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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keep your patio doors in a good working condition to protect your home against unwanted intruders. However, the elements could cause the doors and locks to be misaligned or damaged. You can fix your patio door lock yourself when it's not functioning properly. These steps will resolve issues with the latch, keyway and handle. Check the lock Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their large amount of glass and the convenient position within a house. Having well-functioning locks is therefore important to ensure your home's security. There are a few easy solutions to fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning. The first step is to examine the lock to make sure nothing hinders it from locking or latching. You should take care to address any issues you discover like loose screws or corrosion. In some instances an adjustment of the door's location could be sufficient to fix the issue. Another common issue is dust or debris which can cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down the lock hardware frequently to prevent this. You can use a mild detergent solution if necessary, but always be sure to dry the lock thoroughly afterwards. It is also a good idea to to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a fine-tuned machine, so they can get stuck and jammed just as any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a small amount of lubricant can be used to remove any debris or dirt from the lock's cylinder. This will keep it running smoothly. The exact dimensions of the patio door lock is also important. This will allow you to find an appropriate lock that is compatible with your current mechanism. If you're not sure how to proceed, contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson for assistance. Clean the Lock Over time, hot and cold weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate parts of your door lock to become blocked. These issues could compromise your security at home. These issues are simple to fix if you know what to do. Before attempting sliding patio door repair near me www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk , clean your lock. Clean up any stains or debris using a damp cloth. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to clean the mechanism of your lock and wash away any grit or grime that has built up over time. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before re-using them. Most patio doors use mortise locks, which is secure however, it is susceptible to problems in the course of time. If your uPVC locks has become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. For an uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a little of soapy water. Next, you'll want to remove the screws that hold the latch body in the position. With 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 the lock with a light engineering oil like WD40. If you don't own WD40, a graphite pen can be used to remove dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it may be necessary to reposition the lock cylinder. This will require some additional tools and is best done by a professional. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without having to remove it from the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame where the screws holding the locking cylinder are located. Lubricate the Lock If your lock is clean of debris and dirt It's the perfect time to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its lifespan. Dry graphite powder is great for lubricating small metal parts like locks because it's not sticky or oily and lasts longer than liquid lubricants. It's easy to apply and you can 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, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and don't attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They are suitable for high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may get accumulated over time and eventually replace other lubricants that you've used. Teflon lubricants can be an ideal alternative to silicone lubricants since they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also suitable for colder environments since they'll 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's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a new cylinder matched to the keys you have. They can also perform repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. If your door does not have the lock cylinder, a professional can replace it to increase security and security. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that are in keeping with the rest. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning and lubricating it doesn't work, the problem could be that the latch on the door isn't aligned correctly with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio doors and examine the top and bottom of the opening of the latch. If the door is in line with the jamb or the frame and you are able to check, then it is. If not, remove the screws holding the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the latch is firmly grasping the latch's hasp as the door closes. Sometimes the latch isn't closing properly because of a worn-out cylinder. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, which is why you'll need to get a replacement. It is essential to select a new cylinder that is exactly the same size as the old one and has the same keyway, so you can easily replace it by screwing the two halves of the lock apart and then inserting the new cylinder. Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll be required to know the name and model of your existing cylinder in order to buy one that is compatible with it. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then visit the local hardware store for assistance. Once you have a new cylinder, unscrew the screw with a flat head that holds it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door and the door frame. Put the screw somewhere safe so that you aren't able to lose it. Then, loosen enough the set screw 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 working properly can cause serious danger to your security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to become lodged in the lock's mechanisms, but if this isn't addressed quickly enough the lock will eventually fail and stop providing security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires just a few tools and little time. Begin by looking at the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication don't help, the lock latch could be bent too much to perform as it should. In this case it is recommended to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure it's as sturdy and secure as possible. Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're unsure about undertaking this DIY project. They'll have the tools and expertise needed to properly install the lock. Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock working correctly. Verify that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated more often. It is crucial to select a lubricant which is specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For best results, apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.