How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is crucial to ensure your home's security. It can be difficult when it isn't easy to lock. A lock that is not working can be caused by misalignment, or even simple wear and wear and tear. It's possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these solutions don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock may become hard to open and close due to dirt, dust and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine will keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repair bills and allowing your door to reach its full lifespan. The first step in the process is to clean your lock cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to accomplish this. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and then move the key through and out to spread the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that can damage your locks. Make sure to spray a little on the key itself. After your lock cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can apply a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants do, so it's a great option for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays can endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are impervious to water. However, they may require multiple coats to be effective. You can also use a de-icer spray, which is specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will melt frost and ice off 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. A coastal location exposes your door to salty air and cause corrosion, and temperature variations can influence the performance of your lock. It is recommended that you lubricate locks at least two times every year, or more frequently when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save money on repairs, and ensure that they continue to function properly for a long time. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't operating properly, it could be that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a defective patio door lock will prevent any further damage and ensure your doors are secure. To repair a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws or adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder. Begin by looking at the exterior and interior of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract during temperatures that are cold or hot and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause issues when opening or closing the door. Then, look over the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder might 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 may be able of removing any obstruction using a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue persists, you may need to take out the cylinder to determine the root of the issue. If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock then you can loosen it by removing a flat screw inside the cylinder's faceplate. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help restore proper alignment. Check the cylinder for a little tab that moves upwards and downwards with the key, usually towards the end. This little clip, called a "release tab", keeps the cylinder from sliding into the body of the lock. A standard key will move the tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and put back in. If your lock cylinder is stuck, you might be able to restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate, and the knob or handle can be pushed in and pulled out. Reassemble the lock once you have restored the proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock still isn't functioning properly It is likely that an additional component such as the latch or latch spring needs to be replaced. Make sure you tighten the Screws Patio door locks can be damaged by regular usage, extreme temperatures dust, dirt and. These delicate parts may be damaged if they are not properly maintained, leading to your door to stop locking properly. Thankfully, most lock problems are easily fixable by following a few easy maintenance steps. The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that may be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases since they could attract dust and other debris and cause additional issues. If your patio door is equipped with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. In https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-walsall/ , this will require changing the screws that attach the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the footlock simply loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it up or down. Once the adjustment is complete, tighten the screw securely. When it comes to repairing the handle on a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment between the strike plate and the latch. This could be due to everyday wear and tear or it could be due to the fact that the latch is set higher or lower than it should be. Begin by removing the old handle, then identify the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Keep track of the bolts or screws because you will need them to attach the new handle. Next, remove the old spindle, and then slide the new one into place on the side of the door, making sure that it is in alignment with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Once the new spindle has been installed then reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior and ensure that they are aligned with the bolts or screws that secure them. Once you've made any necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it should open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you are still having issues you may have to adjust the position of your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks are still not working, it might be time to replace the lock. The replacement of a lock is a fairly simple home improvement task that many homeowners can tackle by themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors completely out and then removing your existing lock on the interior of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into the door and the door jamb so that you can determine the type of lock you'll need 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 frame of the door. Adjust it either horizontally or in the vertical direction so that it is aligned with the latch hole. After you've adjusted the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it into place. After all the components have been repositioned or changed after which you can assemble and secure your patio door according to the instructions of 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, then your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is able to provide the security and privacy you've come to anticipate from. Like other areas of your home your patio doors also need to be properly aligned for them to work efficiently. Over time, cold and hot weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause the hinges, door frame and locking mechanism to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to put keys in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. You can solve a problem which seemed impossible by following these easy steps. You should pat yourself on the back for taking on the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're betting you won't face any issues opening or closing the door from now on. Best of luck! We're here to assist if you need any assistance or have any questions.