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This History Behind Repair Patio Door Is One That Will Haunt You Forever!
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

Keeping your patio doors in good working in good order will keep your home safe from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements may cause the doors and their locks to become misaligned or damaged.

If your patio door lock doesn't work properly You can make basic repairs at home. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway and handle.

Check the lock

Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large amount of glass and the convenient position within a house. It is essential that your locks function properly to keep your home secure. There are easy ways to repair patio door locks that have stopped working.

First, inspect the lock and ensure that there is nothing that is hindering it from latching or locking. You must address any issues you find, such as loose screws or rust. In some instances, a slight adjustment to the patio door's position may suffice to resolve the issue.

Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism not to function properly. To avoid this happening, make sure to clean your patio door regularly and clean the lock's hardware. patio doors repairs near me can make use of a mild detergent when needed, but ensure that you dry the lock thoroughly afterwards.

In addition, it is recommended to oil the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to the parts of a fine-tuned machine, and they could be jammed and stuck just like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant can help dislodge any dirt or debris that has collected inside the lock cylinder and ensure that it is operating efficiently.

The exact dimensions of the patio door lock is crucial. This will allow you to find a lock that perfectly matches your current mechanism. If you're not sure what to do, contact a professional tradesperson or locksmith for help.

Clean the Lock

Over time, hot and cold weather, dust, and dirt can cause the delicate parts of your door lock to get jammed. These issues can affect the security of your home. But it's simple to fix these issues if you know how.

Before attempting any repairs, clean your lock. Clean any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a bit of grit to clean the lock mechanism. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.

Most patio doors use mortise locks that is secure, but can be prone to issues over time. If you're uPVC locks has become stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in the position. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be able to remove the latch from its slot in the door frame.

Once the latch is removed and lubricated, you can apply using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't own WD40 alternative, you could try using a graphite pencil to help dislodge any grit or dirt within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you might need to move the locks cylinders. This will require additional tools and should be handled by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder without needing to remove it from the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then, draw pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws holding the locking cylinder are located.

Lubricate the Lock

When your lock is free of debris and dirt It's the perfect time to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant can keep your lock in top shape, which will extend its life.

Dry graphite is an excellent way to lubricate small metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also longer-lasting than liquids. 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 can be more efficient than graphite powder, 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. However, certain silicone lubricants could cause buildup over time and can replace other lubricants you've tried.

Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants because they're long-lasting and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also suitable for cold environments because they can prevent ice from building up inside the lock.

If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, it is probably worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with a a new cylinder matched to the keys you have. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. If your door does not have an cylinder for your lock or faceplate, a professional can install it to increase security and security. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that are in keeping with the rest.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it don't work, the problem may be that the latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the frame of the door. To test this you need to open the sliding patio door and look upwards and downwards from the door's opening to see if the door is parallel with the jamb or frame. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch catches the latch hasp tightly when the door is shut.

The latch can also be difficult to close as the cylinder has worn out. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, so you'll need a replacement. It is recommended to select a cylinder with the same keyway and dimensions like the one that came before it. This allows you to change it quickly by unscrewing the two halves and putting in the replacement cylinder.

Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need the brand and model number of the existing cylindrical to purchase a replacement. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then go to the local hardware store for help.

If you have a brand new cylinder, remove the flat screw that is holding it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and escutcheon plate from the door as well as the door frame. Put the screw somewhere safe so that you do not lose it. Then, loosen enough the set screw 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. Dirt and debris can get caught in the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't addressed promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and won't longer offer security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires just some tools and a small amount of time.

Begin by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch doesn't work, it may be bent too far to function properly. If this is the case, replace the lock latch with mortise locking to ensure it's as solid and secure as you can.

If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY project yourself contact a locksmith or door hardware specialist to help you with the installation of an entirely new lock. They will have all the tools and expertise needed to install the lock correctly.

Regular maintenance is the key to keep your patio door lock operating properly. Verify that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to prevent it from squeezing or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks subject to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant used is vital, so be sure to select one that's 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 the best results.

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