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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is a vital element of home security. If it becomes difficult to lock, it could be frustrating. In many instances, a lock that is difficult to open is due to an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. It may be possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these solutions fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle. patio doors repairs and Lubricate Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open or close doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication can aid in preventing your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair bills and extend the longevity of your door. The first step is to clean the lock cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or another penetrating spray to accomplish this. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole, then work the key in and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using solvents like household oil or other that can harm your locks. Spray a small amount on the key. When your lock's cylinder is clean and lubricated, it's time to apply. You can use dry lubricants like graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid lubricants. It's an excellent choice to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays can withstand freezing temperatures and are resistant to water. However, they may need multiple coats in order to be effective. You can also apply sprays to de-icer your lock, which is specifically designed for colder weather and will loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. A few sprays of this will aid your lock to unlock and then re-lock more easily. How often you need to oil your locks will be contingent on the environmental conditions. The location of your door can affect its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose it to salty air, which could cause corrosion. It is recommended to ensure that your locks are lubricated at least once a year or more often if your area has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door will function as it should for many the years to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock does not perform as it should, one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a damaged patio door lock will prevent further damage and ensure that your doors are safe. To fix a locked or non-locked patio door, you can tighten loose screws or adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder. Begin by looking at the exterior and inside of the lock for signs of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks can expand or contract with the weather, and may even shift over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanisms to stop aligning correctly and lead to problems with opening or closing the door. Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder is difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam or latch springs. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can clear any obstructions with a pair of picklocks and tweezers. If the problem persists you may have to remove the cylinder to determine the root of the issue. If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock then you can loosen it by uncrewing a flat screw inside the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may even help restore the proper alignment. Look for the small tab that moves along with the key. It's usually located close to the end. This little clip, also known as a “release tab” prevents the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. The tab can be moved back using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then returned. If the cylinder of your lock 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 knob or handle may then be pushed and pulled back. After you have restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and test it for functioning. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's a sign that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn out and will need to be replaced. Make sure you tighten the Screws Over time, frequent use as well as cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can cause damage to patio door locks. These delicate parts can be damaged if they are not maintained properly, causing your door to stop locking properly. Thankfully, most lock problems are easily fixable with just a few simple maintenance steps. It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth clean any dirt or dust that might be present, and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts functioning efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, they could draw dust and dirt which can cause further problems. If your patio door is fitted with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is properly 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. To adjust the footlock simply loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down. Once the adjustment is done you can tighten the screw. The most frequent issue when it comes to fixing 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 placed higher or below what it should be. Start by removing the handle, then find the screws or bolts that secure it. Be sure to keep track of these as 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 it is in alignment with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle is installed put back the interior and exterior handles, making sure that they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts which hold them in place. Close and secure the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If the door is properly aligned, it should open and shut without needing any additional force. If you still have problems you may have to reposition 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. The majority of homeowners can replace the lock themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door all the way open and removing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Study the existing lock to determine the type of lock that you'll require. Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that hold the strike plate. This is the part of the lock that is mounted on the outside of the door's frame. Adjust it horizontally or in a vertical direction to align it with the holes in the latch. After you've adjusted the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then screw it into place. Once all the components of your patio door are relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. Once you're finished testing the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and is secured when the door is closed. If it does then your patio door lock is functioning just as it should and is can give you the security and privacy you've come to appreciate from your home's doors. Like other areas of your home, your patio doors need to be aligned properly for them to work efficiently. Over time, temperatures, cold, dirt, and debris can cause the hinges and door frame to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to insert keys in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. By following these easy steps, you can fix an issue that seemed unfixable. Do yourself a big pat on the back for taking on the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We're betting you won't face any trouble opening or closing the door from now on. Have fun! We're here to assist if you need any assistance or have questions.