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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Maintaining your patio doors in good order will help keep your home safe from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements could cause the doors and locks to become damaged or misaligned. You can fix your patio door lock by yourself if it is not functioning properly. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway and latch. Inspect the Lock Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their large amount of glass and convenient position within a house. A lock that is functional and secure is essential to ensure that your home's security. Luckily, there are some simple ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that have stopped working correctly. The first step is to inspect the lock to ensure there is nothing blocking it from latching or locking. It is important to deal with any issues you spot, such as loose screws or rust. In some cases, a small adjustment to the direction of the patio door may suffice to solve the issue. Another issue that is common is debris or dust that can cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. To avoid this happening, ensure that you clean your patio door frequently and clean the lock's hardware. If you need to, use a mild soap solution. However, you must be sure that you dry the lock completely afterwards. It is also a good idea to that you regularly lubricate your lock. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are similar to the parts of a fine-tuned machine, and they could become stuck and jammed like any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant can help to get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated inside the lock cylinder and keep it operating smoothly. The exact dimensions of your patio door lock is important. This will help you find the perfect lock to match your current mechanism. If you're unsure of how to do it, contact a professional locksmith or tradesperson to get help. Clean the Lock The intricate parts of the door lock could become jammed due to dust, dirt and cold and hot weather. These issues could compromise your security at home. These problems are easy to solve if you know how to do. Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Clean up any stains or debris with a damp cloth. Make use of hot soapy water and a bit of grit to clean the lock mechanism. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before using them again. Most patio doors use mortise locks, which is secure but is susceptible to issues in the course of time. If your uPVC lock is stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For a uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of soapy water. Then, remove the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. After like it have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you can remove the latch from its slot in the door frame. Once the latch has been removed, you can lubricate it using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't own WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to clean any grit and dirt from the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work it may be necessary to relocate the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be performed by an expert. You can try moving the cylinder around without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, after which drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that secure the cylinder. Lubricate the Lock If your lock is clean of dirt and debris, it's a good time to lubricate the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant can keep your lock in good condition, and extends its life. Dry graphite powder is great for lubricating small metal components like locks because it's not oily or sticky, and it lasts longer than liquid lubricants. 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 may be more effective than graphite especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and will not attract as much dust and dirt as other kinds of liquid lubricants. They work well in low and high temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can build up over time, and displace other lubricants you've used. Teflon oil can be a good alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and do not attract dirt or dust. They're also excellent for cold environments, as they can prevent ice buildup inside the lock. If your lock's cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism, and then install a new cylinder that matches your existing keys. They can also repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door isn't equipped with the lock cylinder or faceplate, a professional can install it to improve security and safety. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door that are in keeping with the rest of the door. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning it and lubricating it do not work, then the issue could be that the latch on the door isn't aligned correctly with the jamb or frame. To determine this you need to open the sliding patio door and sight up and down from the latch opening to see whether the door is aligned with the jamb or frame. If not, loosen the screws 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 closes. Sometimes, the latch can be difficult to close due to a worn-out cylinder. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, and you'll need to get an alternate. It is recommended to select a cylinder with the same keyway and dimensions as the one you had previously. This will allow you to replace it easily by unbolting the two halves before inserting the new cylinder. You can purchase replacement cylinders at a variety of home improvement stores. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your existing cylinder to buy an alternative. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then visit your local hardware store for help. When you have a new cylinder, unscrew the flat screw that holds it in place, and remove the escutcheon plate. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame with a screwdriver. Place the screw in a safe location so you don't loose or damage it. Then, loosen the set screw that is on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole in the door). Replace the Lock A patio door lock that's not functioning properly could pose an immediate security risk. Dirt and debris could get caught in the lock mechanisms. If this issue isn't treated immediately, the lock will eventually stop working and no will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires only a few tools and a small amount of time. Begin by examining the lock to see what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the latch doesn't work the latch could be bent to far to perform as it should. In this instance, it would be best to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure it is as secure and strong as is possible. If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project on your own, consult with an expert locksmith or door hardware specialist to help you with the installation of a new lock. They'll have the tools and experience to install the lock correctly. Routine maintenance is the key to keep your patio door lock functioning effectively. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose and if they're tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to prevent it from squeezing or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is essential to choose 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 the best results.