How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

(Image: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Window-Repairs.-150x150.jpg)Keeping your patio doors in good order will help safeguard your home from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements can cause the doors and their locks to be misaligned or damaged.

You can fix your patio door lock yourself if it is not functioning properly. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway and latch.

Check the lock

patio door repair near me doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge glass patio door repair size and convenient location within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore essential to ensure that your home is safe. There are a few easy solutions to repair patio door lock (click here.) wood patio door repair door locks that have stopped functioning.

First, examine the lock to ensure nothing is blocking it from locking or latching. If you notice any issues, such as loose screws or rust, or an issue with alignment, they should be addressed immediately. In some cases, a small adjustment to the position of the patio door glass repair near me door might suffice to resolve the issue.

Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism to work properly. To prevent this from happening, make sure to clean your patio door regularly and wipe down the lock hardware. If necessary, you can use a mild soap solution. However, make sure to dry the lock completely afterwards.

In addition, it's a good idea to lubricate the lock regularly. 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 become stuck and jammed as any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant can help dislodge any dirt or debris that has collected in the lock's cylinder, and keep it operating smoothly.

The exact dimensions of your patio door lock is important. This will help you find a lock that perfectly matches your current mechanism. If you're unsure of what to do get help, consult an expert locksmith or tradesperson for assistance.

Clean the Lock

The intricate parts of the door lock could jam up over time due to dust, dirt, and hot and cold weather. These problems can compromise your home's security. These issues are simple to fix if you know what to do.

Before making any repairs, clean your lock. Wipe away any stains and debris using a damp cloth. Use soapy water with hot 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 are secured by a mortise locking system. This is a safe lock but can develop problems over time. If you're uPVC locks are stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. For a uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of hot soapy water. The next step is to loosen the screws that secure the latch body in the position. After you have removed the latch plate and handle then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.

Once the latch is detached it is possible to lubricate the lock with a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't have a WD40 alternative, you could try using graphite pencils to help remove any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may need to reposition lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by an expert. But you can practice shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are located that keep the cylinder in place.

Lubricate the Lock

When your lock is free from dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good condition 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 longer-lasting than liquids. It is easy to use and can be utilized on sliding patio door lock repair doors, garage door tracks, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock cylinders.

Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They work well at low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants accumulate over time, and displace other lubricants you've tried.

Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they're long-lasting and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also ideal for cold conditions, since they prevent the build-up of ice inside the lock.

If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, 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 the new cylinder that matches your existing keys. They can also make repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if your door isn't equipped with one. This can increase security and safety. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that match the rest.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If lubricating the lock and cleaning it don't work, the problem may be that the door latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. Open the sliding patio door, and examine the top and bottom of the latch opening. If the door is aligned with the jamb or the frame and you are able to check, then it is. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it up or down until the latch catches the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is shut.

The latch may also be difficult to close as the cylinder has worn out. It is necessary to replace the cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. You should choose one with the same keyway and dimensions like the one that came before it. This allows you to replace it with ease by removing the two halves and putting in the replacement cylinder.

There are replacement cylinders available at many home improvement stores. You'll need the name and model number of the existing cylinder to purchase an alternative. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then go to your local hardware store to seek 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, the escutcheon and door frame using the screwdriver. Put the screw somewhere safe so you do not lose it. Then, loosen the set screw that is on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door).

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that isn't working properly can pose a serious risk to your security. Dirt and debris could get caught in the lock mechanisms. If this is not taken care of promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and won't longer provide security. It's a straightforward DIY project to change the patio door lock. You'll only need the tools you need and some time.

Start by examining the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the latch may be too bent to work properly. In this instance, it would be best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure it's as strong and secure as possible.

Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're not confident in tackling this DIY task. They'll have all the equipment and know-how to properly install the lock.

Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock working properly. Make sure the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks subject to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated more often. The type of lubricant used is vital, so be sure to choose one that's specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). To get the best results apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.