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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is a crucial element of home security. If it is difficult to lock, it can be a hassle. A lock that is not working can be the result of misalignment or simply wear and wear and tear. It's possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting or lubricating it. If these methods of troubleshooting aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock may become hard to open and close because of dust, dirt 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 prolong the life of your door. To begin, you'll have to clean the lock's the 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 through and out to spread the oil. Avoid using household oil or other solvents which could damage your locks. Spray a little on the key. After cleaning your lock cylinder, it's time to grease. You can apply a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid lubricants. It's a great choice to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays are able to withstand freezing temperatures and are resistant to water. However, they might require multiple coats to be efficient. You can also use sprays for de-icing that is designed for cold weather and will loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. This will help you unlock your lock, and then lock it more easily. The climate will determine the frequency at which you should lubricate locks. A location with a coastline exposes your door to salty air and cause corrosion. Temperature fluctuations can also affect the efficiency of your lock. It is recommended that you regularly lubricate your locks at least once every year, or more frequently in areas with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save costs on repairs, and ensure that it continues to work properly for a long time. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock does not work properly, one or more of its parts could be damaged or misaligned. sliding patio door repair near me repairmywindowsanddoors and prompt repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door can stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. You can fix the patio door that is locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder. Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock to see whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract during warm or cold weather, and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause problems when opening or closing the door. Next, examine the lock cylinder for obstructions within the keyway hole. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder may be difficult to open, and can cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you may 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 source of the obstruction. If the lock cylinder is not been screwed onto the lock body, it can be loosen by removing the screw on the faceplate of cylinder. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may help to restore alignment. Look for the small tab that moves along with the key. It's usually at the end. This tiny clip, also known as a “release Tab”, prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. A standard key will move this tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and put back in. 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 have restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and test it for functioning. 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 will require replacement. Tighten the Screws Over time, regular use as well as cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can cause damage to patio door locks. These delicate parts can wear out if not properly maintained, leading to your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be fixed with a few simple steps. It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth clean any dirt or dust that may be present and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases because they may draw dust and dirt and cause additional issues. If your patio door is fitted with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. Unlock the screw with the Robertson screwdriver and gently move it upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock as required. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the screw. The most frequent issue when it comes to repairing patio door handles is the misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be caused by wear and tear, or the latch could be set higher or below what it is supposed to be. Then, take off the handle that was previously used and locate the bolts or screws holding it in the first place. Make sure to keep track of them as you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and then slide the new spindle into the door on the inside of the door, making sure that it is aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Install the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure that they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts holding them in place. Once you've made any necessary adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it should be able to open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you still have problems it may be necessary to move your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the latch If your patio door locks not working, it might be time to replace the lock. Replacing a lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can tackle by themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors completely out and then removing your existing lock on the inside of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed to the door and the door jamb to get a sense for what kind of lock you'll have to purchase. Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that hold the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock mounted on the edges of the frame of the door. Adjust it either horizontally or in the vertical direction to align it with the latch hole. After you've adjusted the strike plate, screw it into position and tighten the screws. After all the parts of your patio door are repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, check the latch to ensure that it fits and is able to catch the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is now ready to provide the security and privacy that you have come to expect. Like other areas of your home, your patio doors need to be properly aligned in order for them to work efficiently. Over time, temperatures, cold, dirt, and debris can cause frames and hinges to shift. When these elements are misaligned, it's like trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole and it doesn't work. You can fix the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these easy steps. Give yourself a pat on the back for tackling the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We're sure you won't have any issues opening or closing the door from now to the end. Have fun! We are here to assist should you require assistance or have any questions.