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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keeping your patio doors in good in good condition will keep your home safe from intruders who aren't yours. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to your patio doors and their locks. If your patio door lock doesn't operate properly, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway and handle. Inspect the Lock Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and convenient position within a house. Having well-functioning locks is therefore crucial to ensure your home's security. Luckily, there are some simple ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that have stopped working correctly. The first step is to check the lock to make sure nothing is hindering it from locking or latching. You should deal with any issues you spot such as loose screws or corrosion. In some instances an adjustment of just a few inches to the position of the patio door might be enough to fix the problem. Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to fail to perform as it should. Clean your patio door and clean all lock hardware regularly to prevent this. You can use a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but be sure to dry the lock completely afterward. In addition, it's an ideal idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those found in a finely tuned machine. They can jam and get stuck just like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a small amount of lubricant could be used to get rid of any debris or dirt from the lock cylinder. This will keep it running at a high speed. Knowing the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is important. This can help you find an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with the current mechanism. If you aren't sure how to go about this, it is advisable to talk to an expert tradesperson or locksmith for assistance. Clean the Lock The intricate parts of the door lock could jam up over time due to dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These problems can threaten your home security. But it's simple to fix these problems if you know how. Before attempting any repairs, you must first clean your lock. With a damp cloth, clean any stains or debris that may be preventing your lock from working correctly. Use soapy water with hot 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 secured with a mortise locking system. This is a secure lock, but it is susceptible to issues over time. If you find that your uPVC locks are stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to loosen the screws that hold the latch body in the position. With the latch plate and handle removed, you can remove the latch itself from its slot in the door frame. Once the latch is removed, you can lubricate it with a light engineering lubricant 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 doesn't work it is possible to move the lock cylinder. This will require some additional tools and is best done by a professional. But you can practice shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by opening and closing the door with the cylinder in the lock position, then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that secure the cylinder. Lubricate the Lock When your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time for lubrication of the lock and the keyhole themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant can keep your lock in good shape, which will extend its life. Dry graphite is a fantastic way to lubricate small metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also longer-lasting than liquids. It's easy to apply and you can use it on sliding doors, door hinges and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is specifically designed for lock cylinders. Liquid lubricants may be more effective than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and will not attract as much dust or dirt as other kinds of liquid lubricants. They are suitable for high and low temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can accumulate over time, and displace other lubricants you've tried. Teflon Lubricants are an ideal substitute for silicone lubricants, since they are long-lasting and do not attract dirt or dust. They're also great for cold environments because they'll keep ice from accumulating inside the lock. If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with a an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with the keys you have. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if the door isn't equipped with one. This will improve safety and security. They can also put the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning and lubricating the door does not work, the issue could be due to the latch on the door is not properly aligned with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio doors and take a look upwards and downwards at the latch opening. If the door is aligned with the jamb or the frame then you can test. If not, loosen the screws holding the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch is securely catching the latch's hasp as the door closes. The latch is also sometimes difficult to close due to the cylinder is worn out. It is necessary to replace the for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. You should select one with the same keyway and size as the one you had previously. This allows you to change it quickly by unscrewing the two halves and putting in the replacement cylinder. There are replacement cylinders available in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll need the brand and model number of the existing cylindrical to purchase an alternative. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number then take a photo of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws, and then go to an hardware store for assistance. Once you have a new cylinder, remove the flat screw that is holding it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame with the help of a screwdriver. Put the screw somewhere safe so you do not lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout inside the door) and loosen it enough to rotate the cylinder. Replace the Lock A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could cause serious danger to your security. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to get stuck inside the lock's mechanisms however if the issue isn't dealt with quickly enough the lock will eventually break down 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. Begin by examining the lock to determine what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch doesn't work it could be bent to far 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 possible. If you're not comfortable with this DIY project on your own contact a locksmith or door hardware specialist to help you with the installation of the new lock. They'll have the knowledge and tools to complete the task correctly and ensure that the new lock works with your patio door. Keeping your patio door lock in good condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Make sure the handle and knobs aren't loose and if they're, tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least every year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. patio doors repairs is important to select a lubricant which has been specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism for best results.