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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keep your patio doors in a good condition to guard your home against unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors as well as their locks. If your patio door lock doesn't operate properly 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 due to their huge amount of glass and the convenient position within a house. A lock that is functional and secure is essential to ensure that your home is safe. There are simple methods to fix patio door locks that have stopped working. The first step is to examine the lock to ensure nothing is hindering it from latching or locking. If you spot any issues such as loose screws or rust, or even misalignment, these should be addressed promptly. In some instances, a small adjustment to the position of the patio door may suffice to solve the issue. Another issue that is common is dust or debris that can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. To avoid this occurring, be sure to clean your patio door on a regular basis and clean the lock hardware. You can make use of a mild detergent if necessary, but always remember to dry the lock completely afterward. It is also a good idea lubricate your lock regularly. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are similar to those found in a precision-tuned machine. They can jam and get stuck just like any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant will help remove any dirt or debris that has collected in the lock's cylinder, and help keep it running smoothly. It is essential to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you find an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you're not sure what to do get help, consult an expert locksmith or tradesperson for assistance. Clean the Lock Over time, cold and hot weather, dust, and dirt can cause the delicate parts of your door lock to become stuck. These issues could compromise the security of your home. These issues are easy to fix if you know what to do. Before making any repairs, you must first clean your lock. Clean any stains and debris with a moist cloth. Make use of hot soapy water and a small amount of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them. The majority of patio doors are secured with mortise locking systems. This is a secure lock, but it is susceptible to problems with time. If you find that your uPVC locks are stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. For a uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to remove the screws that keep the latch in the position. After you have removed the latch plate and handle and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame. Once the latch is removed, you can lubricate the lock using an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't own WD40 alternative, you could use a graphite pencil to help dislodge any grit or dirt in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you may have to relocate the your lock cylinder. This requires some additional tools and is best done by a professional. However, you can practice repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that keep the cylinder in place. Lubricate the Lock When your lock is free of dirt and debris, it's a good time to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good condition and extend its lifespan. Dry graphite powder is great for lubricating small metal components like locks because it's not sticky or oily and lasts for longer than liquid lubricants. It's easy to use and can be used on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock cylinders. Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other kinds of liquid lubricants. They are efficient at low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants accumulate over time and eventually replace other lubricants that you've used. Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants because they last for a long time and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also excellent for cold conditions, since they can help prevent ice accumulation inside the lock. If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, then it is probably worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with a the new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. If www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk does not have the lock cylinder, a professional can replace it to increase security and security. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door to are compatible with the rest of the door. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning and lubricating it do not work, then the issue could be due to the latch on the door isn't aligned properly with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio door, and examine the top and bottom of the latch opening. If the door is aligned with the frame or jamb then you can test. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch catches the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is shut. Sometimes the latch is difficult to close because of a worn-out cylinder. You'll require a new cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. You should choose a cylinder with the same keyway and dimensions as the previous one. This will allow you to replace it easily by removing the two halves before inserting the new cylinder. You can purchase replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of your current cylinder so you can buy one that matches it. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then go to the local hardware store for help. When you have a new cylinder, loosen the screw with a flat head that holds it in place, and remove the escutcheon plate. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Put the screw somewhere safe to ensure you aren't able to 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 then loosen it enough to turn the cylinder. Replace the Lock A patio door lock that's not working properly can cause serious danger to your security. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to get lodged inside the lock mechanism however if the issue isn't addressed promptly the lock could eventually break down and no longer provide security. It's a straightforward DIY project to replace the patio door lock. You only need a few tools and some time. Begin by inspecting the lock to determine what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication don't aid, the latch may be bent too much to perform as it should. In this case it's best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock so that it's as strong and secure as possible. Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're not sure about undertaking this DIY project. They'll have the expertise and tools to do it correctly and ensure that the new lock works with your patio door. Regular maintenance is the key to ensure that your patio door lock functioning properly. Make sure that the handle and knobs aren't loose and if they're tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to prevent it from becoming stuck or stiff. Locks that have been subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is crucial to use a lubricant that has been specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For the best results apply the lubricant direct to the key hole of the lock mechanism.