How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is a vital element of home security. If it becomes difficult to lock, it can be a nightmare. In most instances, a locked that is not working is caused by misalignment or simple wear and tear. It may be possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting or lubricating it. If these methods aren't working, you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock may become 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. The first step is to clean your lock's the cylinder. To do this, use a spray bottle of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. Spray a small amount into the keyhole and work the key through and out to spread the oil. Avoid using household oil or other solvents, as they can damage your locks. Spray a bit on the key. After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants like graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid oils. It's a great option for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, however it may require multiple coats to work effectively. You can also apply a de-icer spray specially designed for colder weather and will loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. A few sprays of this will help your lock unlock and then lock more easily. How often you should lubricate your locks will rely on the environment. A location near the coast exposes your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. Temperature fluctuations can also affect how well your lock works. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-luton/ of thumb is to lubricate your locks at least twice a year or more often if you reside in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save costs on repairs, and ensure that it will continue to function in a good way for a long time. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't operating correctly, it could indicate that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a faulty patio door lock can prevent additional damage and ensure that your doors are safe. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws, adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder. Begin by looking at the exterior and interior of the lock for signs 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 not align properly and can cause issues when opening or closing the patio door. Then, check the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder may be difficult to open, and can cause damage to the latch springs, cam or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you may be able of removing any obstruction using the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists, you may need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to find the source of the obstruction. If the lock cylinder has not been screwed to the lock body it can be removed by unscrewing the screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw lets you rotate the cylinder, and may even help restore the alignment. Look for a small tab that moves along with the key. It's usually at the end. This small clip, also known as a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. This tab can be moved back with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then reinserted. If your lock's cylinder is stuck, you may be able to restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt is in contact with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pushed in and out. Once you've restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and test its functionality. If your patio door lock isn't working properly it's likely that another component like the latch or latch spring needs to be replaced. Make sure you tighten the Screws Patio door locks are susceptible to damage from regular usage, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. Unless properly cared for, these delicate parts can wear out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Thankfully, most lock problems can be easily fixed by following a few easy maintenance steps. Clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases because they may attract dust and debris and cause additional problems. If your patio door is fitted with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. In most instances, this will require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. To adjust the footlock, loosen the screw with the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it up or down. Once the adjustment is done, tighten the screw securely. The most common problem when it comes to repairing patio door handles is the misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be caused by normal wear and tear, or the latch could be set lower or higher than it is supposed to be. Then, take off the old handle and locate the screws or bolts that hold it in place. Be sure to keep track of these since you will require them when installing the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle, then slide the new spindle into position on the side of the door, making sure that it is aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Once the new spindle is installed put back the handles on the exterior and interior and ensure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws which hold them in place. 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 properly aligned, it will open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty then you may need to reposition the latch or strike plate, or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and must be replaced. Replace the latch If your patio door locks not working, it could be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can replace the lock themselves. Start 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 both the door and the jamb to determine the kind of lock you'll have to purchase. Before you install 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 then adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the jamb of the door. After you've repositioned your strike plate, screw it into place and tighten the screws. Once all the components of your patio door are relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to make sure that it fits and is able to catch the latch's hasp when your door is closed. If it does the lock will be able to latch onto the door. If it does, your patio door lock is now functioning just as it should and is will provide the security and privacy you've come to appreciate from your home's doors. Like other areas of your home your patio doors also need to be properly aligned for them to function efficiently. Over time, temperatures, cold, dirt, and debris can cause the hinges and door frame to shift. When these elements are misaligned, it's like trying to insert a key into the wrong keyhole: It just doesn't work. You can fix an issue that appeared impossible by following these easy steps. So, give yourself an ovation for tackling this task and regaining your patio door's lock position! We're betting you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door once more. Have fun! We're here to help if you have any questions or concerns.