How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good working in good condition will protect your home from intruders who aren't yours. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors as well as their locks.
If your patio door lock does not operate properly it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps will resolve issues with the handle, keyway, and latch.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their huge glass size and their central location within a home. It is essential that your locks work correctly to keep your home safe. Fortunately, there are easy methods to troubleshoot or fix patio door locks that have stopped working correctly.
The first step is to inspect the lock to ensure there is nothing blocking it from locking or latching. If you find any issues such as loose screws or rust, or misalignment, these should be addressed promptly. In some instances an adjustment of just a few inches to the position of the patio door may suffice to resolve the problem.
Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism to fail to work properly. To avoid this happening, make sure to clean your patio door frequently and wipe down the lock's hardware. You can use a mild detergent solution when needed, but be sure to dry the lock completely afterward.
In addition, it's an ideal idea to lubricate the lock regularly. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those found in a finely tuned machine. 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 ensure that it is operating efficiently.
It is essential to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you locate a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the current mechanism. If you're not sure how to accomplish this, it is advisable to contact a locksmith or professional tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, cold and hot weather, dust, and dirt can cause the delicate parts of your door lock to become stuck. These issues can compromise your home security. But it's simple to fix these problems If you know how.
Before attempting any repairs, first clean your lock. Clean any stains and debris using a damp cloth. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to clean the lock mechanism and remove any grime or grit 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 can be prone to issues over time. If your uPVC lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For a uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a little of hot soapy water. Then, you can remove the screws that hold the body of the latch in the position. Once you have the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be able to take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch is detached and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock with a light engineering oil like WD40. If you don't own WD40 alternative, you could try using graphite pencils to help dislodge any grit or dirt within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks aren't working, you may have to relocate the your lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be handled 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 lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame inside where the screws holding the locking cylinder are located.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is free from dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is excellent for lubricating small metal components such as locks, because it's not sticky or oily and lasts for longer than liquid lubricants. It's easy to apply, and you can also apply it to 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 efficient than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and do not attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid fluids. They are suitable for high and low temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants can cause the formation of a buildup over time, and may replace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they're long-lasting and do not attract dirt and dust. They're also good for colder environments since they can stop the accumulation of ice within the lock.
If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's likely worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a a new cylinder matched to your keys. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if the door isn't equipped with one. This will improve security and safety. They can also install a new lock faceplate on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating it does not work, the issue could be due to the latch on the door is not aligned correctly with the frame or jamb. To check this you need to open the sliding patio door and look up and down from the door's opening to determine if the door is parallel with the frame or jamb. If sliding door repair can loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it up or down until the latch is able to catch the latch tightly when the door is shut.
The latch is also sometimes difficult to close as the cylinder is worn. You'll need a replacement for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It's important to choose a new cylinder that is the same size as the previous one and has the same keyway, which means you can easily replace it by screwing the two halves of the lock apart and then inserting the new one.
You can find replacement cylinders in a variety of stores for home improvement. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of the existing cylinder to buy an alternative. If you don't have the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder and its mounting screws, and then go to a hardware store to get assistance.
When you have a new cylinder, unscrew the flat screw that holds it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame using a screwdriver. Put the screw in a safe place to ensure 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 of the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that's not working properly can be a major risk to your security. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to get lodged inside the lock mechanism however if the issue isn't dealt with quickly enough the lock could eventually break down and no longer provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires just some tools and a little time.
Begin by inspecting the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubrication don't aid, the latch may be too bent to perform as it should. If this is the case, replace the latch with mortise locking systems to ensure that it's as strong and secure as possible.
Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're not sure about tackling this DIY project. They'll have the tools and expertise needed to install the lock properly.
Routine maintenance is the key to ensure that your patio door lock operating correctly. Verify that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to prevent it from squeezing or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks subject to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated more often. It is important to use a lubricant that has been specifically designed for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism for best results.