How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is essential for home security. It can be difficult when your door is difficult to lock. A locked that isn't working properly could be caused by misalignment, or even wear and wear and tear. It may be possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating it. If these solutions don't work you can replace both the mortise and handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock can be difficult to open and close due to dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair costs and prolong the longevity of your door. The first step is to clean your lock cylinder. To do this, use spray cans of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. Spray a small amount into the keyhole and then move the key in and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils which could harm your locks, and make sure to spray a little on the key itself. When your lock's cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can apply dry lubricants such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid oils. It's an excellent choice 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 apply a de-icer spray specially designed for cold weather and can loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. A few sprays of this will allow your lock unlock and then lock again easily. The environment will determine how often you need to belubricating locks. A location near the coast will expose your door to salty air and cause corrosion, and temperature changes can influence the performance of your lock. It is recommended that you lubricate locks at least twice a year or more often when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save money on repairs, and ensure that it will continue to function properly for a long time. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock doesn't function properly there's a chance that one or more of its parts could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a damaged patio door lock can avoid further damage and ensure that your doors are safe. You can repair a patio door that is locked or locked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder. Start by examining the exterior and inside of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Patio door locks can expand or contract with the weather, and they may even shift over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause issues when opening or closing the door. Then, look over the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder can be difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can clear any obstructions with a pair of tweezers and a picklock. If the issue continues, you may have to remove the cylinder to determine the root of the issue. If the lock cylinder has not 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. This screw will let you to rotate the cylinder and may even help restore the proper alignment. Look for a small tab that is movable with the key. It's usually located at the end. This little clip, called a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the body of the lock. A standard key can move the tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and put back in. If your lock cylinder is stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt contacts the strike plate. The handle or knob may then be pushed and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock once you have restored the proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If the lock on your patio door isn't functioning properly It is likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring needs to be replaced. Lock https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/sliding-patio-doors-birmingham/ can be damaged by regular usage, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. If not properly maintained these delicate components can wear down and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be fixed with a few simple steps. The first thing you need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust that might be found. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, they can draw dust and dirt which can cause further issues. If your patio door comes with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. In most instances, this will require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the footlock, loosen the screw with a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment is done, tighten the screw securely. The most common problem in the repair of patio door handles is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by normal wear and tear, or it could simply be that the latch is set higher or lower than it should be. Then, take off the handle from the old one and find the bolts or screws that hold it in the place. Make sure to keep track of these since you will require them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the spindle that was in use and slide the new one in place on the interior of the door. Make sure it is properly aligned with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle has been installed then reinstall the handles for both exterior and interior and ensure that they are in alignment with the bolts or screws that secure them. Close and lock the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should open and close without additional force. If you're still having problems you may have to move your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks are still not working, it may be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can replace locks themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door all the way open and unscrewing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed into the door and the door jamb so that you can get a sense for what type of lock you'll have to purchase. Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that hold the strike plate. This is the part of the lock mounted on the edge of the door's frame. Adjust it either horizontally or in a vertical direction to align it with holes in the latch. After you've repositioned your strike plate, secure it in place and tighten the screws. Once all the components of your patio door have been repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch. Make sure it fits correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is closed. If it does, then your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is able to provide the security and privacy that you have come to expect. Like other parts of your home your patio doors also need to be properly aligned for them to work efficiently. Over time, heat cold, dirt and debris could cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. If these parts aren't aligned, it's like trying to fit keys into the wrong hole for a key: It just doesn't work. It is possible to fix a problem which seemed impossible by following these easy steps. So, give yourself an ovation for tackling this challenge and reclaiming your patio door's locked position! We bet that you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door once more. Have fun! We're here if you have any concerns or questions.