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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keep your patio doors in a good condition to safeguard your home from intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors and their locks. You can repair your patio door lock on your own if it is not working correctly. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway and handle. Check the Lock Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their huge glass size and convenient place within a house. A lock that is functional and secure is crucial to ensure your home is safe. Fortunately, there are easy ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly. The first step is to inspect the lock and ensure that there is nothing that is hindering it from latching or locking. If you notice any issues like loose screws, rust, or the wrong alignment, these must be addressed immediately. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the patio door's position may be enough to solve the issue. Another common issue is debris or dust that can cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all lock hardware regularly to prevent this. You can use a mild detergent solution when needed, but be sure to dry the lock thoroughly afterwards. It is also a good idea that you regularly lubricate your lock. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like the parts of a fine-tuned machine, and they could be jammed and stuck just as any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant can help get rid of any dirt or debris that may have accumulated within the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly. It is crucial to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you choose an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with the current mechanism. If you're not sure what to do get help, consult an expert locksmith or tradesperson for help. Clean the Lock The intricate parts of the door lock can jam up over time due to dust, dirt and cold and hot weather. These issues can affect your home's security. These problems are easy to solve if you know how to do. Before attempting any repairs, you must first clean your lock. Clean any stains and debris using a damp cloth. Make use of hot soapy water and a bit of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them. The majority of patio doors have mortise locks that is secure, however, it is susceptible to issues over time. If you're uPVC locks has become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that hold the body of the latch 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 has been removed then you can lubricate it using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to eliminate dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work, you might need to move the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be handled by an expert. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without having to take it off the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws that hold the locking cylinder 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. Using the right type of lubricant will keep your lock in top condition, and extends its life. Dry graphite is a fantastic method to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It also lasts longer than liquids. It's simple to use and can be utilized on sliding 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 are more efficient than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other types of liquid lubricants. They are effective at both low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants build up over time, and displace other lubricants you've used. Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants because they're long-lasting and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also suitable for cold climates since they can prevent ice from building up within the lock. If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a a new cylinder matched to the keys you have. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder if your door isn't equipped with one. This can increase safety and security. They can also install the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning it and lubricating it do not work, then the issue could be due to the latch on the door isn't properly aligned with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio door and take a look upwards and downwards at the latch opening. If the door is parallel to the frame or jamb and you are able to check, then it is. If not, loosen screws holding the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch's hasp when the door closes. Sometimes the latch isn't closing properly due to a worn-out cylinder. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, and you'll need an alternative. It is recommended to select a cylinder that has the same keyway and size as the previous one. This allows you to replace it easily by unscrewing the two halves before inserting the new cylinder. You can purchase replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll need the brand and model number of your existing cylinder to buy an alternative. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number you can take a photograph of the cylinder and its mounting screws and go to an hardware store for help. When you have a new cylinder, unscrew the screw with a flat head that holds it in place, and remove the plate that holds it in place. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame with a screwdriver. Set the screw somewhere secure 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 then loosen it enough to turn the cylinder. Replace upvc patio door repairs near me that isn't working properly could pose an extremely risk to security. Dirt and debris can become stuck within the lock mechanism. If this is not addressed promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and no longer offer security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires only some tools and a bit of time. Begin by examining the lock and determining what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch doesn't work, it may be bent to far to perform as it should. If this is the case, replace the lock latch using a mortise locking system to ensure it's as secure and strong as you can. If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project on your own contact a locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you in the installation of a new lock. They'll have all the tools and expertise needed to install the lock properly. Keeping your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Make sure that the knobs and handle aren't loose and if they're tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to avoid it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant you use is vital, so be certain to select one specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). To get the best results apply the lubricant direct onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.