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5 Lessons You Can Learn From Repair Patio Door
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

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

You can repair your patio door lock by yourself when it's not functioning properly. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway and latch.

Inspect the Lock

Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge glass size and convenient place within a house. It is crucial that your locks are working properly to keep your home safe. Fortunately, there are simple ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly.

The first step is to check the lock to make sure nothing is hindering it from latching or locking. If you find any issues such as loose screws or rust, or even misalignment, these should be addressed promptly. In some cases, a small adjustment to the direction of the patio door could be enough to fix the problem.

Debris or dust can cause the lock mechanism to work properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down the lock hardware frequently to prevent this. If necessary, you can apply mild soap. However, you must be sure that you dry the lock completely afterward.

It is also a good idea to to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those found in a machine that is finely tuned. They can jam and get stuck just like any mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant will help remove any dirt or debris that has collected inside the lock cylinder and keep it operating smoothly.

Knowing the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is also important. This will allow you to find an appropriate lock that is compatible with the existing mechanism. If you're unsure of how to proceed you can contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson to get help.

Clean the Lock

Over time, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the intricate parts of your door lock to become jammed. These issues could compromise your home security. But it's easy to fix these issues if you know how.

Before making any repairs, first clean your lock. Clean up any stains or debris with a moist cloth. Use soapy water with hot 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 secured using a mortise locking system. This is a secure lock, but it is susceptible to problems over time. If your uPVC lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For the uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate with a little of hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that hold the body of the latch in place. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you can take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.

After the latch has been removed then you can lubricate it using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have a WD40, you can also try using a graphite pencil to help get rid of any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work, you might need to move the lock cylinder. This requires some 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 make pencil marks on the frame where the screws holding the locking cylinder are located.

Lubricate the Lock

If your lock is clean from dirt and debris It's the perfect time to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant will keep your lock in good condition, and extends its life.

Dry graphite powder is great to lubricate small metal parts like locks because it's not oily or sticky and lasts 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-type graphite lubricant that is specifically designed for lock cylinders.

Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and will not attract as much dust or dirt as other types of liquid lubricants. They are effective at both low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants build up over time and eventually replace other lubricants that you've used.

Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they're long-lasting and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also ideal for cold conditions, since they can prevent ice buildup inside the lock.

If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, it is probably worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will dismantle the lock mechanism and put in a new cylinder that matches your current keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder in case your door isn't equipped with one. This will improve safety and security. They can also install an entirely new faceplate for your lock on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware.

patio door repair

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

Sometimes the latch is difficult to close because of a worn-out cylinder. It is necessary to replace the cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is important to choose an alternative cylinder that is the same size as the old one and has the same keyway, so that you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two halves of the lock apart and inserting the new cylinder.


Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll need to know the brand and model of your current cylinder to be able to purchase one that matches it. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number then take a photo of the cylinder and its mounting screws and go to an hardware store for help.

Once you have a new cylinder, remove the screw with a flat head that holds it in place, and remove the escutcheon plate. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door and door frame. Place the screw in a safe place to ensure you aren't able to lose it. Then, loosen the set screw that is on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole in the door).

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could pose a serious risk to your security. Dirt and debris could become stuck within the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't treated promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and no will be able to provide security. It's a simple DIY project to change the patio door lock. You'll only need just a few tools and a bit of time.

Start by inspecting the lock and determining what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch does not work, it may be bent too far to work properly. In this situation it's best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock so that it's as strong and secure as is possible.

Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're not sure about tackling this DIY project. They will have all the equipment and know-how to install the lock correctly.

Routine maintenance is the key to ensure that your patio door lock working properly. Check that the handle and knobs aren't loose, and if they are tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate the lock at least once per year to keep it from squeezing or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant you use is crucial, so make certain to select one specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism to achieve best results.

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