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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is vital to ensure your home's security. When yours is difficult to lock, it can be frustrating. In many instances, a locked that is not working is caused by misalignment or simple wear and tear. It is possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these methods of troubleshooting fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open or close the door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on repair costs and prolong the longevity of your door. The first step in the process is to clean your lock the cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or another penetrating spray to accomplish this. Spray a small amount 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, and make sure to spray a bit 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 a silicone spray. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants do, so it's an excellent choice for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays can endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are impervious to water. However, they may require several coats to be effective. You can also apply de-icer spray, which is specifically made for cold weather. It will melt ice and frost on the lock mechanism. This will enable you to unlock your lock, and then relock it more easily. The climate will determine how often you need to belubricating locks. A coastal location exposes your door to salty air and cause corrosion. Temperature fluctuations can also affect the performance of your lock. It is recommended to lubricate locks at least once every year, or more frequently in areas with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save costs on repairs, and ensure that it will continue to work properly for many years. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock doesn't work properly, one or more of its components could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a faulty lock on your patio door will stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. You can repair doors that are locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder. Begin by looking at the exterior and the inside of the lock to see whether t here are any indications of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks may expand or contract depending on the weather, and may even shift over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning correctly and can cause issues when opening or closing the patio door. Next, examine the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder may be difficult to open and may cause damage to the latch springs, cam or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you might be able of removing any obstructions with a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the issue persists, you may need to take out the cylinder to determine the root of the issue. If the lock cylinder is 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 to rotate the cylinder and could even aid in restoring the proper alignment. Look for a small tab that is movable with the key. It is usually at 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 with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be taken out and then returned. If your lock cylinder is stuck, you may be able to restore the proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pulled in and out. Reassemble the lock after you have restored proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's a sign that another component such as the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn and will require replacement. Lock the Screws Over time, frequent use temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt and even dirt can take their toll on patio door locks. Unless properly cared for these delicate components can get worn out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock problems are easily fixed with a few simple steps. Clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that may be present and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases because they may attract dust and debris which could cause more problems. If your patio door is fitted with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. In the majority of instances, this will require adjusting the screws that secure 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 pry it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment has been completed, tighten the screw. The most frequent issue in the repair of 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 due to the fact that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it ought to be. Start by removing the handle, then find the screws or bolts that secure it. Keep in mind the bolts or screws since you'll need them to install the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle and then slide the new spindle into place on the side of the door, ensuring that it is properly aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Reinstall the interior and external handles once the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they are aligned correctly with the bolts or screws holding them in place. Close and lock the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If the door is correctly aligned, it should be able to open and shut without needing any additional force. If you're still having trouble then you may need to reposition the strike plate or latch or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and require to be replaced. Replace the latch If your patio door locks do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. The majority of homeowners can replace a lock themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors completely out and removing the existing lock on the inside of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed to the door and the jamb so that you can determine the kind of lock you'll need purchase. Before you install the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's set on the outside edge of the door frame) and then adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the hole in the jamb in the door. After you've repositioned your strike plate, secure it in position and tighten the screws. Once all the components of your patio door have been relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to ensure that it is in place and fits the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does, then your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is ready to give you the security and privacy that you've come to expect from. Like other areas of your home, need to be aligned correctly to function effectively. Over time, cold and hot weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause hinges, door frame and locking mechanism to shift slightly. The wrongly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert a key in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. It is possible to fix a problem which seemed impossible by following these simple steps. Do yourself a big pat on the back for tackling the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're betting you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door once more. Have fun! We are here to help if you need any assistance or have questions.