How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Doors Patio Door Locks

Maintaining your patio doors in good in good condition will protect your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors as well as their locks.

If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway and handle.

Check the Lock

Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their large amount of glass and the convenient location within a home. It is essential that your locks work correctly to keep your home safe. There are simple methods to fix patio door locks which have stopped functioning.

First, examine the lock to ensure there is nothing blocking it from locking or latching. If you notice any issues such as loose screws or rust, or even misalignment, these should be addressed immediately. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio door might be enough to fix the issue.

Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism not to perform as it should. Clean your patio door and wipe down all lock hardware regularly to prevent this. If needed, you can use mild soap. However, make sure that you dry the lock completely afterwards.

In addition, it is a good idea to lubricate the lock regularly. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door repair company near me door lock are like those of a fine-tuned machine, so they can get stuck and jammed just as any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant will help remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated inside the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly.

It is important to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you find a lock that perfectly matches your existing mechanism. If you aren't sure how to repair patio door lock to go about this, it's advisable to talk to an expert tradesperson or locksmith for assistance.

Clean the Lock

Over time, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the intricate components of your door lock to become jammed. These problems can threaten your security at home. But it's easy to fix these problems when you know how.

Before attempting any repairs, first clean your lock. Using a damp cloth, clean any stains or debris that could be preventing your lock from functioning properly. Use soapy water with hot water and a small amount of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before using them again.

Most patio doors are secured with a mortise locking system. This is a secure lock, but it is susceptible to issues in time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For the uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of soapy water. Then, take off the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. With the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be ready to remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame.

Once the latch is removed it is possible to lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't own WD40, a graphite pen can be used to clean dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you may need to reposition locks cylinders. This requires some additional tools and is best 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 lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame the area where the screws that support the cylinder in place are.

Lubricate the Lock

When your lock is free from dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant can keep your lock in top shape, which will extend its life.

Dry graphite powder is great to lubricate small metal parts like locks because it's not oily or sticky and lasts longer than liquid greases. It is easy to use and can be utilized on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders.

Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and do not attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They are effective in low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants may create accumulation over time and could be displaced by other lubricants that you've used.

Teflon Lubricants are an ideal alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and do not attract dirt or dust. They're also good for cold climates since they can keep ice from accumulating within the lock.

If your lock cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it's probably worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and install the cylinder of a new model that matches the keys you have. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door doesn't have the lock cylinder or faceplate, a professional can install it to increase security and safety. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door to are compatible with the rest.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning and lubricating the door does not work, the problem could be that the latch on the door is not properly aligned with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio door, and look up tilt and slide patio door repairs near me down at the opening for the latch. If the door is parallel to the jamb or the frame then you can test. If not, remove the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch hasp when the door closes.

Sometimes the latch can be difficult to close due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. It is necessary to replace the cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is important to choose the new cylinder that's exactly the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same keyway, so you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock to one side and inserting the new cylinder.

You can purchase replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of the existing cylinder to be able to purchase one that matches it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number, take a picture of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and head to the hardware store for assistance.

Once you have a new cylinder, unscrew the flat screw that holds it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure so you aren't able to lose it. Then, loosen enough the set screw that is located on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door).

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that's not working properly can cause serious danger to your security. Dirt and debris could get stuck within the lock mechanism. If this is not treated promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and won't longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires just some tools and a small amount of time.

Start by examining the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication don't help, the lock latch may be bent too much to work properly. If this is the case, replace the latch using a mortise locking system to ensure that it's as strong and secure as it can be.

If you're not confident in tackling this DIY task yourself, consult with an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you in the installation of an entirely new lock. They'll have the tools and experience to properly install the lock.

Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock functioning correctly. Check that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to avoid it from squeezing or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks subject to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant you use is vital, so be certain to select one specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). To get the best results apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.