How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in good condition to guard your home from unwanted intruders. However, the elements may cause the doors and their locks to become damaged or misaligned.
If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should, you can make some 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 due to their large amount of glass and convenient position within a home. It is crucial that your locks are working correctly to keep your home secure. There are easy ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that aren't functioning properly.
First, inspect the lock to ensure there is nothing blocking it from locking or latching. You must deal with any issues you spot, such as loose screws or corrosion. In some cases the slightest adjustment to the patio door's position may be sufficient to fix the issue.
Another common issue is debris or dust that can cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. To prevent this from happening, ensure that you clean your patio door regularly and clean the lock's hardware. If necessary, you can use mild soap. However, make sure to dry the lock completely afterwards.
In addition, it's a good idea to lubricate the lock regularly. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are similar to those found in a machine that is finely tuned. They are susceptible to jamming and become stuck as with any mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant will help remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated inside the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly.
Identifying the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is important. This will allow you to find a lock that perfectly matches your current mechanism. If you're not sure how to go about this, it's advisable to speak with a locksmith or professional tradesperson for assistance.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock could get jammed over time due to dust, dirt and cold and hot 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 attempting any repairs. Using a damp cloth, remove any debris or stains that might be preventing your lock from functioning properly. Use soapy water with hot water and a bit of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.
The majority of patio doors have a mortise lock that is safe but can be prone to problems over time. If your uPVC locks are stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. For an uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of soapy water. Then, take off the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. With the latch plate and handle removed, you can take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.
After the latch has been removed it is possible to lubricate the lock using an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't own WD40, you can also use a graphite pencil to help remove any dirt or grit within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work, you might need to relocate 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. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in the lock position. Then make pencil marks on the frame where the screws that hold the cylinder in place are.
Lubricate the Lock
When your lock is clean and free of dirt and other debris, it's time to lubricate both the keyhole and the locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its lifespan.
Dry graphite powder is ideal for lubricating small metal parts such as locks, because it's not sticky or oily, and it lasts longer than liquid greases. It is easy to use and can be used on sliding doors, garage door tracks, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants may be more efficient than graphite powder, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants repel water and don't attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They are effective in high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may build up over time, and can displace other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants because they last longer and don't attract dust and dirt. They are also great for cold conditions, since they prevent the build-up of ice inside the lock.
If your lock cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it is probably worn out. It's going to 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 repair or modify existing locking mechanisms. If tilt and slide patio doors problems isn't equipped with the lock cylinder, a professional can replace it to improve security and safety. They can also put the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to be in line with the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock and lubricating it do not work, the problem may be that the latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. Open the sliding patio door and look up and down at the opening for the latch. If the door is parallel to the jamb or the frame then you can test. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch in place and adjust it up or down until the latch catches the latch hasp tightly when the door is shut.
Sometimes, the latch isn't closing properly due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. It is necessary to replace the for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It's important to choose an alternative cylinder that is similar in size to the one you have had previously and has the same style keyway, so that you can easily replace it by removing the two halves of the lock apart and then inserting the new one.
You can find replacement cylinders at a variety of home improvement stores. You'll have to know the manufacturer and model of the existing cylinder so you can buy one that matches it. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number you can take a photograph of the cylinder and its mounting screws, and then go to a hardware store to get help.
Once you have a new cylinder, remove the screw with a flat head that is holding it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door as well as the door frame. Place the screw in a safe location so that you don't lose it or damage it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout inside the door) and then loosen it enough to turn the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't working properly could pose a serious security risk. It's not uncommon for dirt and debris to get stuck inside the lock's mechanisms If this isn't dealt with quickly enough the lock will eventually break down and stop providing security. It's a simple DIY project to change the patio door lock. You only need just a few tools and a bit of time.
Begin by examining the lock and determining the cause of the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch doesn't work, it may be bent to far to perform as it should. In this instance it is recommended to replace the latch with a brand new mortise lock to ensure that it's as sturdy and secure as is possible.
Get help from a door hardware expert or locksmith if you're not sure about tackling this DIY project. They'll have the knowledge and tools to complete the job properly and ensure that the new lock works with your patio door.
Keeping 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 as needed. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to keep it from sticking or becoming stiff. Locks that have been subjected to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated frequently. The type of lubricant you use is important, so be sure to choose one that's specifically designed to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism for the best results.