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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is essential to home security. When yours becomes difficult to lock, it can be frustrating. In many instances, a locked that is not working is the result of an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. It is possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these troubleshooting techniques aren't working, you can replace both the mortise and handle. Clean and Lubricate Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open or close a door lock. A regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can keep your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving you money on repair bills and allowing your door to reach its full lifespan. The first step in the process is to clean your lock's cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to do this. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and then move the key in and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that can damage your locks, and make sure you spray some on the key itself as well. After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it is time to lubricate. You can use an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants do, which is why it's an excellent choice to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays are able to be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are impervious to water. However, they may require multiple coats to be efficient. You can also use de-icer spray, which is specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will melt frost and ice off the mechanism of your lock. This will enable you to unlock your lock, and then relock it more easily. How often you need to lubricate your locks will depend on the environmental conditions. A coastal location will expose your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion, and temperature fluctuations can also impact the performance of your lock. The general rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks twice per year, or more frequently if you live in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door continues to function properly for the years to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't working correctly, it could indicate that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a defective patio door lock can prevent any further damage and ensure your doors are secure. You can repair the patio door that is locked or locked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder. Begin by looking at the exterior and inside of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract with temperatures that are cold or hot and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause issues when closing or opening the door. Then, check the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder could be difficult to open and may cause damage to the cam, latch springs, or lock pins. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you may be able to dislodge any obstructions using a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the problem persists, you may need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it in order to identify the source of the obstruction. If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock you can loosen it by uncrewing the screw that is flat inside the faceplate of the cylinder. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may help to restore alignment. Look for an elongated tab that moves with the key. It is usually at the end. This tiny clip, also called a “release Tab” is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. A standard key can move this tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and reinserted. If your lock cylinder 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 may then be pushed and pulled back. Reassemble the lock once you have restored proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring is worn or damaged and may require replacement. Make sure you tighten the Screws Over time, the use of regular temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can wear down patio door locks. These delicate components can be damaged if they are not properly maintained, causing your door to not lock properly. Thankfully, most lock problems can be fixed easily with a few simple maintenance steps. The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that might be present, and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, Repair My Windows And Doors -based lubricant will help keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases because they may draw dust and dirt which could cause more problems. Next, if your patio door has an electronic foot lock for security ensure that the foot lock is aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of instances, this will require changing the screws that attach the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Remove the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down to adjust the foot lock as needed. Once the adjustment has been completed you can tighten the screw. When it comes time to repair the handle on a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment between the strike plate and the latch. This can be caused by normal wear and tear, or it could simply be due to the fact that the latch is placed higher or lower than it should be. Then, take off the old handle and locate the bolts or screws that are holding it in the place. Keep on track of the bolts or screws, because you will need them to install the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle, and then slide the new spindle into position on the inside of the door, making sure that it is aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Once the new spindle is installed, reinstall the handles for both exterior and interior to ensure that they are in alignment with the screws or bolts which hold them in place. Once you've made any necessary adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should open and close without additional force. If you're having difficulty, you might need to reposition the strike plate or latch or the lock cylinder may be damaged and require to be replaced. Replace the latch If your patio door locks are not working, it could be time to replace the lock. The replacement of a lock is a relatively simple home improvement task that many homeowners can tackle by themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and then removing your existing lock from the inside of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed to the door and the jamb to discern the type 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 mounted on the outside of the door frame) and then adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the hole in the jamb of the door. After you've repositioned your strike plate, screw it back into position and tighten the screws. After all the components are repositioned or modified then assemble and secure the patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch. Check to see if it fits properly and catches the latch when the door is shut. If it does, your patio door lock is installed correctly and is able to give you the security and privacy that you've come to anticipate from. Like other areas of your home your patio doors also need to be properly aligned for they to function effectively. Over time, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris, and other factors can cause the frames, hinges, and the locking mechanism to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole. It's not working. It is possible to fix a problem which seemed impossible by following these simple steps. So, give yourself an ovation for tackling this challenge and regaining your patio door's locked position! We'll bet you won't have any more trouble opening or closing the door from now on out. Best of luck! We're here to assist should you require assistance or have any questions.