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Why You'll Need To Learn More About Repair Patio Door
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

Keep your patio doors in good working condition to protect your home from intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors and their locks.

You can repair your patio door lock yourself when it's not working correctly. These steps will fix issues 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 home. It is crucial that your locks function properly to keep your home safe. There are easy solutions to fix patio door locks that have stopped working.

The first step is to examine the lock to ensure nothing is preventing it from latching or locking. If you find any issues such as loose screws or rust, or an issue with alignment, they should be addressed promptly. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the location of the patio door may be enough to fix the issue.

Another issue that is common is debris or dust that could 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 hardware. You can apply a mild detergent solution when needed, but remember to dry the lock thoroughly afterwards.

In addition, it's an ideal idea to lubricate the lock regularly. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like those of a finely tuned machine, so they can become stuck and jammed as any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant could be used to get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock cylinder. This will keep it running smoothly.

The exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also crucial. This can help you choose an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to do this, it's best to speak with an expert tradesperson or locksmith for help.

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 problems can compromise your home's security. These issues are simple to solve if you know how to do.

Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. Wipe away any stains and debris using a damp cloth. Use hot soapy water and a small amount of grit to clean the lock mechanism. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before using them again.

Most patio doors are fitted with mortise locks, which is secure but is susceptible to issues in the course of time. If your uPVC lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to remove the screws that keep the latch in place. With 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 is removed, you can lubricate the lock with a light engineering oil such as WD40. If you don't have a WD40 alternative, you could try using a graphite pencil to help remove any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work it is possible to relocate 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. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are.

Lubricate the Lock

After your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to lubricate both the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant helps keep your lock in top condition, and extends its life.

Dry graphite powder is ideal for lubricating small metal components like locks since it's not oily or sticky, and it lasts longer than liquid greases. It's easy to apply, and you can also use it on sliding doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders.

Liquid lubricants may be more efficient than graphite powder particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and do not attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They are suitable for low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may get accumulated over time, and displace other lubricants that you've used.

Teflon Lubricants are an excellent substitute for silicone lubricants, as they are long-lasting and don't attract dust or dirt. They are also great for cold climates, since they prevent the build-up of ice within the lock.

If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, then it's probably worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith can dismantle the lock mechanism and install the cylinder of a new model that matches the keys you have. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can also replace the lock cylinder if the door isn't equipped with one. This will increase security and safety. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door that are in keeping with the rest.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning the lock and lubricating it doesn't perform, the issue could be that the door's latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or the frame of the door. To test this you need to open the sliding patio door, and look both ways from the door's opening to determine if the door is parallel with the jamb or frame. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the lock latch is securely catching the latch hasp when the door is closed.

The latch is also sometimes difficult to close as the cylinder is worn. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, and you'll need an alternative. You should select a cylinder with the same keyway and dimensions as the one you had previously. This will allow you to replace it with ease by removing the two halves and putting in the replacement cylinder.


You can purchase replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of the existing cylinder so you can buy one that is compatible with it. If you don't know the model and manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then, visit your local hardware store to seek help.

Once you have a new cylinder, unscrew the flat screw that holds it in place, and remove the plate that holds it in place. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame with a screwdriver. Set the screw somewhere secure to ensure you aren't able to lose it. Then, loosen enough the set screw that is located on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door).

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that's not working properly can be a major risk to your security. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to get lodged inside the lock mechanism, but if this isn't addressed promptly, the lock can eventually break down and cease to provide security. It's a simple DIY task to change the patio door lock. You only need a few tools and some time.

Start by inspecting the lock and determining what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the latch could be bent too much to work properly. If this is the case, replace the latch using mortise locking systems to ensure it's as strong and secure as you can.

If you're not comfortable with this DIY task yourself, consult with a locksmith or door hardware expert to help you with the installation of the new lock. They'll have the tools and expertise needed to install the lock correctly.

Keeping your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Check that patio doors repairs RepairMyWindowsAndDoors and handle aren't loose, and if they are tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate the lock at least once per year to avoid it from becoming stuck or stiff. Locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant used is important, so be sure to choose one that's specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to get the best results.

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