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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is a crucial element of home security. It can be a hassle if yours is difficult to lock. In most instances, a locked that is not working is caused by an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position could help restore its function. If these methods of troubleshooting don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open or close a door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on repair costs and will extend the life of your door. In the beginning, you'll have to clean the lock's cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray complete this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole, then work the key through and out to spread the oil. Do not use household oil or other solvents that can harm your locks. Spray a small amount on the key. When your lock's cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants like graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid fluids. It's a great choice to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays are able to withstand freezing temperatures and are resistant to water. However, they might require several coats to be effective. You can also use de-icer spray, which is specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will break up ice and frost on the lock mechanism. This will help you unlock your lock, and then unlock it with ease. The climate will determine the frequency at which you should belubricating locks. The location of your door can affect its performance. A location near the coast could expose the door to salty air, which could cause corrosion. The general rule of thumb is to oil your locks at least twice a year and more frequently if you reside in a region that has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door continues to perform as it should for the years to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock does not work properly there's a chance that one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a faulty patio door lock will prevent additional damage and ensure that your doors are safe. To fix a locked or non-locked patio door, you can tighten loose screws and adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder. Begin by looking at patio doors repairs and interior of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. Patio door locks may expand or contract depending on the weather, and could shift over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause problems when closing or opening the door. Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder might be difficult to open, and may cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or the lock pins. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can clear any obstructions by using a pair of picklocks and tweezers. If the issue continues, you may need to take out the cylinder to determine the root of the issue. If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock you can loosen it by unscrewing an elongated screw within the cylinder faceplate. Loosening this screw will allow you to move the cylinder around and could aid in restoring alignment. Look over the cylinder for a small tab that can move up and down using the key, typically towards the end. This little clip, also known as a “release tab” is what keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the body of the lock. A standard key will slide this tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and then reinserted. If your lock cylinder has become stuck and is not aligned, you can fix it by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt is engaged with the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pushed, and withdrawn. After you have restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and test it for functioning. If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it is likely that an additional component such as the latch spring or latch must be replaced. Make sure you tighten the Screws Over time, the use of regular as well as cold and hot weather dust, dirt and even dirt can wear down patio door locks. These delicate parts can wear out if not properly maintained, causing your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be repaired with a few easy steps. You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust that might be present. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases since they could attract dust and other debris and cause additional problems. If your patio door is fitted with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will require you to adjust the screws that secure your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the footlock, loosen the screw with a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw. The most common problem when it comes to repairing patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by the wear and tear of everyday use or it could be due to the fact that the latch is set higher or lower than it should be. Begin by removing the old handle, then identify the screws or bolts that secure it. Make sure you keep track of these as you will require them when installing the new handle. Next, remove the old spindle, then slide the new spindle into the door on the side of the door, making sure that it is aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Once the new spindle is installed put back the interior and exterior handles to ensure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws that hold them in place. Close and lock the patio door once you have made any adjustments that are required. If the door is properly aligned, it should be able to open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you're still having trouble, you might need to adjust the latch or strike plate, or the lock cylinder may be damaged and need to be replaced. 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 a majority of homeowners can tackle themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door open and removing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Review the lock to determine the type of lock you'll require. Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that hold the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock mounted on the edges of the frame of the door. Adjust it either horizontally or in the vertical direction so that it is aligned with the holes in the latch. After you've repositioned your strike plate, screw it back into position and tighten the screws. When all the components of your patio door are relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to make sure that it fits and catches the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does then your patio door lock is now functioning just as it should and is can provide you with the security and privacy you've come appreciate from your home's doors. Like other components of your home, need to be properly aligned to function effectively. Over time, temperatures and cold weather dirt and debris and other elements can cause hinges, door frame, and locking mechanism to shift slightly. When these elements are misaligned, it's like trying to fit keys into the wrong hole for a key: It just doesn't work. By following these simple steps, you can fix a problem that might have seemed unfixable. So go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this task and reclaiming your patio door's locked position! We bet that you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door. Have fun! We're here to assist if you need any assistance or have questions.