works with your patio door.

Maintaining your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Check that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate the lock at least once per year to keep it from becoming stuck or stiff. Locks that are subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant is crucial, so make sure to select one that's specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism for best results.