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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is an essential part of home security. It can be a hassle if your door is difficult to lock. In many instances, a locked that is not working is due to an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. It may be possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these solutions aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock can become difficult to open and close due to dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication could help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair costs and prolong the lifespan of your door. The first step in the process is to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, use a spray bottle of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and work the key in and out to distribute the oil. Do not use solvents like household oil or other that can harm your locks. Spray a small amount on the key. After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it is time to lubricate. You can apply an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants do, so it's a great choice for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays are able to withstand freezing temperatures and are resistant to water. However, they might require several coats to be efficient. You can also use de-icer spray, which is specifically designed for cold weather. It will melt the frost and ice from the mechanism of your lock. A few coats of this will aid your lock unlock and then re-lock more easily. The environment will determine the frequency at which you should lubricate locks. A location near the coast will expose your door to salty air and lead to corrosion, and temperature fluctuations can also impact the performance of your lock. It is recommended to lubricate locks at least twice a year or more often in areas with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save money on repairs, and ensure that it continues to work properly for many years. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could mean that one or more components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repair of a damaged lock on your patio door could prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws, adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder. Start by examining the exterior and inside of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Patio door locks can expand or contract with the weather and could shift over time. Repair My Windows And Doors could cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning correctly and cause problems when opening or closing the patio door. Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. A corroded or blocked cylinder is difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the pins, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can clear any obstructions with a pair of tweezers and a picklock. If the issue continues, you may have to remove the cylinder to determine the cause. If the lock cylinder is not been screwed onto the lock body it can be removed by unscrewing the flat screw on the faceplate of cylinder. Loosening this screw will allow you to move the cylinder around and could aid in restoring alignment. Examine the cylinder for a little tab that can move up and down using the key, typically towards the very end. This tiny clip, referred to as a “release tab”, keeps the cylinder from sliding into the lock body. A standard key can slide this tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and then reinserted. If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you may be able to restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt is in contact with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pulled in and pulled out. Reassemble the lock after you have restored proper alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's likely that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn and may require replacement. Make sure you tighten the Screws Over time, regular use temperatures, cold and hot weather, dirt, and dust can cause damage to patio door locks. If not properly maintained the delicate parts could wear out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Thankfully, most lock problems can be fixed easily by following a few easy maintenance steps. It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases since they could attract dust and debris and cause additional problems. If your patio door has a foot lock that is secure be sure that the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will only require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the foot lock simply loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it up or down. Once the adjustment has been completed you can tighten the screw. The most common problem in the repair of patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by normal wear and tear or the latch could be set higher or below what it is supposed to be. Start by removing the handle, then find the screws or bolts which hold it in place. Keep track of the screws or bolts, since you'll need them to attach the new handle. Then, remove the old spindle and place the new one into place on the interior of the door. Make sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle is installed put back the handles on the exterior and interior, making sure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws that secure them. Close and lock the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should open and close smoothly without additional force. If you're still having problems you may have to adjust the position of your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the latch If your patio door locks are not working, it may be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can change locks themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door open and unscrewing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock you'll need. Before you install the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside edge of the door frame) and then adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the hole in the door jamb. Once you have repositioned the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it in place. After all the parts of your patio door are repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. When you're done, check the latch to make sure that it is in place and fits the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is now working as it should and can provide the security and privacy you've come expect from your doors. Like other parts of your home the patio doors have to be properly aligned for them to function efficiently. Over time, heat, cold, dirt, and debris can cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. When these elements are misaligned it's like trying to insert a key in the wrong keyhole and it doesn't work. By following these simple steps, you will be able to fix an issue that 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'll bet you won't have any trouble opening or closing the door from now on out. Good luck! We're here to assist should you require assistance or have any questions.