The Sage Advice On Patio Door Lock Repair From The Age Of Five Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that could cause locks that fail. There are a few basic steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.

Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism these simple fixes will help you make your home more secure.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are great for bringing the outdoors in and keeping the elements out. However they can pose risky for security if the lock doesn't work correctly. With time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with a little care, you can ensure your patio door's locks always perform correctly.

It's important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help remove any dirt or coatings that might be hindering the lock from working correctly. Start by wiping all the moving parts on your patio door lock using an aqueous cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door and frame. Then, wipe the entire lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and let it to dry completely before applying it to the next time.

If your patio door uses pin-tumbler locks you can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite on the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply, and it won't disintegrate over time. If you're unable find the right lubricant to use with your lock, you can make use of a pencil with a thicker tip. Place the pencil in the lock and move it around to distribute the graphite.

The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dust, dirt, and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice, and other debris, which can cause them jam or bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.


Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping, cleaning them, then installing it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is non-stick.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, work with 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the handle and lock cylinder operated by the key. These doors also require maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using a thin oil (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.

If sagging hinges aren't the cause, the door may be misaligned and catching or striking the strike plate hole within the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise it rests in. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole, and prevent it from rubbing against the frame.

Measure the width of the cylinder with an object of wood or a book that is able to fit into the space above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end cylinder.

Check the width of the lock.

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Check if your door is balanced, and if the hinge screws are tight. In many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue.

Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this case, enlarge the hole with a chisel and hammer. Then, test the latch so that it does not rub against the door jamb frame or catch the frame.

Before you purchase a replacement lock, first determine what kind of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is round or square. Examine each screw hole on the current lock and note their dimensions. This will help you to locate a replacement lock that is exactly the same size and will fit into the hole that you already have.

You'll want to identify the mortise lock, and then examine it for bends, scratches or other damage that needs to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it displays indications of damage.

Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement you need, it's now time to start the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then insert the new one. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in by using two bolts or screws. Once the interior handle is installed, you can install the handle that is outside and screw it into place as well. Once you have completed these steps, test the handles to ensure that they open and shut easily and that the latch is in contact properly with the strikeplate.

Check the Strike of the Door.

The strike plate and the door latch are two pieces that work together to lock the door. If these are misaligned and the latch doesn't latch the door shut correctly. Fortunately, this problem is often easy to fix.

First, check the holes in the strike plate's receiving to ensure that they are clear of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in position. This will allow it to move vertically but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. After patio doors repairs RepairMyWindowsAndDoors has been adjusted then tighten the screws and test the door to see whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are crucial for locking and unlocking your door. The plates made of metal are located on the top and bottom jambs of your door, which are where they help support the latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate to create a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed the latch might not properly lock the door.

One common reason for an outdoor door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, showing exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can easily alter the strike plate.

The sliding patio door locks keep your home safe from intruders, and if they're not functioning properly, you need to fix the problem quickly. By following these easy steps, you can fix the lock on your patio door and restore its functionality within a short time.