How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

Keep your patio doors in good condition to guard your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements can cause the doors and locks to be damaged or misaligned.

If your patio door lock does not perform as it should it is possible to make 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 because of the large amount of glass and their central place within a house. Having well-functioning locks is therefore essential to ensure that your home is safe. There are a few easy ways to fix patio door locks which have stopped working.

The first step is to examine the lock to make sure nothing is hindering it from latching or locking. If you spot any issues like loose screws or rust, or an issue with alignment, they should be addressed promptly. In some cases an adjustment of just a few inches to the location of the patio door may suffice to resolve the issue.

Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism to function properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all lock hardware regularly to prevent this. If necessary, you can apply a mild soap solution. However, make sure that the lock is dried completely afterwards.

In addition, it is an ideal idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are similar to those in a finely tuned machine. They can jam or become stuck like any mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant will help dislodge any dirt or debris that has accumulated within the lock cylinder and keep it operating smoothly.

Identifying the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is also crucial. This will help you choose an appropriate lock that is compatible with the existing mechanism. If you're unsure of how to do it you can contact a professional tradesperson or locksmith to get help.

Clean the Lock

The intricate parts of the door lock could get jammed over time due to dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These issues can affect the security of your home. But it's easy to fix these problems if you know how.

Before making any repairs, clean your lock. Using a damp cloth, clean any stains or debris that may hinder your lock from functioning properly. Use soapy water with hot water and a little grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Dry your locks completely after cleaning them.

https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-croydon/ of patio doors are secured using mortise locking systems. This is a safe lock, but it can also cause issues with time. If your uPVC lock is stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. The next step is to unfasten the screws that keep the latch in the position. After you have removed the latch plate and handle, you can remove 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 have a WD40 or similar product, you can use graphite pencils to help remove any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work, you might need to reposition the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and is best done by an expert. You can practice repositioning the cylinder without having to take it off the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws holding the locking cylinder are located.

Lubricate the Lock

Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time for lubrication of the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its life.

Dry graphite is a fantastic option to lubricate tiny metal parts, like locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It also lasts longer 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 are more effective than graphite particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and won't attract as much dust and dirt as other kinds of liquid fluids. They work well at high and low temperatures. However, some silicone lubricants could cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may displace other lubricants you've used.

Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they last longer and do not attract dirt and 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 likely to be worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with a a new cylinder matched to the keys you have. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if your door does not have one. This will increase safety and security. They can also install a new lock faceplate on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning and lubricating the door do not work, then the issue could be that the latch on the door isn't properly aligned with the frame or jamb. To determine this open the sliding patio door and sight both ways from the door's opening to determine whether the door is in line with the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch catches the latch hasp tightly when the door is closed.

The latch is also sometimes difficult to close as the cylinder is worn. You'll need a replacement cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. It is recommended to select a cylinder that has the same keyway and dimensions like the one that came before it. This allows you to change it quickly by removing the two halves before inserting the replacement cylinder.

You can find replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your current cylindrical to purchase a replacement. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a photograph of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then go to your local hardware store to seek help.

When you have a new cylinder, loosen the flat screw that is holding it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure 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 of the door) and let it loose enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that's not functioning properly could pose a serious security risk. Dirt and debris could become stuck within the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't taken care of promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and will no will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires a few tools and bit of time.

Begin by examining the lock to determine what is causing the problem. If lubricating and cleaning don't help, the latch may be too bent to perform as it should. In this case it's best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock so that it's as strong and secure as it can be.

Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're not sure in tackling this DIY task. They'll have the knowledge and tools to complete the task properly and ensure that the new lock works with your patio door.

Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock operating properly. Make sure the handle and knobs aren't loose and, if they are, tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least once per year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. It is important to choose a lubricant that is specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). To get the best results apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.