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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 frustrating when your door is difficult to lock. A locked that isn't working properly could be the result of misalignment or even wear and wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position can help to restore its function. If these solutions fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock may become difficult to open and close over time due to dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication could aid in preventing your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair costs and will extend the lifespan of your door. In the beginning, 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 of it into the keyhole and work the key into and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that could damage your locks, and make sure to spray a bit on the key itself. When your lock's cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can use a silicone spray or a dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants, so it's an excellent choice for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays are able to withstand freezing temperatures and are impervious to water. However, they might need multiple coats in order to be efficient. You can also apply a de-icer spray, which is specifically made for cold weather and can remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will enable you to unlock your lock, and then unlock it with ease. The environment will determine how often you need to lubricate locks. A location with a coastline exposes your door to salty air and lead to corrosion. Temperature fluctuations can also influence the performance of your lock. The most common 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 locks can save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door continues to function as it should for many long time to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock does not work properly it could be because one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a defective patio door lock can avoid additional damage and ensure that your doors are secure. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws and adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder. Start by checking the exterior and the interior of the lock to see whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. Patio door locks can expand or contract with the weather and might even shift with time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning properly and can cause issues when opening or closing the patio door. Then, check the lock cylinder for obstructions within the keyway hole. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder may be difficult to open and could cause damage to the latch springs, cam or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you might be able to remove any obstruction using the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists you may need to take out the cylinder in order to locate the root of the issue. If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed to the body of the lock and is loose, it can be loosened by removing the screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. Loosening repairmywindowsanddoors will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could aid in restoring alignment. Look for a small tab that moves along with the key. It's usually close to the end. This small clip, also known as a “release Tab”, prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. The tab can be removed using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then it can be inserted. If your lock cylinder is stuck, you may be able to restore the proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pushed in and pulled out. Once you have restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and test it for functioning. If your patio door lock still isn't functioning properly It is likely that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch needs to be replaced. Tighten the Screws Over time, frequent use, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and can wear down patio door locks. These delicate parts can be damaged if they are not properly maintained, leading to your door to stop locking properly. Most lock issues can be fixed with a few simple steps. The first thing you have to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dust or dirt that may be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can help keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases as they can attract dust and debris and cause additional problems. If your patio door has a foot lock that is secure ensure that the foot lock is aligned with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will only require you to adjust the screws that attach your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the foot lock you need to loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it up or down. Once the adjustment is complete you can tighten the screw. When it comes to fixing a patio door handle, the most common problem involves misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This can be due to everyday wear and tear or the latch could be set lower or higher than it is supposed to be. Begin by removing the old handle, then find the bolts or screws which hold it in place. Keep on track of the bolts or screws because you will need them to install the new handle. Then, remove the old spindle and place the new one into place on the inside of the door. Make sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Reinstall the interior and external handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure that they're properly aligned with the bolts or screws holding them in place. After you've made any needed adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If everything is in alignment, the door will open and close smoothly without any additional force. If you're still having trouble it could be necessary to reposition the strike plate or latch, or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and must be replaced. Replace the latch If your patio door locks don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. Replacing a lock is a relatively simple home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can do by themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and unscrewing 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 jamb to determine the kind 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 positioned on the outside edge of the door frame) and then adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the jamb in the door. After you've adjusted the strike plate, screw it into its place and tighten the screws. After all the components have been moved or adjusted then assemble and secure the patio door according to the instructions of the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to make sure that it fits and is able to catch the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does the lock will be able to latch onto the door. If it does, your patio door lock is now working as it should and can give you the security and privacy you've come to expect from your doors. Like other areas of your home the patio doors have to be properly aligned in order for they to function effectively. Over time, heat and cold weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause hinges, door frame and locking mechanism to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to put a key in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. You can solve an issue that appeared impossible by following these easy steps. So give yourself an ovation for tackling this project and regaining the door that was locked! We're betting you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door. Good luck! We're here to help if you have any concerns or questions.