How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

Maintaining your patio doors in good working in good order will safeguard your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors and their locks.

If your patio door lock doesn't work properly it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway and latch.

Inspect the Lock

Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their large amounts of glass and convenient location within a home. It is essential that your locks work properly to keep your home secure. There are a few easy ways to repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning.

The first step is to examine the lock to see if anything hinders it from latching or locking. If you find any issues like loose screws, rust, or misalignment, these should be addressed immediately. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the position of the patio door might suffice to solve the issue.

Another issue that is common is dust or debris that can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. To prevent this from happening, make sure to clean your patio door frequently and wipe down the lock hardware. You can make use of a mild detergent when needed, but ensure that you dry the lock completely afterward.

In addition, it's a good idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. Many of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to those of a finely tuned machine, so they can get stuck and jammed just as any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant can help to get rid of any dirt or debris that has collected within the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly.

Identifying the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is also crucial. This can help you find a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the current mechanism. If you aren't sure how to go about this, it's advisable to talk to a locksmith or professional tradesperson for assistance.

Clean the Lock

Over time, hot and cold weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate parts of your door lock to get jammed. These problems can compromise the security of your home. However, it's not difficult to fix these problems If you know how.

Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Clean any stains and debris using a damp cloth. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any grit or grime that has accumulated over time. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them.

Most patio doors use mortise locks that is secure, but is susceptible to problems in the course of time. If you're uPVC locks are stuck, you should first clean and lubricate them. For an uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to unfasten the screws that hold the latch body in place. With 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, you can lubricate it with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't own WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to eliminate dirt and grit from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it may be necessary to relocate the lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be performed by a professional. But you can practice shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by opening and closing the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are located that hold the cylinder in place.

Lubricate the Lock

When your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to grease the keyhole and the locks themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its lifespan.

Dry graphite is a great option to lubricate tiny metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also longer-lasting than liquids. It is easy to use and is suitable for use on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant made specifically for lock-cylinders.

Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other types of liquid lubricants. They work well in high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants accumulate over time and eventually replace other lubricants you've tried.

Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone lubricants since they last for a long time and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also excellent for cold environments, as they can prevent ice buildup within the lock.

If your lock's cylinder seems extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's probably worn out and needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder if the door isn't equipped with one. This will improve security and safety. They can also put a new lock faceplate on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning it and lubricating it doesn't work, the problem could be that the latch on the door is not aligned properly with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio doors repair near me door and look up and down at the opening of the latch. If the door is in line with the jamb or the frame then you can test. If not, loosen screws holding the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly catching the latch's hasp as the door closes.

Sometimes the latch isn't closing properly due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, so you'll need to get a replacement. You should choose a cylinder with the same keyway and dimensions as the previous one. This allows you to replace it easily by unscrewing the two halves and inserting the replacement cylinder.

Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of your current cylinder to be able to purchase one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number, take a picture of the cylinder along with its mounting screws, and then go to an hardware store for assistance.

When you have a new cylinder, unscrew the flat screw that holds it in place, and remove the escutcheon plate. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Place the screw in a secure place so you don't loose or damage it. Then, loosen enough the set screw 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 an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris can get caught within the lock mechanism. If this is not addressed promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and no longer offer security. It's a simple DIY task to replace the patio door lock. You'll only need the tools you need and some time.

Begin by inspecting the lock and determining what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch doesn't work it could be bent too far to perform as it should. If this is the case, you should replace the latch with mortise locking systems to ensure it's as solid and secure as you can.

If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project yourself contact a locksmith or door hardware specialist to assist you with the installation of an entirely new lock. They'll have the knowledge and tools to complete the job correctly and make sure that the new lock works with your patio door.

Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock working effectively. Make sure the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to prevent it from squeezing or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is crucial to choose a lubricant that is specifically created 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.