How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is an essential part of home security. It can be frustrating when it isn't easy to lock. A stubborn lock can be caused by misalignment or even simple wear and wear and tear. It may be possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating it. If these troubleshooting techniques aren't working, you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock can become hard to open and close due to dirt, dust 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 prolong the longevity of your door. In the beginning, you'll need to clean the lock's the cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or another penetrating spray to do this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then rotate the key to spread the oil. Avoid using household oil or other solvents, as they can damage your locks. Spray a little on the key. After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it's time to grease. You can use dry lubricants like graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants do, which is why it's a great choice to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both humid and freezing temperatures, but may require multiple coats to be effective. You can also apply a de-icer spray, which is specifically made for cold weather and can loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. This will allow you to unlock your lock, and then relock it more easily. How often you should oil your locks will be contingent on the environment. The location of your door will affect its performance. A coastal location can expose it to salty air which could cause corrosion. The most common rule of thumb is to grease your locks twice per year or more often if you live in a region that has extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door will function as it should for many the years to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock does not function properly it could be because one or more of its components could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a faulty patio door lock can avoid further damage and ensure that your doors are secure. To repair a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws, adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder. Start by examining the exterior and interior of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks can expand or contract in response to the weather, and they could shift over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause problems when opening or closing the door. Then, look over the lock cylinder for obstructions within the keyway hole. A corroded or blocked cylinder can be difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the pins, cams, or latch springs. If https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-ealing/ isn't easy to insert, you may be able to dislodge any obstructions using a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists you may have to remove the cylinder to find 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. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help restore proper alignment. Look for a small tab that moves along with the key. It is usually at the end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the body of the lock. This tab can be moved back by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be taken out and then reinserted. If your lock cylinder has become stuck and is not aligned, you can fix it by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt contacts the strike plate. The knob or handle may then be pushed and pulled back. Once you've restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and test its 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 damaged or worn and will require replacement. Make sure you tighten the Screws Over time, regular use temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can take their toll on patio door locks. Unless properly cared for these delicate components can get worn out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock problems are easily solved with just a few steps. The first thing you have to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that may be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, however they could draw dust and dirt that can lead to further problems. If your patio door has an electronic foot lock for security be sure that the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require you to adjust the screws that attach your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Unlock the screw with the Robertson screwdriver, and gently push it up or down to adjust the foot lock as needed. Once the adjustment is complete you can tighten the screw. When it comes to fixing the handle of a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This could be due to the wear and tear of everyday use or it could be that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it ought to be. Start by removing the old handle, then identify the bolts or screws that secure it. Make sure to keep track of these since you will require them when installing the new handle. Next, remove the old spindle, then slide the new spindle into the door on the side of the door, ensuring that it is in alignment with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Install the exterior and interior handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws holding them in place. Close and secure the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If the door is correctly aligned, it will open and shut without needing any additional force. If you still have problems, you may need to adjust the position of your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. The majority of homeowners can replace the lock themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and removing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into the door and jamb so that you can determine the type of lock you'll need purchase. Before installing the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's set on the outside edge of the door frame) and adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb of the door. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it back into place and tighten the screws. Once all the components of your patio door are moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to make sure that it is in place and fits the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is installed correctly and is ready to provide the security and privacy that you have come to expect. Patio doors, like other areas of your home, need to be aligned correctly to function efficiently. Over time, cold and hot weather dirt and debris and other elements can cause frames, hinges, and the locking mechanism to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are like trying to put a key in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. If you follow these steps, you will be able to fix a problem that might have been thought to be impossible to fix. You should pat yourself on the back for taking on the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're sure you won't have any trouble opening or closing the door from now on. Best of luck! We're here if you have any questions or concerns.