How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is an essential part of home security. If it becomes difficult to lock, it could be frustrating. A stubborn lock can be caused by misalignment, or even wear and wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position can aid in restoring its functionality. If these methods fail, you may need to replace both the mortise as well as the handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock can be difficult to open and close over time due to dirt, dust and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair bills and extend the longevity of your door. In the beginning, you'll need to clean the lock's cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or another penetrating spray to accomplish this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole and work the key through and out to spread the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that could damage your locks. Make sure you spray some on the key itself. After cleaning your lock cylinder, it's time to lubricate. You can apply dry lubricants like graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants do, so it's a great option for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays can 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 apply sprays for de-icing that is designed for cold weather and will remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. A few sprays of this will allow your lock to unlock and then re-lock more easily. How often you need to lubricate your locks will rely on environmental factors. A location near the coast will expose your door to salty air and cause corrosion. Temperature changes can impact the performance of your lock. The general rule of thumb is to grease your locks twice per year or more often if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door continues to function properly for long time to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock does not function properly there's a chance that one or more of its components may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a defective patio door lock can avoid further damage and ensure that your doors are secure. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws or adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder. Begin by inspecting the exterior and the inside of the lock to see whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract during hot or cold weather and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause issues when opening or closing the door. Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder can be difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the pins, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you may be able of removing any obstructions with a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue persists, you may need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to find the cause 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. This screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could even aid in restoring alignment. Look for an elongated tab that moves along with the key. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/harrow-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ 's usually located at the end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding into the lock body. A standard key will move the tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and then reinserted. If your lock cylinder is stuck, you might be able to restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt is in contact with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pushed in and pulled out. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn out and will require replacement. Lock the Screws Over time, frequent use as well as cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can wear down patio door locks. Unless properly cared for, these delicate parts can wear out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock issues can be fixed with a few simple steps. You should first clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that might be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases as they can attract dust and debris, which can cause further problems. If your patio door is equipped with an electronic foot lock for security be sure that the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will only require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the patio door frame. Unlock the screw with the Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down to adjust the foot lock if needed. Once the adjustment is done then tighten the screw. The most common problem when it comes to fixing patio door handles is the misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by the wear and tear of everyday use, or it could simply be due to the fact that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it should be. Then, take off the old handle and find the bolts or screws holding it in the first place. Make sure to keep track of these since you will need them later when installing the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle, and then slide the new one into the door on the inside of the door, making sure that it is in alignment with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Once the new spindle is in place put back the interior and exterior handles and ensure that they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts which hold them in place. After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should be able to open and close smoothly, without any additional force. If you are still having issues it may be necessary to adjust the position of your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the latch If your patio door locks are not working, it might be time to replace the lock. Replacing a lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that most homeowners can tackle by themselves. Start by sliding the patio door open and unscrewing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into both the door and the door jamb to determine the kind of lock you'll have to purchase. Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that secure the strike plate. This is the part of the lock that is mounted on the edge of the door's frame. Adjust it either horizontally or in the vertical direction to align it with the holes for the latch. After you've adjusted the strike plate, secure it in place 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. Once you're finished, test the latch. Make sure it is fitted correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is closed. If it does then your patio door lock is now functioning exactly as it should, and is will provide the security and privacy you've come appreciate from your home's doors. Patio doors, like other parts of your house, need to be aligned correctly to function efficiently. Over time, heat and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other elements can cause hinges, door frame, and the locking mechanism to shift. When these elements are misaligned it's like trying to fit keys into the wrong keyhole: It just doesn't work. You can solve an issue that appeared impossible by following these easy steps. So go ahead and give yourself an ovation for tackling this task and regaining your patio door's locked position! We're sure you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door. Have fun! We're here to assist in case you require any assistance or have questions.