This Is How Repair Patio Door Will Look In 10 Years How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks

Keeping your patio doors in good working in good condition will keep your home safe from intruders who aren't yours. However, the elements can cause the doors and their locks to become damaged or misaligned.

You can repair your patio door lock by yourself when it's not working properly. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway, and handle.

Check the Lock

Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and convenient position within a house. It is essential to ensure that your home's security. Luckily, there are some simple ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning properly.

The first step is to inspect the lock to ensure there is nothing that is hindering it from locking or latching. If you notice 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 just a few inches to the position of the patio door may suffice to solve the problem.

Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism not to function properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down all lock hardware regularly to avoid this. If needed, you can apply a mild soap solution. But, be sure to dry the lock completely afterwards.

In addition, it is a good idea to lubricate the lock regularly. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are similar to those used in a machine that is finely tuned. They can jam and get stuck just like any mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or a light lubricant will help dislodge any dirt or debris that has accumulated in the lock's cylinder, and ensure that it is operating efficiently.

Identifying the exact dimensions of the patio door lock is also important. This will allow you to find the perfect lock to match your existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to do it, contact a professional tradesperson or locksmith for help.

Clean the Lock

The intricate parts of the door lock can become jammed due to dust, dirt, and hot and cold weather. These issues could compromise your home's security. These issues are simple to fix if you know what to do.

Before attempting any repairs, first clean your lock. Clean up any stains or debris with a damp cloth. Then use patio door repairs near me of hot soapy water to wash the mechanism of your lock and wash away any dirt or grime that has accumulated over time. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before using them again.

The majority of patio doors are secured using mortise locking systems. This is a safe lock, but it is susceptible to issues over time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For an uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of hot soapy water. Then, take off the screws that hold the body of the latch in the position. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you can take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.

Once the latch is detached, you can lubricate the lock with an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have a WD40 alternative, you could try using a graphite pencil to dislodge any grit or dirt within the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working it is possible to reposition the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and is best done by an expert. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without having to take it off the door. Close and open the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Then, draw 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 debris it's time for lubrication of the keyhole as well as the locks themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant helps keep your lock in good shape, extending its lifespan.

Dry graphite is a fantastic option to lubricate tiny metal parts, like locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also more durable than liquids. It's easy to apply, and you can also use it on sliding doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-like graphite lubricant specifically designed for lock cylinders.


Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and don't attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They work well at low and high temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can build up over time, and can displace other lubricants you've tried.

Teflon oil can be a good alternative to silicone lubricants as they are long-lasting and don't attract dust or dirt. They are also great for cold environments, as they can prevent ice buildup within 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 dismantle the lock mechanism, and then install a new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. If your door does not have a lock cylinder an expert can replace it to increase security and security. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that match the rest of the door.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning the lock and lubricating it don't work, the problem may be that the door's latch is not properly aligned with the side jamb or frame of the door. To determine this you need to open the sliding patio door, and look both ways from the door's opening to determine if the door is parallel 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 firmly catching the latch's hasp when the door closes.

Sometimes, the latch is difficult to close because of a worn-out cylinder. You'll require a new for the cylinder when the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. You should choose one with the same keyway and dimensions as the previous one. This allows you to replace it with ease by unscrewing the two halves and inserting the replacement cylinder.

Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your existing cylindrical to purchase the replacement. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder and its mounting screws. Then go to the local hardware store for assistance.

When you have a new cylinder, unscrew the screw with a flat head that is holding it in place and remove the plate that holds it in place. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Place the screw in a secure location so that you don't lose it or damage 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 functioning properly could be a major risk to your security. It's not common for dirt and other debris to become lodged in the lock mechanisms, but if this isn't addressed quickly enough the lock will eventually break down and cease to provide security. It's a straightforward DIY project to change the patio door lock. It's all you need are just a few tools and a bit of time.

Begin by looking at the lock to determine what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch does not work the latch could be bent too far to perform as it should. If this is the case, replace the latch with mortise locking systems to ensure it's as strong and secure as you can.

Contact a door hardware store or locksmith if you're not confident about undertaking this DIY project. They'll have the knowledge and tools to do it properly and ensure that the new lock works with your patio door.

Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your patio door lock working effectively. Make sure the knobs and handles aren't loose, and if they are, tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least every year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated more often. The type of lubricant you use is vital, so be certain to select one specifically designed to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Friction Dry PTFE). For the best results apply the lubricant direct to the key hole of the lock mechanism.