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What Do You Know About Repair Patio Door?
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. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors and their locks.

You can repair your patio door lock on your own in the event that it isn't working properly. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway, and latch.

Check the Lock

Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and convenient position within a home. It is essential to ensure that your home is safe. Luckily, there are some easy ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that aren't working correctly.

The first step is to inspect the lock and make sure there is nothing that is hindering it from locking or latching. You must address any issues you find like loose screws or corrosion. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the patio door's position may suffice to resolve the issue.

Another common issue is dust or debris that can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. To prevent this from happening, make sure to clean your patio door regularly and clean the lock's hardware. If you need to, apply a mild soap solution. However, make sure that the lock is dried completely afterwards.

It is also a good idea that you regularly lubricate your lock. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a finely tuned machine, and they could become stuck and jammed like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help get rid of any dirt or debris that has collected inside the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly.

It is important to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will allow you to find an appropriate lock that is compatible with your existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to proceed, contact a professional locksmith or tradesperson for assistance.

Clean the Lock

Over time, cold and hot weather, dust, and dirt can cause the delicate parts of the door lock to become stuck. These issues could compromise your home's security. But it's simple to fix these problems when you know how.

Before you attempt any repairs, first clean your lock. Clean any stains and debris with a moist cloth. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any dirt or grime that has accumulated over time. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.

Most patio doors are secured by mortise locking systems. This is a secure lock, but it can also cause issues with time. If you find that your uPVC locks are stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to unfasten the screws that hold the latch body in place. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be able to take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.

Once the latch has been removed, you can lubricate it with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't own WD40 or similar product, you can try using a graphite pencil to get rid of any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it is possible to move the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be handled by professionals. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without having to remove it from the door. Close and open 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

If your lock is clean from dirt and debris, it's a good time to lubricate the keyhole and locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant will keep your lock in top shape, which will extend its life.

Dry graphite powder is excellent for lubricating small metal components like locks because it's not oily or sticky and lasts for longer than liquid greases. 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-like graphite lubricant specifically designed for lock cylinders.

Liquid lubricants are more efficient than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other liquid fluids. They are effective in low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may get accumulated over time, and can displace other lubricants you've tried.

Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they last for a long time and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also ideal for cold conditions, since they can help prevent ice accumulation within the lock.

If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it's probably worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can dismantle the lock mechanism and put in the cylinder of a new model that matches the keys you have. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. If your door doesn't have an cylinder for your lock or faceplate, a professional can install it to increase security and safety. They can also install the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning the lock and lubricating it do not work, the problem may be that the latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. Open the sliding patio door, and take a look upwards and downwards at the opening of the latch. If the door is in line with the jamb or the frame then you can test. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch catches the latch hasp tightly when the door is closed.

The latch can also be difficult to close as the cylinder has worn out. You'll require a new cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is recommended to select a cylinder that has the same keyway and size like the one that came before it. This allows you to change it quickly by unbolting the two halves before inserting the new cylinder.

Many home improvement stores stock replacement cylinders. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your current cylinder to buy a replacement. If you don't have the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder and its mounting screws, and then go to the hardware store for help.


Once you have the new cylinder installed remove it from the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Place the screw in a secure location so that you don't lose it or damage it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout of the door) and loosen it enough to turn the cylinder.

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that's not functioning properly can be an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris could become stuck within the lock mechanism. If patio door lock repair RepairMyWindowsAndDoors is not treated promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and won't will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires just a few tools and small amount of time.

Start by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch does not work, it may be bent too far to function properly. In this instance it is recommended to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure it's as strong and secure as possible.

If you're not comfortable with this DIY task yourself contact an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to help you with the installation of an entirely new lock. They'll have the knowledge and tools to do it properly and ensure that the new lock will work with your patio door.

Regular maintenance is the key to ensure that your patio door lock operating properly. Check that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated more frequently. It is important to use a lubricant that is specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve best results.

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