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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is vital to ensure your home's security. It can be difficult when yours is difficult to lock. A locked that isn't working properly could be caused by misalignment or even wear and wear and tear. It may be possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these solutions 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 a door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair costs and will extend the longevity of your door. The first step in the process is to clean your lock cylinder. To do this, you'll need spray cans of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. Spray a small amount into the keyhole and work the key into and out to distribute the oil. Do not use household oil or other solvents that can harm your locks. Spray a little on the key. Once your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can apply dry lubricants such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants do, so it's a great choice for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both humid and freezing temperatures, however it might require multiple coats to be effective. You can also apply a de-icer spray specially made for cold weather and can remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will enable you to unlock your lock and then lock it more easily. The climate will determine how often you need to belubricating locks. A location with a coastline exposes your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. Temperature changes can affect the performance of your lock. It is recommended that you lubricate locks at least once each year, or more often if your area has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door continues to perform as it should for the years to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock does not work properly, one or more of its components could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a faulty patio door lock can avoid further damage and ensure that your doors are safe. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws and adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder. Begin by looking at the exterior and interior of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Patio door locks can expand or contract in response to the weather and could shift over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause issues when closing or opening the door. Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder may be difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the pins, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you might be able to dislodge any obstruction using a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the issue continues then you'll need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to locate the cause of the obstruction. If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock, you can loosen it by unscrewing the screw that is flat inside the faceplate of the cylinder. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to move the cylinder around and could aid in restoring alignment. Examine the cylinder for a little tab that can move upwards and downwards with the key, typically towards the end. This small clip, sometimes called a “release Tab” is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body in the entire way. A standard key will move this tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and then reinserted. If your lock cylinder has become stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The knob or handle can then be pulled and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Test it for functionality. If the lock on your patio door isn't functioning properly, it is likely that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch must be replaced. Make sure you tighten the Screws Over time, the use of regular as well as cold and hot weather dust, dirt and even dirt can take their toll on patio door locks. If they are not properly taken care of the delicate parts could wear out and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock problems are easily solved with just a few steps. It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that might be present, and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, they can attract dust and debris that can lead to further problems. If your patio door has a foot lock that is secure ensure that the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. Unlock the screw with the Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock if needed. Once the adjustment has been completed you can tighten the screw. When it comes to repairing a patio door handle, the most common problem is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This could be due to normal wear and tear or it could be due to the fact that the latch is placed higher or lower than it should be. Start by removing the handle, and then locate the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Make sure you keep track of these as you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle, and then slide the new one into the door on the side of the door, making sure that it is in alignment with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Install the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure they are aligned correctly with the screws or bolts to secure them. Close and lock the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. 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 adjust the position of your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the latch If your patio door locks still not working, it could be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can change a lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and unscrewing your existing lock from the inside of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed to the door and jamb to discern the type of lock you'll have to purchase. 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 of the door frame) and then adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the hole in the door jamb. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it back into position and tighten the screws. After patio doors repair near me of your patio door are moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to make sure that it is in place and fits the latch's hasp when your door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is now ready to give you the security and privacy that you have come to expect. Patio doors, like other areas of your home must be aligned properly to work effectively. Over time, temperatures and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other factors can cause the hinges, door frame, and locking mechanism to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert keys in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you will be able to fix the issue that may have appeared to be unfixable. Give yourself a pat on your back for tackling the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We'll bet you won't have any more trouble opening or closing the door from now on. Best of luck! We're here if you have any questions or concerns.