How to Troubleshoot 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 the patio doors and their locks.
If your patio door lock doesn't operate properly, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps can fix issues with the handle, keyway and latch.
Check the lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to the large amount of glass and their central position within a home. It is essential that your locks work correctly to keep your home safe. There are a few easy ways to fix patio door locks which have stopped functioning.
First, examine the lock and ensure that nothing is blocking it from latching or locking. If you find any issues, such as loose screws or rust, or even an issue with alignment, they should be addressed immediately. In some cases an adjustment of the position of the patio door could be sufficient to fix the issue.
Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism to fail to function properly. To avoid this happening, make sure to clean your patio door frequently and wipe down the lock's hardware. If necessary, you can use a mild soap solution. However, make sure that the lock is dried completely afterward.
It is also a good idea to lubricate your lock regularly. The moving parts inside your uPVC patio lock are comparable to those used in a finely tuned machine. They can jam or become stuck as with any mechanical device. Using patio door repair or a light lubricant can help get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated within the lock cylinder and ensure that it is operating efficiently.
It is important to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will allow you to find an appropriate lock that is compatible with your current mechanism. If you aren't sure how to do this, it's advisable to speak with an expert locksmith or tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock could become jammed because of dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues could compromise your home's security. These issues are easy to solve if you know what 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 little grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are secured by mortise locking systems. This is a secure lock but can develop issues with time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For the uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of hot soapy water. Then, take off the screws that are holding the body of the latch in place. Once you have 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 it is possible to lubricate the lock using a light engineering oil like WD40. If you don't have WD40, you can also try using a graphite pencil to help remove any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you may need to reposition your lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be handled by an expert. However, you can practice shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by opening and closing the door with the cylinder in the lock position, then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws keep the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time for lubrication of the lock and the keyhole themselves. A good lubricant will keep your lock in good condition and prolong its life.
Dry graphite powder is great for lubricating small metal components like locks because it's not sticky or oily and lasts longer than liquid greases. It's easy to use and is suitable for use on sliding doors tracks for garage doors and door hinges. 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 particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and will not attract as much dust or dirt as other kinds of liquid lubricants. They are effective at both low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants get accumulated over time, and displace other lubricants you've used.
Teflon oil can be an ideal alternative to silicone lubricants as they are long-lasting and do not attract dirt or dust. They're also excellent for cold conditions, since they can prevent ice buildup inside the lock.
If your lock cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it's probably worn out. It's time to get it replaced. A professional locksmith will disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with the new cylinder that matches your existing keys. They can also make repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. If your door does not have the lock cylinder or faceplate, a professional can install it to improve security and safety. They can also put a new lock faceplate on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning it and lubricating it do not work, then the problem could be that the latch on the door is not aligned properly with the frame or jamb. Open the sliding patio doors and look up and down at the opening for the latch. If the door is in line with the jamb or the frame and you are able to check, then it is. If not, loosen screws that hold the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the lock latch is firmly grasping the latch's hasp when the door is closed.
The latch is also sometimes difficult to close as the cylinder is worn out. A worn-out cylinder makes it difficult to turn the key, and you'll need a replacement. It is recommended to select a cylinder that has the same keyway and size like the one that came before it. This allows you to change it quickly by removing the two halves and putting in the new cylinder.
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 know the model and manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder with its mounting screws. Then visit your local hardware store for help.
When you have a new cylinder, remove the flat screw that holds it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door and door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure so that you don't lose it. Then, loosen enough the set screw that is 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 could pose a serious security risk. Dirt and debris can get caught in the lock mechanisms. If this is not taken care of promptly, the lock will eventually stop working and will no longer 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 it could be bent too much to work properly. If this is the case, replace the lock latch with mortise locking systems to ensure that it's as secure and strong as you can.
Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're not sure about tackling this DIY project. They will have the experience and tools to complete the task correctly and make sure that the new lock works with your patio door.
Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock functioning effectively. Make sure that the knobs and handles aren't loose and if they're tight, tighten them when needed. Lubricate the lock at least every year to keep it from becoming stuck or stiff. It is recommended that locks that are subject to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated more frequently. The type of lubricant you use is important, so be sure to choose one that's specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to get best results.