How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

Keep your patio door track repair doors in good condition to guard your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors as well as their locks.

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

Check the lock

Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large amount of glass and the convenient position within a home. A lock that is functional and secure is important to ensure your home's security. There are simple ways to repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning.

The first step is to inspect the lock to ensure there is nothing blocking it from locking or latching. If you spot any issues, such as loose screws or rust, or an issue with alignment, they should be addressed promptly. In some cases an adjustment of just a few inches to the location of the patio door might suffice to resolve the issue.

Another common issue is debris or dust which can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To prevent this from happening, ensure that you clean your patio door on a regular basis and clean the lock's hardware. If needed, you can use a mild soap solution. However, you must be sure that you dry the lock completely afterward.

It is also a good idea to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC repairing patio doors lock are comparable to those in a finely tuned machine. They can jam and become stuck like any mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant can help to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and help keep it running smoothly.

The exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also important. This will help you choose a lock that perfectly matches your current mechanism. If you're not sure how to proceed get help, consult a professional tradesperson or locksmith to get help.

Clean the Lock

Over time, hot and cold weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate parts of the door lock to become blocked. These issues could compromise the security of your home. These issues are easy to solve if you know how to do.

Before you attempt any repairs, first clean your lock. Clean up any stains or debris with a damp cloth. Make use of hot soapy water and a bit of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.

Most patio doors are fitted with mortise locks, which is secure however, it is susceptible to problems in the course of time. If your uPVC lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. After removing the latch plate and handle, you can remove it from its slot on the door frame.

Once the latch has been removed, you can lubricate it by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't own WD40, a graphite pen can be used to clean any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it may be necessary to relocate the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be performed by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without needing to remove it from the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame where the screws that hold the cylinder in place are.

Lubricate the Lock

If your lock is clean of dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant will keep your lock in top condition, and extends its life.

Dry graphite powder is ideal for lubricating small metal parts like locks because it's not oily or sticky and lasts longer than liquid greases. 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, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and will not attract as much dust or dirt as other kinds of liquid fluids. They are effective at both low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants get accumulated over time, and can displace other lubricants you've tried.

Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants because they last for a long time and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also great for cold climates since they can help stop the accumulation of ice inside the lock.

If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's probably damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will dismantle the lock mechanism and install a new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder if your door isn't equipped with one. This will increase security and safety. They can also put an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning and lubricating it does not work, the problem could be that the latch on the door isn't properly aligned with the jamb or frame. To test this, open the sliding patio door, and look both ways from the door's opening to see whether the door is aligned with the frame or jamb. If not, remove the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch's hasp as the door is closed.

The latch can also be difficult to close due to the cylinder has worn out. It is necessary to replace the cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is essential to select an alternative cylinder that is the same size as the old one and has the same style keyway, which means you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two halves of the lock apart and then inserting the new cylinder.

Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll be required to know the name and model of your existing cylinder so you can buy one that is compatible with it. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then go to your local hardware store to seek help.

Once you have the new cylinder in place remove it from the flat screw holding it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame using a screwdriver. Put the screw in a secure place to ensure you don't loose or damage it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout inside the door) and let it loose enough to turn the cylinder.

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly can be an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris could get caught within the lock mechanism. If this is not treated promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and no will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio doors repair near me door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires only a few tools and small amount of time.

Begin by examining the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the latch may be too bent to function properly. In this case, it would be best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure that it's as sturdy and secure as is possible.

If you're not comfortable with this DIY task yourself seek out an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to help you with the installation of the new lock. They'll have the tools and expertise needed to install the lock correctly.

Keeping your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Make sure that the handle and knobs aren't loose and if they're tighten them as required. Lubricate your lock at least every year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant used is important, so be sure to choose one that's specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to get best results.