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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 yours is difficult to lock. A locked that isn't working properly could be caused by misalignment, or simply wear and wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position may help to restore its function. If these methods of troubleshooting fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock can be difficult to open and close over time due to dirt, dust and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine will prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving you money on repairs and allowing your door to reach its maximum lifespan. To begin, you will need to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, you'll need spray cans of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole and then turn the key to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that can damage your locks. Make sure you spray some on the key itself as well. When your lock's cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can use a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants do, so it's a great option for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays can withstand freezing temperatures and are impervious to water. However, RepairMyWindowsAndDoors might require several coats to be effective. You can also use sprays for de-icing, which is specifically designed for colder weather and will remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will allow you to unlock your lock and then lock it more easily. How often you should lubricate your locks will depend on the environment. The location of your door will affect its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose it to salty air, which can cause corrosion. The most common rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks every two years and more frequently if you live in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save money on repairs, and ensure that it continues to work properly for a long time. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock does not perform as it should there's a chance that one or more of its components may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a broken lock on your patio door could help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. You can repair the patio door that is locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder. Start by examining the exterior and interior of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract in warm or cold weather, and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning properly and cause problems when opening or closing the door. Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder may be difficult to open and can cause damage to the cam, latch springs, or the lock pins. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you might be able of removing any obstructions with a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the problem persists you may have to remove the cylinder in order to locate the root of the issue. If the lock cylinder is not been screwed to the body of the lock and is loose, it can be loosened by unscrewing the screw on the faceplate of cylinder. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help restore proper alignment. Look over the cylinder for a small tab that can move upwards and downwards with the key, typically towards the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a “release tab” prevents the cylinder from sliding into the body of the lock. A standard key will move the tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and put back in. If your lock cylinder is 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, put back together the lock and test it for performance. If your patio door lock isn't working it's likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring must be replaced. Make sure you tighten the Screws Patio door locks can be damaged by frequent use, extreme temperatures dust and dirt. These delicate components can wear out if not properly maintained, causing your door to stop locking properly. Most lock problems are easily fixed with a few simple steps. You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to clean any dust or dirt that may be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases since they could attract dust and debris, which can cause further issues. If your patio door comes with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will only 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 pull it up or down. Once the adjustment has been completed you can tighten the screw. The most frequent issue when it comes to repairing patio door handles is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This could be due to normal wear and tear, or it could simply be that the latch is placed higher or lower than it ought to be. Start by removing the old handle, then find the screws or bolts that hold it in place. Make sure you keep track of these since you will require them when installing the new handle. Remove the old spindle and slide the new one on the interior of the door. Make sure that it is in alignment with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Reinstall the interior and external handles once the spindle has been installed. Make sure they are aligned correctly with the bolts or screws holding them in place. Close and lock the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in alignment, the door will open and close smoothly without any additional force. If you're having difficulty it could be necessary to move the strike plate or latch, or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and must be replaced. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks still not working, it may be time to replace the lock. The replacement of a lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that most homeowners can tackle themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door open and then removing the current lock from the interior side of the door. Study the existing lock to determine the type of lock that you'll require. Before you install the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's set on the outside edge of the door frame) and then adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb in the door. Once you have repositioned the latch plate then tighten the screws and screw it in place. After all the parts of your patio door have been moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to make sure that it fits and is able to catch the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does, then your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is now ready to give you the security and privacy you've come to expect from. Like other parts of your home your patio doors also need to be properly aligned in order for them to work efficiently. Over time, temperatures and cold weather dirt and debris and other elements can cause the hinges, door frame, and locking mechanism to shift slightly. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to put a key in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. By following these simple steps, you can solve a problem that might have seemed unfixable. Give yourself a pat on the back for taking on the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're sure you won't have any more trouble opening or closing the door from now on out. Have fun! We're here to assist in case you require any assistance or have any questions.