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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 unwanted intruders. However, the elements may cause the doors and locks to become damaged or misaligned. If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should You can make basic repairs at home. These steps will address problems with the latch, keyway, and handle. Check the lock Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large amount of glass and the convenient location within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore important to ensure your home is safe. Fortunately, there are simple ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that have stopped working correctly. The first step is to inspect the lock to make sure nothing is hindering it from latching or locking. You should deal with any issues you spot like loose screws or corrosion. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio door could be enough to solve the issue. Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to perform as it should. To avoid this happening, ensure that you clean your patio door on a regular basis and clean the lock hardware. You can use a mild detergent solution in the event of need, but be sure to dry the lock completely afterward. It is also a good idea to to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to the parts of a fine-tuned machine, and they could be jammed and stuck just as any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help dislodge any dirt or debris that has accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and ensure that it is operating efficiently. The exact dimensions of your patio door lock is important. This will allow you to find the perfect lock to match your current mechanism. If you aren't sure how to accomplish this, it's best to speak with an expert locksmith or tradesperson for assistance. Clean the Lock The intricate parts of the door lock can become jammed because of dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These problems can compromise your home's security. These issues are simple to solve if you know what to do. Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, clean any debris or stains that may hinder your lock from working properly. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of your lock and wash away any dirt or grime that has accumulated over time. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before using them again. Most patio doors are fitted with a mortise lock that is secure, but can be prone to problems in the course of time. If you find that your uPVC locks has become stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. The next step is to remove the screws that secure the latch body in the position. After you have removed the latch handle and plate then you can take it from its slot on the door frame. Once the latch has been removed and lubricated, you can apply using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have a WD40 alternative, you could use a graphite pencil to get rid of any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may have to relocate the your lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and is best done by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without having to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame where the screws that hold the locking cylinder are located. Lubricate the Lock When your lock is free of dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant can keep your lock in top shape, extending its lifespan. Dry graphite powder is great to lubricate small metal parts like locks since it's not oily or sticky, and it lasts longer than liquid greases. It is easy to use and can be utilized on sliding doors tracks for garage doors and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant that is 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 dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They work well in high and low temperatures. However, my response can cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may displace other lubricants you've used. Teflon oil can be an excellent substitute for silicone lubricants, since they are long-lasting and do not attract dirt or dust. They're also suitable for cold environments because they'll stop the accumulation of ice inside the lock. If your lock cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it's probably worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and put in a new cylinder that matches your current keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder if the door isn't equipped with one. This can increase security and safety. They can also install a new lock faceplate on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If lubricating the lock and cleaning it doesn't work, the problem may be that the latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or door frame. To test this you need to open the sliding patio door and look both ways from the door's opening to determine whether the door is in line with the frame or jamb. If not, remove the screws fixing the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch is firmly catching the latch hasp when the door closes. The latch is also sometimes difficult to close because the cylinder is worn out. You'll require a new cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. You should select one with the same keyway and size like the one that came before it. This will allow you to change it quickly by unbolting the two halves and inserting the replacement cylinder. Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need to know the brand and model of your existing cylinder to be able to purchase one that is compatible with it. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then, visit your local hardware store to seek help. Once you have the new cylinder in place, unscrew it from the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame using a screwdriver. Put the screw in a safe location so you don't loose 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 loosen it enough to rotate the cylinder. Replace the Lock A patio door lock that's not functioning properly could be a major risk to your security. Dirt and debris could become stuck in the lock mechanisms. If this issue isn't treated promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and no longer offer security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires a few tools and small amount of time. Begin by looking at the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the latch could be bent too much to perform as it should. If this is the case, replace the lock latch with mortise locking systems to ensure it's as solid and secure as possible. If you're not comfortable with this DIY project on your own, consult with a locksmith or door hardware specialist to help you with the installation of an entirely new lock. They'll have all the tools and experience to install the lock correctly. Regular maintenance is the key to ensure that your patio door lock operating effectively. Check that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to avoid it from becoming stuck or stiff. Locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated frequently. It is essential to select a lubricant which is specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to get best results.