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How to RepairMyWindowsAndDoors and Repair Patio Door Locks Keep your patio doors in good working condition to protect your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to your patio doors and their locks. If your patio door lock does not operate properly it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway and latch. Check the Lock Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their huge glass size and their central location within a home. It is important that your locks work correctly to keep your home secure. There are simple ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that aren't working correctly. The first step is to examine the lock to see if anything hinders it from locking or latching. You should deal with any issues you spot such as loose screws or corrosion. In some cases an adjustment of the position of the patio door could suffice to resolve the problem. Another common issue is debris or dust which can cause the lock mechanism to stop functioning properly. Clean your patio door and clean the lock hardware frequently to prevent this. If needed, you can use mild soap. However, you must be sure to dry the lock completely afterwards. In addition, it is an ideal idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are similar to those found in a finely tuned machine. They can jam or become stuck as with any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant, can be used to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the lock cylinder. This will keep it running smoothly. Knowing the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is also crucial. This will help you find an appropriate lock that is compatible with the existing mechanism. If you are unsure about how to accomplish this, it's advisable to talk to a locksmith or professional tradesperson to get help. Clean the Lock The intricate parts of the door lock can get jammed over time because of dirt, dust, and hot and cold weather. These issues could compromise your home's security. But it's easy to fix these problems if you know how. Clean your lock prior to making any repairs. With a damp cloth, wipe away any debris or stains that might be hindering your lock from working correctly. Use hot soapy water and a little grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again. Most patio doors use mortise locks that is safe however, it is susceptible to problems over time. If you find that your uPVC locks has become stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in the position. After removing the latch handle and plate, you can remove it from its slot on the door frame. After the latch has been removed then you can lubricate it with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't own WD40, a graphite pen can be used to remove any grit and dirt from 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 needing to remove it from the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws that hold the cylinder in place are. Lubricate the Lock After your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time for lubrication of the lock and the keyhole themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its life. Dry graphite powder is excellent for lubricating small metal components such as locks, because it's not oily or sticky and lasts for longer than liquid greases. It's simple to use and is suitable for use on sliding doors tracks for garage doors and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock-cylinders. Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other kinds of liquid fluids. They work well at low and high temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants can cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may replace other lubricants you've tried. Teflon lubricants can be an excellent substitute for silicone lubricants, as they are long-lasting and don't attract dust or dirt. They're also great for cold environments because they can keep ice from accumulating within the lock. If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a the new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with an cylinder for your lock or faceplate, a professional can install it to improve security and safety. They can also install the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning it and lubricating it does not work, the problem could be that the latch on the door isn't properly aligned with the jamb or frame. To check this, open the sliding patio door, and look upwards and downwards from the door's opening to determine whether the door is in line with the jamb or frame. If not, loosen the screws holding the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch is firmly grasping the latch's hasp as the door is closed. The latch can also be difficult to close as the cylinder has worn out. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, which is why you'll require an alternate. It is essential to select the new cylinder that's the same size as the one you have had previously and has the same style keyway, which means you can easily replace it by removing the two parts of the lock apart and then inserting the new cylinder. Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll be required to know the name and model of your current cylinder so you can buy one that matches it. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number, take a picture of the cylinder and its mounting screws and go to an hardware store for assistance. Once you have the new cylinder installed take it off the screw that holds it in place. Take off the escutcheon. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door and the door frame. Place the screw in a safe place so you don't 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 isn't functioning properly could cause serious danger to your security. Dirt and debris could get caught within the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't treated promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and will no longer offer security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires just a few tools and a small amount of time. Begin by examining the lock to determine what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch doesn't work it could be bent too far to function properly. If this is the case, replace the latch with mortise locking systems to ensure that it's as strong and secure as it can be. If you're not comfortable with this DIY project on your own contact a locksmith or door hardware specialist to help you with the installation of an entirely new lock. They'll have the expertise and tools to do it properly and ensure that the new lock will work with your patio door. Keeping your patio door lock in good working condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Check that the knobs and handles aren't loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate your lock at least once per year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is important to use a lubricant that has been specifically made for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism for the best results.