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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keeping your patio doors in good in good order will protect your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and locks to be damaged or misaligned. If your patio door lock does not work properly it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway, and latch. Check the lock Patio doors are often targeted by burglars because of their huge glass size and their central location within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore essential to ensure that your home's security. There are a few easy methods to fix patio door locks that have stopped working. First, examine the lock and make sure there is nothing that is hindering it from locking or latching. It is important to deal with any issues you spot such as loose screws or rust. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the location of the patio door could suffice to resolve the issue. Another common issue is dust or debris which can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. Clean your patio door and clean all hardware of the lock regularly to prevent this. If necessary, you can use mild soap. However, make sure that the lock is dried completely afterwards. It is also a good idea to that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those in a precision-tuned machine. They can jam and get stuck just like any mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant can help to dislodge any dirt or debris that has accumulated within the lock cylinder and ensure that it is operating efficiently. It is essential to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you find an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you aren't sure how to do this, it's best to talk to a locksmith or professional tradesperson for help. Clean the Lock The intricate parts of the door lock may get jammed over time due to dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues could compromise your security at home. But it's simple to fix these problems when you know how. Before attempting any repairs, you must first clean your lock. With a damp cloth, remove any dirt or stains that might be preventing your lock from functioning properly. Use soapy water with hot water and a little grit to clean the lock mechanism. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them. Most patio doors are fitted with mortise locks that is secure, however, it is susceptible to issues in the course of time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For a uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of soapy water. The next step is to remove the screws that secure the latch body in place. With the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be able to remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame. Once the latch is detached it is possible to lubricate the lock with a light engineering oil like WD40. If you don't own WD40 or similar product, you can use a graphite pencil to help dislodge any grit or dirt within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock doesn't work it may be necessary to move the lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and should be done by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without having to take it off the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame inside the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are located. Lubricate the Lock When your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time for lubrication of the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant will keep your lock in top condition, and extends its life. Dry graphite powder is excellent to lubricate small metal parts like locks because it's not oily or sticky, and it lasts longer than liquid fluid lubricants. It's easy to apply and you can apply it to sliding doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock cylinders. Liquid lubricants can be more efficient than graphite powder particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other liquid lubricants. They are effective in high and low temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants could cause buildup over time and can be displaced by other lubricants that you've used. Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also great for colder environments since they can keep ice from accumulating within the lock. If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your keys. They can also perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if the door does not have one. This can increase security and safety. They can also put a new lock faceplate on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it do not work, the issue could be that the latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. To test this open the sliding patio door and look upwards and downwards from the door's opening to determine whether the door is in line with the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws fixing the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly catching the latch's hasp as the door closes. The latch can also be difficult to close due to the cylinder has worn out. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, and you'll require an alternative. You should choose a cylinder with the same keyway and size like the one that came before it. This allows you to replace it easily by removing the two halves before 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 matches it. If upvc patio door repairs don't know the model and manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then visit your local hardware store for help. Once you have a new cylinder, unscrew the flat screw that holds it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame with the screwdriver. Put the screw somewhere safe to ensure you do not lose it. Then, loosen enough the set screw that is on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole in the door). Replace the Lock A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly can be a serious security risk. Dirt and debris can get caught within the lock mechanism. If this is not treated promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires only a few tools and little time. Begin by examining the lock and determining the cause of the problem. If lubricating and cleaning don't aid, the latch could be bent too much to work properly. In this case it is recommended to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure it's as strong and secure as possible. If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project yourself contact an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you in the installation of a new lock. They'll have the expertise and tools to complete the job correctly and ensure that the new lock will work with your patio door. Maintaining your patio door lock in good condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Check that the knobs and handles are not 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 exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more frequently. It is important to select a lubricant which has been specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve the best results.