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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is essential for home security. It can be frustrating when your door is difficult to lock. In a lot of instances, a lock that is difficult to open is due to the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. It is possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting or lubricating it. If these troubleshooting methods aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock may be difficult to open and close due to dirt, dust and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication could 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 is to clean the lock cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray complete this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole and then move the key into and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that could damage your locks. Also, make sure to spray a bit on the key itself as well. After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it's time to lubricate. You can use an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid oils. It's a great option to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays can endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are impervious to water. However, they may require multiple coats to be effective. You can also apply sprays to de-icer your lock that is designed for cold weather and will lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. This will help you unlock your lock and relock it more easily. The environment will determine how often you need to belubricating locks. A location with a coastline exposes your door to salty air and lead to corrosion, and temperature changes can impact how well your lock works. The standard rule of thumb is to grease your locks every two years and more frequently if you live in a region that has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save costs on repairs, and ensure that it will continue to function properly for many years. sliding patio door repair If your patio door lock doesn't work properly it could be because one or more of its parts could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a defective patio door lock can avoid further damage and ensure that your doors are safe. To fix a locked or non-locked patio door, you can tighten loose screws or adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder. Start by examining the exterior and inside of the lock for signs 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 properly and cause problems when opening or closing the patio door. Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. An obstructed or corroded lock 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 clear any obstructions with a pair of tweezers and a lock. If the issue persists, you might need to remove the cylinder to determine the root of the issue. If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the body of the lock, you can loosen it by removing a flat screw inside the cylinder's faceplate. This screw will let you rotate the cylinder, and it could also help restore the proper alignment. Look for the small tab that moves with the key. It is usually at the end. This small clip, sometimes known as a “release Tab” is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. This tab can be moved back with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed, then reinserted. If the lock cylinder has become stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The handle or knob may then be pushed and pulled back. Once you've restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and check its performance. If your patio door lock still isn't functioning properly, it is likely that another component like the latch spring or latch needs to be replaced. Tighten the Screws The locks on patio doors are susceptible to damage from regular use, extremes of temperature dust, dirt and. These delicate parts can be damaged if not properly maintained, causing your door to stop locking properly. Most lock problems are easily repaired with a few easy steps. The first thing you need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that may be present. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts functioning efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants with oil bases,, as these can draw dust and dirt which can cause further problems. If your patio door has an electronic foot lock for security ensure that the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of instances, this will require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Unlock the screw with the Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down to adjust the foot lock as needed. Once the adjustment has been completed, tighten the screw. When it comes to repairing the handle on a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment of the strike plate and the latch. This can be caused by the wear and tear of everyday use or it could 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 hold it in place. Make sure you keep track of them as you will require them when installing the new handle. Remove the old spindle and slide the new one in place on the inside 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 installed then reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior to ensure that they are aligned with the screws or bolts that secure them. 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 will open and close without additional force. If you still have problems, you may need to reposition 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. Installing a new lock is a fairly simple home improvement project that most homeowners can complete themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors completely out and unscrewing your existing lock on the interior of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock that you'll require. Before installing the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted on the outside edge of the door frame) and then adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb in the door. Once you have repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then screw it in place. Once all the components of your patio door are repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process testing 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 working as it should and able to provide the security and privacy you've come expect from your home's doors. Like other areas of your home, need to be properly aligned to function efficiently. Over time, temperatures cold, dirt and debris can cause frames and hinges to shift. If these components are not aligned, it's like trying to fit a key in the wrong keyhole: It just doesn't work. By following these simple steps, you will be able to fix a problem that might have been thought to be impossible to fix. So, give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this project and regaining your patio door's locked position! We're sure you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door again. Good luck! We're here if you have any concerns or questions.