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You'll Be Unable To Guess Repair Patio Door's Tricks
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

Keep your patio doors in a good condition to safeguard 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 functioning properly. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway, and latch.

Check the Lock

Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and convenient location within a home. It is essential that your locks work correctly to keep your home secure. Luckily, there are some simple ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that have stopped working correctly.

First, inspect the lock and ensure that there is nothing that is hindering it from locking or latching. If you spot any issues like loose screws or rust, or even the wrong alignment, these must be addressed immediately. In some cases, a small adjustment to the direction of the patio door could suffice to resolve the problem.

Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to fail to function properly. Clean your patio door and clean all hardware of the lock regularly to avoid this. If needed, you can apply a mild soap solution. However, make sure that the lock is dried completely afterwards.

It is also a good idea to to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those used in a precision-tuned machine. They can jam and become stuck like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant can help get rid of any dirt or debris that has collected in the lock's cylinder, and ensure that it is operating efficiently.

Identifying the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also important. This will help you choose a lock that perfectly matches the existing mechanism. If you're unsure of how to do it get help, consult a professional tradesperson or locksmith for assistance.

Clean the Lock

The intricate parts of the door lock could jam up over time because of dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues can affect your home's security. These issues are easy to fix if you know what to do.

Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Clean up any stains or debris using a damp cloth. Make use of hot soapy water and a little grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before using them again.

The majority of patio doors are secured by mortise locking systems. This is a safe lock, but it can also cause problems in time. If you find that your uPVC locks have become stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. For the uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. With the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be ready to remove the latch from its slot in the door frame.

Once the latch is removed, you can lubricate it by using a lubricant for engineering like WD40. If you don't have WD40, you can also try using graphite pencils to help get rid of any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you may have to relocate the locks cylinders. This requires additional tools and is best done by a professional. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without having to take it off the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws that hold the cylinder in place are.

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 ideal for lubricating small metal components like locks since it's not sticky or oily and lasts for longer than liquid fluid lubricants. It is easy to use and can be utilized on sliding doors tracks for garage doors and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock cylinders.

Liquid lubricants can be more effective than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and don't attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid lubricants. They are efficient at high and low temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants could cause accumulation over time and could displace other lubricants you've used.

Teflon Lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants as they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also good for colder environments since they can prevent ice from building up within the lock.

If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, then it's likely to be worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will remove the lock mechanism, and then install the cylinder of a new model that matches your current keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if your door isn't equipped with one. This can increase security and safety. They can also put the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning it and lubricating it do not work, then the issue could be due to the latch on the door isn't aligned correctly with the frame or jamb. To determine this open the sliding patio door and look upwards and downwards from the opening of the latch to determine whether the door is aligned with the jamb or frame. If not, remove the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the latch is securely catching the latch hasp when the door closes.

Sometimes, the latch is difficult to close due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. 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 with the same keyway and size like the one that came before it. This allows you to replace it with ease by removing the two halves and putting in the replacement cylinder.

You can find replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll need the brand and model number of your current cylinder to buy the replacement. If you don't have the model or manufacturer then take a photo of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and go to an hardware store for assistance.

Once you have the new cylinder installed take it off the flat screw holding it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door and the door frame. Put the screw somewhere safe so you do not lose it. Then, loosen enough the set screw that is located on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole in the door).

Replace patio door repair that isn't functioning properly can be an extremely risk to security. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to get stuck inside the lock mechanisms, but if this isn't addressed quickly enough the lock will eventually break down and cease to provide security. It's a simple DIY project to change the patio door lock. You only need the tools you need and some time.

Start by inspecting the lock to determine what's causing the problem. If cleaning and lubrication do not help, the lock latch may be bent too much to work properly. In this instance it's best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure it is as secure and strong as possible.

If you're not comfortable with this DIY project yourself seek out a locksmith or door hardware expert to help you with the installation of an entirely new lock. They'll have all the tools and expertise needed to install the lock correctly.

Regular maintenance is the key to ensure that your patio door lock functioning properly. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose, and if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is crucial to select a lubricant which has been specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For best results, apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.

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