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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is a crucial element of home security. It can be difficult when yours is difficult to lock. A stubborn lock can be the result of misalignment or simply wear and tear. It's possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these methods of troubleshooting don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open and close the door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair costs and will extend the lifespan of your door. To begin, you'll have to clean the lock's cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to accomplish this. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole, then work the key into and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils which could harm your locks. 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 apply dry lubricants such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants, so it's an excellent choice for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both moist and freezing temperatures, however it may require multiple coats to be effective. You can also use a de-icer spray specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will remove frost and ice off the mechanism of your lock. A couple of sprays will allow your lock unlock and then lock more easily. How often you have to lubricate your locks will depend on the environment. The location of your door will affect its performance. A location near the coast could expose it to salty air, which could cause corrosion. The standard rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks at least twice a year, or more frequently when you live in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save costs on repairs, and ensure that it continues to work properly for many years. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could be that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a faulty lock on your patio door will help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. You can repair a patio door that is locked or locked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder. Start by examining the exterior and inside of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract in temperatures that are cold or hot and can shift slightly over time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanism to not align properly and cause problems when opening or closing the patio door. Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. patio doors repairs near me corroded or obstructed lock cylinder could be difficult to access, and can cause damage to the cam, latch springs, or the lock pins. If the cylinder does not fit easily, you can get rid of any obstructions using a pair tweezers and a picklock. If the issue continues, you may need to take out the cylinder to find the cause. If the lock cylinder is not been screwed to the lock body, it can be loosen by removing the screw on the cylinder faceplate. This screw lets you rotate the cylinder, and may even help restore alignment. Look for the small tab that moves with the key. It's usually located at the end. This tiny clip, also called a “release Tab” will stop the cylinder from sliding into the lock body in the entire way. A standard key can slide this tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and put back in. If the cylinder of your lock 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 pulled back. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's likely that another component such as the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn and may require replacement. Lock the Screws Locks for patio doors can be damaged by regular use, extremes of temperature dust, dirt and. These delicate parts may wear out if not properly maintained, leading to your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be easily fixed with just a few simple maintenance steps. Clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases since they could attract dust and debris and cause additional problems. If your patio door is equipped with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. In most cases, 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 you need to loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw. The most frequent issue when it comes to repairing patio door handles is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by the wear and tear of everyday use, or it could simply be due to the fact that the latch is set higher or lower than it should be. Then, take out the handle that was previously used and locate the screws or bolts that are holding it in place. Make sure you keep track of these since you will need them later when installing the new handle. Remove the old spindle and slide the new one in place on the interior of the door. Be sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle is in place put back the handles for both exterior and interior and ensure that they are aligned with the screws or bolts which hold them in place. After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it will open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you're still having problems you may have to move your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks still don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. The majority of homeowners can replace locks themselves. Start by sliding the patio door completely open and then removing the current lock from the inside of the door. Study the existing lock to determine the type of lock that you will need. 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 vertically or horizontally to align it with the latch hole in the door jamb. Once you have repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then screw it into place. After all the parts of your patio door are repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. When you're done testing the latch. Make sure it is fitted properly and catches the latch when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is now ready to provide the security and privacy you've come to expect from. Like other parts of your home the patio doors have to be aligned properly for them to function efficiently. Over time, heat, cold, dirt, and debris can cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. If these parts aren't aligned, it's like trying to fit a key into the wrong keyhole and it doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you can fix a problem that might have appeared to be unfixable. So go ahead and give yourself an award for tackling this project and regaining your patio door's locked position! We'll bet you won't have any trouble opening or closing the door from now to the end. Good luck! We're here to help if you have any questions or concerns.