How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is a vital element of home security. It can be a hassle if yours is difficult to lock. In many instances, a lock that is difficult to open is caused by an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position can help restore its function. 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 difficult to open and close over time due to dirt, dust and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can stop your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repair bills and allowing your door to enjoy its full potential. To begin, you will need to clean the lock the cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray complete this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to distribute it. Avoid using household oil or other solvents, as they can damage your locks. Spray a bit on the key. Once your lock cylinder is clean and lubricated, it's time to apply. You can use a silicone spray or dry lubricant, such as graphite powder. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants, so it's a great choice to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays can be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are resistant to water. However, they might require several coats to be effective. You can also apply sprays for de-icing, which is specifically designed for colder weather and will remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will help your lock to unlock and then lock again easily. The climate will determine how often you should belubricating locks. A location with a coastline exposes your door to salty air and cause corrosion, and temperature variations can impact how well your lock works. The general rule of thumb is to grease your locks every two years and more frequently if you live in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save costs on repairs, and ensure that it will continue to function properly for many years. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should it could be because one or more of its components could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a defective patio door lock will prevent further damage and ensure that your doors are safe. You can fix doors that are locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder. Begin by looking at the exterior and inside of the lock for signs of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks may expand or contract depending on the weather, and may even shift over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to not align properly and cause problems when opening or closing the door. Then, check the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder may be difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you might be able to dislodge any obstructions with a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue persists then you'll need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to locate the cause of the obstruction. If the lock cylinder hasn't been secured to the body of the lock, it can be loosen by unscrewing the flat screw on the faceplate of cylinder. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may help restore proper alignment. Look over the cylinder for a tiny tab that moves up and down using the key, typically towards the very 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. The tab can be removed with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed, then returned. If your lock cylinder is stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The knob or handle can then be pushed, and pulled back. After you have restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and test it for functionality. If your patio door lock still isn't functioning properly it's likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring needs to be replaced. Make sure you tighten the Screws The locks on patio doors are susceptible to damage from regular usage, extreme temperatures dust, dirt and. These delicate parts can be damaged if not maintained properly, causing your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues can be fixed easily by following a few easy maintenance steps. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-crawley/ have to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that may be present. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, however, as these can attract dust and debris that can lead to further problems. Next, if your patio door has an electronic foot lock for security, make sure the foot lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most instances, this will require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. To adjust the footlock you need to loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it up or down. After the adjustment is completed you can tighten the screw. When it comes time to repair a patio door handle the most frequent issue is misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This could be caused by wear and tear, or the latch may be positioned higher or below what it should be. Begin by removing the old handle, and then locate the screws or bolts which hold it in place. Keep track of the bolts or screws because you will need them for the installation of the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle, and then slide the new spindle into position on the inside of the door, ensuring that it is properly aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Once the new spindle is in place then reinstall the interior and exterior handles, making sure that they are in alignment with the bolts or screws that secure them. After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If everything is in proper alignment, the door will open and close without additional force. If you're still having trouble it could be necessary to move the latch or strike plate, or the lock cylinder may be damaged and require to be replaced. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks still do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. Most homeowners can change a lock themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door all the way open and then removing the current lock from the inside 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 discern the kind of lock you'll have to purchase. Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that secure the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock that is mounted on the outside of the door's frame. Adjust it horizontally or in the vertical direction so that it is aligned with the holes for the latch. After you've adjusted the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it in place. Once all the components of your patio door are relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. Once you're finished, test the latch. Check to see if it fits properly and catches the latch when the door is closed. If it does, then your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is able to give you the security and privacy you've come to expect from. Patio doors, like other parts of your house, need to be properly aligned to function effectively. Over time, temperature cold, dirt and debris can cause hinges and the frame of the door to shift. If these components are not aligned it's like trying to fit keys into the wrong hole for a key it won't work. By following these easy steps, you can fix an issue that been thought to be impossible to fix. Give yourself a pat on your back for tackling the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're sure you won't have any more trouble opening or closing the door from now to the end. Have fun! We're here to help if you have any concerns or questions.