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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keep your patio doors in good working condition to protect your home against unwanted intruders. However, patio doors repairs near me may cause the doors and their locks to be damaged or misaligned. You can fix your patio door lock yourself when it's not functioning properly. These steps can fix issues with the handle, keyway and latch. Check the Lock Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their large amount of glass and the convenient position within a house. It is important to ensure your home's security. There are simple methods to fix patio door locks which have stopped functioning. The first step is to examine the lock to make sure nothing is hindering it from latching or locking. It is important to deal with any issues you spot, such as loose screws or corrosion. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio door could be sufficient to fix the issue. Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to function properly. To prevent this from occurring, be sure to clean your patio door on a regular basis and clean the lock hardware. If you need to, use a mild soap solution. However, you must be sure that you dry the lock completely afterwards. Additionally, it's a good idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a finely tuned machine, so they can be jammed and stuck just as any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant can help to dislodge any dirt or debris that may have accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and keep it operating smoothly. It is crucial to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you find a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to go about this, it's best to speak with an expert locksmith or tradesperson for help. Clean the Lock The intricate parts of the door lock may jam up over time due to dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues could compromise your home's security. These issues are easy to solve if you know what to do. Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Clean up any stains or debris with a damp cloth. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to clean the lock mechanism and remove any dirt or grime that has accumulated over time. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them. The majority of patio doors have a mortise lock, which is secure however, it is susceptible to problems with time. If you find that your uPVC locks are stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. After removing the latch plate and handle then you can take it from its slot on the door frame. After the latch has been removed and lubricated, you can apply by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't own WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to remove any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it is possible to move the lock cylinder. This will require some additional tools and should be done by a professional. However, you can practice shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by opening and closing the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, after which making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws keep the cylinder in place. Lubricate the Lock If your lock is clean of debris and dirt It's the perfect time to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its life. Dry graphite is an excellent way to lubricate small metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also more durable than liquids. It's easy to apply, and you can also use it on 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 are more effective than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and won't attract as much dust and dirt as other liquid lubricants. They are effective in both low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants may create the formation of a buildup over time, and may displace other lubricants you've used. Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone lubricants since they last for a long time and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also good for cold environments because they can prevent ice from building up within the lock. If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a new cylinder matched to your existing keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder if your door isn't equipped with one. This will improve security and safety. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door that are compatible with the rest. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If lubricating the lock and cleaning it do not work, the issue could be that the door latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or frame of the door. To determine this open the sliding patio door and look upwards and downwards from the opening of the latch to see if the door is parallel with the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it up or down until the lock latch catches the latch tightly when the door is closed. Sometimes the latch can be difficult to close because of a worn-out cylinder. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, so you'll need to get an alternative. You should choose a cylinder that has the same keyway and size as the previous one. This allows you to replace it with ease by removing the two halves and inserting the replacement cylinder. Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll be required to know the name and model of your current cylinder so you can buy one that matches it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer you can take a photograph of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and go to a hardware store to get assistance. When you have a new cylinder, loosen the screw with a flat head that is holding it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and 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 the set screw that is on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door). Replace the Lock A patio door lock not working properly can be a major risk to your security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to get lodged inside the lock's mechanisms If this isn't addressed promptly, the lock can eventually break down and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires only some tools and a bit of time. Start by inspecting the lock and determining what's causing the problem. If lubricating and cleaning don't aid, the latch may be bent too much to work properly. In this instance it's best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure it's as strong and secure as possible. Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're unsure in tackling this DIY task. They'll have the tools and experience to properly install the lock. Maintaining your patio door lock in good condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Check that the handle and knobs aren't loose and, if they are tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather should be lubricated more often. It is important to use a lubricant that is specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism for the best results.