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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Maintaining your patio doors in good working in good order will keep your home safe from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements can cause the doors and their locks to become misaligned or damaged. You can repair your patio door lock on your own if it is not working properly. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway and handle. Inspect the Lock Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large amounts of glass and convenient place within a house. It is essential that your locks are working correctly to keep your home secure. There are a few easy ways to fix patio door locks which have stopped functioning. The first step is to inspect the lock to ensure nothing is hindering it from latching or locking. It is important to address any issues you find like loose screws or rust. In some instances, a slight adjustment to the patio door's position may be enough to solve the problem. Another issue that is common is debris or dust that can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To avoid this happening, make sure to clean your patio door on a regular basis and clean the lock hardware. You can use a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but be sure to dry the lock thoroughly afterwards. In addition, it's a good idea to lubricate the lock regularly. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like the parts of a fine-tuned machine, and they could become stuck and jammed as any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help to dislodge any dirt or debris that has accumulated inside the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly. Knowing the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is important. This can help you choose a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to do it you can contact a professional tradesperson or locksmith for help. Clean the Lock Over time, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the delicate parts of your door lock to get jammed. These problems can threaten your home's security. But it's simple to fix these issues when you know how. Before attempting any repairs, you must first clean your lock. Clean up any stains or debris with a damp cloth. Then, use a little hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any grit or grime that has built up over time. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them. Most patio doors are secured using a mortise locking system. This is a secure lock, but it is susceptible to problems 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 keep the latch in the position. After removing click here now and handle and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame. After the latch has been removed and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock with a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't own WD40, a graphite pen can be used to clean dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may have to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by a professional. But you can practice repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, and then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws hold the cylinder in place. Lubricate the Lock If your lock is clean of dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good shape and extend its lifespan. Dry graphite is a great method to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It also lasts longer than liquids. It's simple to use and can be used on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders. Liquid lubricants may be more efficient than graphite powder particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other kinds of liquid fluids. They work well at low and high temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants may create accumulation over time and could displace other lubricants you've used. Teflon oil can be an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they are long-lasting and don't attract dust or dirt. They are also great for cold conditions, since they can prevent ice buildup within the lock. If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely to be worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will remove the lock mechanism and install the cylinder of a new model that matches your existing keys. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if your door does not have one. This can increase security and safety. They can also install an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning and lubricating it doesn't work, the problem could be that the latch on the door is not aligned properly with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio door and look up and down at the latch opening. If the door is parallel to the jamb or the frame and you are able to check, then it is. If not, remove the screws fixing the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch is securely catching the latch's hasp as the door closes. The latch is also sometimes difficult to close due to the cylinder is worn. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, and you'll need to get an alternate. You should choose a cylinder that has the same keyway and size like the one that came before it. This will allow you to replace it easily by removing the two halves and putting in the replacement cylinder. Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll need the name and model number of the existing cylinder to buy the replacement. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then visit the local 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. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure to ensure you do not lose it. Then, loosen enough 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 working properly could pose a serious security risk. Dirt and debris could get stuck within the lock mechanism. If this is not addressed promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and will no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires only a few tools and little time. Begin by examining the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication don't help, the latch may be too bent to perform as it should. If this is the case, replace the latch with mortise locking to ensure that it's as secure and strong as you can. Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're unsure in tackling this DIY task. They will have all the equipment and know-how to install the lock correctly. Routine maintenance is essential to ensure that your patio door lock operating correctly. Check that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate your lock at least every year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more often. It is crucial to choose a lubricant that is specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to get best results.