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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is essential for home security. It can be difficult when yours is difficult to lock. A lock that is not working can be the result of misalignment or even wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position could help to restore its function. If these troubleshooting methods fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open and close a door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine can keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repairs and helping your door reach its full potential. To begin, you will need to clean the lock's the cylinder. To do this, use a spray bottle of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then rotate the key to distribute it. Avoid using household oil or other solvents that can harm your locks. Spray a small amount on the key. After your lock cylinder is clean and lubricated, it's time to apply. You can use dry lubricants such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid oils. It's a great choice to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, but may require multiple coats to work effectively. You can also use sprays to de-icer your lock, which is specifically made for cold weather and will lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. This will allow you to unlock your lock and then relock it more easily. The environment will determine how often you should lubricate locks. The location of your door will impact its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose it to salty air, which can cause corrosion. It is recommended that you ensure that your locks are lubricated at least twice each 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 continues to function as it should for many years to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock does not function properly, one or more of its components may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repair of a damaged lock on your patio door could stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. You can repair doors that are locked or locked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder. Begin by inspecting the exterior and inside of the lock for signs of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract during hot or cold weather and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause issues when opening or closing the door. Then, check the lock cylinder for obstructions within the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder is difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can get rid of any obstructions using a pair picklocks and tweezers. If the issue persists, you may have to remove the cylinder to find the source. If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the lock body then you can loosen it by unscrewing a flat screw inside the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw will let you rotate the cylinder, and may even help restore alignment. Look over the cylinder for a little tab that can move up and down with the key, usually towards the end. This tiny clip, also called a “release Tab”, prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. This tab can be removed by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be removed, then reinserted. If your lock cylinder is stuck and is not aligned, you can fix it by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt contacts the strike plate. The knob or handle can then be pulled and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock once you have restored alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock isn't working properly it's likely that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch must be replaced. Make sure you tighten the Screws The locks on patio doors are susceptible to damage from regular usage, extreme temperatures dust, dirt and. If not properly maintained the delicate parts could get worn out and cause your door to not lock properly. Thankfully, most lock problems can be fixed easily with just a few simple maintenance steps. You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to remove any dirt or dust that might be present. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts functioning smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, however, as these can draw dust and dirt which can cause further problems. If your patio door is equipped with a foot lock that is secure be sure that the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most instances, this will require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the footlock simply loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it up or down. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the screw. When it comes to repairing a patio door handle, the most common problem is misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by wear and tear, or the latch could be placed higher or below what it is supposed to be. Start by removing the old handle, and then locate the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Keep in mind the bolts or screws, since you'll need them to attach the new handle. Then, remove the old spindle and place the new one in place on the interior of the door. Make sure that it is in alignment with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Install the exterior and interior handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure patio door repairs are aligned correctly with the bolts or screws that hold them in place. Once you've made any necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If everything is in alignment, the door will be able to open and close smoothly, without any additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty it could be necessary to adjust the strike plate or latch or the lock cylinder may be damaged and must be replaced. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks are not working, it could be time to replace the lock. Installing a new lock is a fairly simple home improvement task that many homeowners can do themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors completely out and removing the existing lock on the interior of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed to the door and the jamb to determine the type of lock you'll need purchase. Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that secure the strike plate. This is the part of the lock that is mounted on the outside of the door's frame. Adjust it either horizontally or in an upward direction so that it is aligned with the latch hole. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, secure it in place and tighten the screws. Once all the components of your patio door have been moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to make sure that it fits and is able to catch the latch's hasp when your door is closed. If it does then your patio door lock is functioning as it should and able to provide the security and privacy you've come to expect from your doors. Like other parts of your home the patio doors have to be properly aligned in order for they to function effectively. Over time, temperature cold, dirt and debris can cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. If these components are not aligned, it's like trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole and it doesn't work. You can fix a problem which seemed impossible by following these simple steps. Give yourself a pat on your back for tackling the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're betting you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door again. Best of luck! We are here to assist if you need any assistance or have any questions.