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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is a vital element of home security. When yours becomes difficult to lock, it could be a hassle. In many cases, a stubborn lock is the result of an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. It is possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting or lubricating it. If these solutions fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock may become difficult to open and close due to dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine will keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving your money on repair costs and helping your door reach its maximum lifespan. To begin, you will have to clean the lock cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or another penetrating spray to do this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils which could harm your locks. Also, make sure to spray a bit on the key itself as well. After your lock cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can apply a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants, so it's a great choice for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays are able to endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are impervious to water. However, they may require several coats to be effective. You can also use de-icer spray, which is specifically designed for cold weather. It will melt the frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will help you unlock your lock and then relock it more easily. How often you have to lubricate your locks will depend on the environment. The location of your door can affect its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose it to salty air, which can cause corrosion. The standard rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks twice per year or more often if you reside in an area with extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door continues to perform as it should for long time to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should it could be because one or more of its parts could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a defective patio door lock will prevent any further damage and ensure your doors are secure. You can repair doors that are locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder. Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. Patio door locks can expand or contract in response to the weather, and they may even shift over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanisms to stop aligning properly and can cause issues when opening or closing the door. Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder may be difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the pins, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can remove any obstructions by using a pair of tweezers and a picklock. If the problem persists it may be necessary to take the cylinder out and disassemble it in order to identify the source of the obstruction. If the lock cylinder has not been secured to the body of the lock it can be removed by unscrewing the screw on the faceplate of cylinder. This screw will allow you rotate the cylinder, and could even aid in restoring the alignment. Check the cylinder for a small tab that can move up and down with the key, typically towards the very end. This tiny clip, referred to as a “release tab” is what keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. This tab can be moved back with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be taken out and then it can be inserted. If the lock cylinder has become stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt is engaged with the strike plate. The knob or handle can then be pulled and pulled back. Reassemble the lock after you have restored proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If the lock on your patio door isn't working, it is likely that an additional component such as the latch or latch spring needs to be replaced. Tighten the Screws Locks for patio doors can be damaged by regular use, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. These delicate parts can be damaged if not properly maintained, leading to your door to not lock properly. Most lock problems are easily repaired with a few easy steps. patio doors repair near me is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts running efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, however they could draw dust and dirt which could cause issues. Next, if your patio door is equipped with a foot lock that is secure be sure that the foot lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require you to adjust the screws that attach your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Remove the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock as required. Once the adjustment has been completed you can tighten the screw. When it comes time to repair the handle on a patio door the most frequent issue involves misalignment between the strike plate and latch. This could be caused by normal wear and tear or the latch could be placed higher or below what it should be. Begin by removing the handle, and then locate the screws or bolts that secure it. Make sure to keep track of these as you will need them when installing the new handle. Remove the old spindle and slide the new one into place on the interior of the door. Make sure that it is aligned properly with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle is installed, reinstall the handles for both exterior and interior and ensure that they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts which hold them in place. Close and lock the patio door once you have made any adjustments that are required. If the door is correctly aligned, it should be able to open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you're having difficulty then you may need to reposition the latch or strike plate or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and must be replaced. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. Most homeowners can replace the lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors completely out and removing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed to the door and jamb to discern the type of lock you'll need purchase. Before installing the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted on the outside of the door frame) and adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the latch hole in the jamb in the door. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, secure it in position and tighten the screws. After all the parts of your patio door have been moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done checking the latch. Make sure it is fitted correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is shut. If it does, your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is ready to provide the security and privacy you've come to anticipate from. Patio doors, like other components of your home must be aligned correctly to function efficiently. Over time, temperatures and cold weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause the hinges, door frame and locking mechanism to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you can solve an issue that seemed unfixable. So go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this project and reclaiming your patio door's locked position! We'll bet you won't have any issues opening or closing the door from now on out. Best of luck! We are here to assist should you require assistance or have questions.