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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is crucial to ensure your home's security. It can be frustrating when your door is difficult to lock. In many cases, a stubborn lock is caused by the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. It's possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these methods aren't working, you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle. Clean and Lubricate Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open or close the door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair costs and prolong the life of your door. The first step in the process is to clean your lock the cylinder. To do this, use a spray bottle of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount into the keyhole, then work the key in and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using solvents like household oil or other, as they can damage your locks. Spray a bit on the key. After your lock cylinder is clean and lubricated, it's time to apply. You can apply dry lubricants like graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid lubricants. It's a great option for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both moist and freezing temperatures, however it may require several coats to be effective. You can also use sprays to de-icer your lock, which is specifically designed for cold weather and will loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will aid your lock to unlock and then lock again easily. How often you should oil your locks will be contingent on the environment. A location with a coastline will expose your door to salty air and lead to corrosion. Temperature variations can influence how well your lock works. The standard rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks at least twice a year, or more frequently if you reside in an area with extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door will function properly for years to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't functioning correctly, it could indicate that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a faulty patio door lock can prevent any further damage and ensure your doors are secure. You can fix the patio door that is locked or locked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder. Begin by inspecting the exterior and inside of the lock for signs of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio doors can expand or contract with the weather, and could shift over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause problems when closing or opening the door. Then, check the lock cylinder for obstructions within the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder may be difficult to access, and may cause damage to the cam, latch springs, or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you might be able of removing any obstruction using a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the issue persists then you'll need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to locate the root of the problem. If the lock cylinder has not been screwed onto the lock body and is loose, it can be loosened by unscrewing the flat screw on the faceplate of cylinder. This screw lets you to rotate the cylinder and may even help restore the proper alignment. Check the cylinder for a little tab that can move up and down using the key, typically towards the very end. This little clip, called a “release tab” is what keeps the cylinder from sliding into the lock body. A standard key will move this tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and then reinserted. If your lock's cylinder is stuck, you might be able to restore the proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt is in contact with the strike plate, and the handle or knob can be pulled in and out. After you have restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and check its performance. If your patio door lock still isn't working It is likely that an additional component such as the latch spring or latch must be replaced. Tighten the Screws The locks on patio doors are susceptible to damage from regular use, extremes of temperature dust, dirt and. These delicate parts can wear out if not maintained properly, causing your door to stop locking properly. Most lock issues can be solved with just a few steps. It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that may be present, and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, they can draw dust and dirt which can cause further problems. If your patio door is equipped with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Loosen the screw using the Robertson screwdriver, and gently move it up or down to adjust the foot lock as needed. After the adjustment has been completed then tighten the screw. When it comes to fixing a patio door handle, the most common problem is misalignment of the strike plate and the latch. This can be caused by everyday wear and tear, or it could simply be due to the fact that the latch is set higher or lower than it should be. Then, remove the handle from the old one and locate the screws or bolts holding it in the place. Make patio door lock repair RepairMyWindowsAndDoors to keep track of them as you will need them later when installing the new handle. Then, take off the spindle that was in use and slide the new one on the interior of the door. Be sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle has been installed put back the handles for both exterior and interior and ensure that they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts that hold them in place. Close and lock the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in alignment, the door will open and close without any additional force. If you still have problems it may be necessary to move your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. Replacing a lock is a relatively simple home improvement project that most homeowners can complete themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors completely out and removing the existing lock on the inside of the door. Review the lock to determine the type of lock you'll require. Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws securing the strike plate (the part of the lock that's set on the outside edge of the door frame) and adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the door jamb. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it into place and tighten the screws. When all the components of your patio door are repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to make sure that it is in place and fits the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does the lock will be able to latch onto the door. If it does, your patio door lock is working exactly as it should, and is able to give you the security and privacy you've come to expect from your home's doors. As with other parts of your home your patio doors also need to be aligned properly for them to function efficiently. Over time, temperature cold, dirt and debris could cause the hinges and door frame to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert a key in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. By following these simple steps, you can fix a problem that might have appeared to be unfixable. You should pat yourself on the back for taking on the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We bet that you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door again. Have fun! We are here to assist should you require assistance or have any questions.