How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is a vital element of home security. It can be difficult when yours is difficult to lock. A stubborn lock can be caused by misalignment, or even simple wear and wear and tear. It is possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these methods aren't working, you can replace both the mortise and handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock may be difficult to open and close over time due to dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving your money on repair costs and helping your door reach its full lifespan. The first step is to clean your lock's cylinder. To do this, use spray cans of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to spread the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils which could harm your locks. Make sure you spray some on the key itself as well. After your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid fluids. It's a great option for lubricating locks. 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 use sprays for de-icing that is made for cold weather and can loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. This will enable you to unlock your lock and lock it more easily. The climate will determine how often you need to lubricate locks. The location of your door will impact its performance. A coastal location can expose it to salty air which could cause corrosion. It is recommended to lubricate locks at least once a year or more often when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save the cost of repairs and ensure that they continue to work properly for a long time. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could mean that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a faulty lock on your patio door will help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws or adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder. Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock for signs of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio doors can expand or contract with the weather, and they could shift over time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanisms to stop aligning properly and can cause issues when opening or closing the door. Then, look over the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder may be difficult to open, and could cause damage to the cam, latch springs, or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you might be able to remove any obstructions with the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue persists, you may have to remove the cylinder to determine the cause. If the lock cylinder is not been secured to the body of the lock, it can be loosen by unscrewing the flat screw on the cylinder faceplate. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help restore proper alignment. Look for the small tab that moves 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 in the entire way. A standard key will move the tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and reinserted. If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you might be able to restore the proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate, and the handle or knob can be pushed in and out. Once you've restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and test its functioning. If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly it's likely that another component like the latch or latch spring must be replaced. Lock the Screws Over time, the use of regular, hot and cold weather dust, dirt and even dirt can cause damage to patio door locks. These delicate components can be damaged if they are not maintained properly, causing your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be fixed with a few simple steps. Clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust that might be present. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants with oil bases since they could attract dust and other debris and cause additional problems. If your patio door has an electronic foot lock for security ensure that the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will only require you to adjust the screws that secure your 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 required. 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 frequent issue involves misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This could be due to everyday wear and tear or the latch could be set above or below where it should be. Begin by removing the handle, and then locate the screws or bolts which hold it in place. Keep track of the screws or bolts, because you will need them to attach the new handle. Then, remove the spindle that was in use and slide the new one into place on the inside of the door. Be sure that it is aligned properly with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle has been installed put back the interior and exterior handles, making sure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws 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 the door is properly aligned, it should be able to open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you're still having trouble, you might need to adjust the latch or strike plate, or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and need to be replaced. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks are still not working, it could be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can replace locks themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and then removing your existing lock on the interior of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed into the door and jamb so that you can determine the 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 that is positioned on the outside of the frame of the door. Adjust it horizontally or in a vertical direction to align it with holes in the latch. Once you have repositioned the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it into place. Once all the components of your patio door are moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done testing the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and is secured 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 expect from. Like other areas of your home, need to be aligned properly to work efficiently. Over time, temperatures and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other elements can cause the frames, hinges, and the locking mechanism to shift. When these elements are misaligned it's similar to trying to insert a key in the wrong hole for a key: It just doesn't work. You can fix the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these simple steps. So go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this challenge and regaining your patio door's lock position! https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/canterbury-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ sure you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door again. Good luck! We are here to assist in case you require any assistance or have questions.