How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

Keeping your patio door repairs doors in good working in good condition will protect your home from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements can cause the doors and locks to become misaligned or damaged.

You can fix your double glazed patio door repairs door lock yourself in the event that it isn't working properly. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway and latch.

Check the lock

Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their large amounts of glass and their central location within a home. It is essential that your locks work correctly to keep your home safe. There are a few easy ways to repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning.

The first step is to inspect the lock and make sure there is nothing that is hindering it from locking or latching. You should deal with any issues you spot such as loose screws or rust. In some instances an adjustment of the door's location could be sufficient to fix the issue.

Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to perform as it should. Clean your patio door and clean all hardware of the lock regularly to prevent this. If you need to, apply mild soap. However, make sure that you dry the lock completely afterwards.

It is also a good idea to to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those used in a machine that is finely tuned. They can jam and become stuck like any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a small amount of lubricant, can be used to clean any dirt or debris from the lock cylinder. This will help keep it functioning smoothly.

The exact dimensions of the patio door lock is important. This will help you locate the right lock replacement that fits perfectly with the current mechanism. If you're unsure of how to proceed you can contact a professional tradesperson or locksmith to get help.

Clean the Lock

The intricate parts of the door lock can jam up over time due to dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues could compromise the security of your home. These issues are easy to solve if you know how to do.

Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Clean any stains and debris with a moist cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a little grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.

The majority of patio door repair doors have mortise locks that is safe however, it is susceptible to problems with time. If your uPVC lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that hold the body of the latch in place. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be ready to take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.

After the latch has been removed, you can lubricate it with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have WD40, a graphite pen can be used to clean any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work, you might need to relocate the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be done by professionals. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without having to take it off the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame where the screws holding the cylinder in place are.

Lubricate the Lock

Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time for lubrication of the keyhole and the locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its life.

Dry graphite powder is ideal for lubricating small metal parts like locks since it's not sticky or oily and lasts for longer than liquid fluid lubricants. 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-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders.

Liquid lubricants may be more effective than graphite powder especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other kinds of liquid fluids. They are suitable for 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 a good substitute for silicone lubricants, because they last longer and do not attract dirt or dust. They're also suitable for colder environments since they can stop the accumulation of ice inside the lock.

If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely to be worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith can remove the lock mechanism, and then install the cylinder of a new model that matches your existing keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder in case your door isn't equipped with one. This can increase security and safety. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door that are in keeping with the rest.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning the lock and lubricating it doesn't work, the problem may be that the latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or door frame. To check this, open the sliding patio door and sight upwards and downwards from the opening of the latch to determine whether the door is in line to the frame or jamb. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch catches the latch hasp tightly when the door is shut.

Sometimes, the latch isn't closing properly due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. It is necessary to replace the cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. You should select one with the same keyway and dimensions like the one that came before it. This will allow you to change it quickly by unscrewing the two halves and inserting the replacement cylinder.

Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your current cylinder to buy a replacement. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then go to the local hardware store for 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, escutcheon, and door frame using a screwdriver. Place the screw in a secure place to ensure that you don't lose it or damage it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout in the door) and let it loose enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that isn't working properly could pose a serious security risk. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to become lodged in the lock mechanisms, but if this isn't addressed promptly, the lock can eventually fail and cease to provide security. It's a simple DIY project to change the patio door lock. You only need a few tools and some time.

Start by examining the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch doesn't work it could be bent too much to perform as it should. In this situation, it would be best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure that it's as sturdy and secure as it can be.

Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're not confident about tackling this DIY project. They will have all the equipment and know-how to install the lock properly.

Routine maintenance is the key to keep your patio door lock working properly. Make sure that the knobs and handles aren't loose and if they're tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is essential to use a lubricant that has been specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For the best results, apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.