How To Solve Issues With Patio Door Lock Repair Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, the wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several simple and efficient ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.

These simple fixes will make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

While patio doors are an excellent way to let in the outside and keep the elements out, they can also be security risks when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time wear and tear, hot and cold weather, dirt and debris can affect the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little effort you can ensure that the lock on your patio door is always working properly.

In the beginning, it's important to clean your patio door's lock and all of its moving parts. This will help flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that may be preventing the lock from functioning as it should. Begin by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door's lock using a damp cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry cloth to get rid of any moisture. Let it air dry before you use it.

If you have a patio door that uses a pin tumbler latch mechanism, you can lubricate the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or using an lubricant based on Teflon like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant can be applied with ease and does not dissolve over time. If you're unable find the right lubricant for your lock, make use of a pencil with a thicker tip. Put the pencil into the lock and move it around to distribute the graphite.

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

Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing dirty or damaged weather stripping, cleaning them, then replacing it. The same can be done for patio door rollers, which can be cleaned and sprayed with non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, are operated using 3 to 4, or occasionally 5 points locking mechanisms. They include the lock cylinder and handle that is operated with keys. They require maintenance and the lubrication of moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil however, never WD40. This should be done at least once a year.


If sagging hinges aren't a cause, the door may be misaligned and catching or rubbing against the strike plate hole within the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate, and then use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise that it rests in. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole, and stop it from hitting the frame.

Once the cylinder is cleared of the way and out of the way, measure its width using an object or a piece of wood that will fit in the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, while the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.

Check the Lock's Width

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after cleaning and oiling, it's possible that it's not aligned with the strike plate. Check to see if the door is balanced and whether the hinge screws are tight, but in many cases it is possible to move the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the issue.

The latch may not engage properly if the strike of the lock is too small. In this case you'll need to expand the hole with a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb.

It is important to identify the type of mortise lock that you have before buying a replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining whether it is square or round. Examine each screw hole on the existing lock, and note their size. This will help you to locate an alternative lock that is the exact same width and will fit into the hole you have already.

You'll want to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for any scratches, bends or other damage that need to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that's not utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a brand new one that is secure when you spot any indications of wear or damage.

Once you've identified the type of lock replacement you require It's time to start the actual repair. The spindle and handle must be removed from the patio door. Introduce the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in place using the two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed these steps Test the handles to make sure they are able to open and close easily and that the latch works properly with the strikeplate.

Check the Strike on the door.

The strike plate and door latch are two pieces that work together to secure the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches can result in the latch not being able to latch the door in a proper manner. This issue is usually simple to solve.

Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to make sure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that secure the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically, but not removing it from the frame of your door. Then, you can adjust the strike plate to ensure that its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate is adjusted, tighten all screws and test to see if the door closes smoothly.

Door strike plates can be difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they're crucial to lock and unlock your door. These plates are usually located at the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they support the door's latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate to form an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed, the latch may not properly lock the door.

One of the most common reasons for the patio door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. double glazed patio door repairs to test for this is with the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and attach masking tape over it. When you shut the door, the lipstick will leave marks on the tape that will show you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can alter the strike plate.

The sliding patio door locks protect your home from burglars. If they're not functioning correctly, you should fix the problem quickly. By following these simple steps, you can fix your patio door's lock and get it back to normal in a matter of minutes.