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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is crucial to ensure your home's security. It can be difficult when your door is difficult to lock. A lock that is not working can be the result of misalignment or even simple wear and wear and tear. It's possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these solutions 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 a door lock. A regular cleaning and lubrication routine can keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repair bills and allowing your door to enjoy its maximum lifespan. The first step is to clean the lock the cylinder. Use WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray do this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole and then move the key into and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils which could harm your locks, and make sure you spray some on the key itself as well. After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it's time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid fluids. It's a great choice to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both humid and freezing temperatures, but may require several coats to work effectively. You can also use a de-icer spray, which is specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will melt frost and ice off the mechanism of your lock. A few sprays of this will help your lock unlock and then re-lock more easily. How often you need to lubricate your locks will depend on environmental factors. A location with a coastline exposes your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion, and temperature changes can impact how well your lock works. The general rule of thumb is to oil your locks twice per year, or more frequently if you reside in a region that has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door continues to perform as it should for long time 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 could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a broken lock on your patio door could stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws and 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. Often, patio door locks expand and contract in temperatures that are cold or hot and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause problems when opening or closing the door. Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. replacement patio door Repair My Windows And Doors corroded or blocked cylinder can be difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the pins, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you may be able to remove any obstructions with a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue persists then you'll need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to locate the source of the obstruction. If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the body of the lock you can loosen it by uncrewing the screw that is flat inside the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw will let you to rotate the cylinder and it could also help restore the alignment. Look for an elongated tab that moves with the key. It's usually near the end. This small clip, also called a “release Tab” will stop the cylinder from sliding into the lock body in the entire way. The tab can be removed with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then it can be inserted. If your lock cylinder is stuck, you might be able restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pushed into and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock once you have restored 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 must be replaced. Make sure you tighten the Screws Locks for patio doors can be damaged by regular usage, extreme temperatures dust, dirt and. These delicate components can wear out if not properly maintained, leading to your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be solved with just a few steps. You should first clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that might be found. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases as they can draw dust and dirt and cause additional issues. If your patio door has a security foot lock ensure that the foot lock is aligned with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will require you to adjust the screws that attach your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Loosen the screw using the Robertson screwdriver, and gently pry upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock as needed. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the screw. The most common problem when it comes to repairing patio door handles is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by wear and tear or the latch could be set lower or higher than it should be. Start by removing the old handle, then identify the bolts or screws that secure it. Make sure to keep track of these since you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and then slide the new one into position on the side of the door, ensuring that it is properly aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they are aligned properly with the bolts or screws to secure them. After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it will open and shut without needing any additional force. If you still have problems you may have to adjust the position of your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the latch If your patio door locks still do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. Replacing a lock is a relatively simple home improvement task that many homeowners can do by themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and then removing your existing lock from the inside of the door. Review the lock to determine the type of lock you'll require. Before you install 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 then adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the jamb in the door. After you've repositioned the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it in place. After all components have been moved or adjusted after which you can assemble and secure your patio door according to the instructions of the manufacturer. When you're done, check the latch to ensure that it is in place and fits the latch's hasp when your door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is installed correctly and is ready to give you the security and privacy that you have come to expect. Like other parts of your home, your patio doors need to be properly aligned for they to function effectively. Over time, heat or cold, dirt and debris can cause frames and hinges to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are like trying to put keys into the wrong keyhole. It's not working. If you follow these steps, you will be able to fix an issue that been thought to be impossible to fix. So, give yourself an ovation for tackling this project and regaining your patio door's lock position! We'll bet you won't have any trouble opening or closing the door from now on. Best of luck! We're here for you if there are any questions or concerns.