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Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Change Your Life
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

Keeping your patio doors in good order will help safeguard your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements may cause the doors and locks to be misaligned or damaged.

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

Inspect the Lock

Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of the large amount of glass and their convenient location within a home. It is essential that your locks work properly to keep your home secure. There are simple solutions to repair patio door locks that have stopped working.

The first step is to examine the lock to make sure nothing hinders it from locking or latching. If you notice any issues, such as loose screws, rust, or the wrong alignment, these must be addressed promptly. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the location of the patio door may be enough to fix the problem.

Another common issue is dust or debris which can cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. To prevent this from happening, ensure that you clean your patio door on a regular basis and clean the lock hardware. You can make use of a mild detergent in the event of need, but remember to dry the lock completely afterward.

It is also a good idea that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those in a machine that is finely tuned. They can jam and become stuck like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant can be used to get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock's cylinder. This will keep it functioning smoothly.

It is important to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you choose an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you're unsure of how to do it, contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson to get help.

Clean the Lock

Over time, cold and hot weather, dust, and dirt can cause the intricate parts of your door lock to become jammed. These issues can affect your home's security. These issues are simple to solve if you know what to do.

Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. Clean up any stains or debris with a damp cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a bit of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Let your locks dry completely after cleaning them.

The majority of patio doors have a mortise lock that is secure, but can be prone to issues with time. If your uPVC lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Start by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to unfasten the screws that keep the latch in the position. After you have removed the latch handle and plate then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.

Once the latch is detached, you can lubricate the lock with a light engineering oil like WD40. If you don't own WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to clean dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working, you might need to relocate the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be done by an expert. But you can practice repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by opening and closing the door with the cylinder in the lock position, then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws hold the cylinder in place.

Lubricate the Lock

When your lock is free of dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and extend its lifespan.

Dry graphite powder is great for lubricating small metal parts such as locks, because it's not sticky or oily and lasts longer than liquid lubricants. It's easy to apply and you can apply it to 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 work better than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They work well in low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants can cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may displace other lubricants you've used.

Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants because they last for a long time and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also good for cold environments because they'll keep ice from accumulating within the lock.

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

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning it and lubricating it do not work, then the issue could be that the latch on the door is not aligned properly with the jamb or frame. To determine this you need to open the sliding patio door and sight upwards and downwards from the door's opening to determine whether the door is in line with the jamb or frame. If not, loosen patio doors repairs near me that hold the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the lock latch is securely catching the latch's hasp as the door is closed.

Sometimes, the latch can be difficult to close because of a worn-out cylinder. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, and you'll require an alternate. It is recommended to select a cylinder that has the same keyway and dimensions as the one you had previously. This allows you to change it quickly by unscrewing the two halves before inserting the new cylinder.

You can purchase replacement cylinders at many home improvement stores. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your current cylindrical to purchase a replacement. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then visit your local hardware store to seek assistance.

If you have a brand new cylinder, loosen the flat screw that is holding it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame using a screwdriver. Place the screw in a safe location so you don't loose or damage it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout in the door) and loosen it enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could pose a serious security risk. Dirt and debris can get stuck within the lock mechanism. If this is not addressed immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and no longer provide security. It's a straightforward DIY project to change the patio door lock. You'll only need the tools you need and some time.

Begin by examining the lock to determine what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch fails, it may be bent too far to function properly. In this situation, it would be best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure that it's as strong and secure as possible.

Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're unsure in tackling this DIY task. They'll have all the equipment and know-how to properly install the lock.


Maintaining your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Check that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. It is important to select a lubricant which is specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). To get the best results apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.

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