How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is vital to ensure your home's security. If your door becomes difficult to lock, it could be a hassle. In many instances, a lock that is difficult to open is due to an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. It may be possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these troubleshooting methods fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open and close doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication will aid in preventing your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on repair costs and prolong the longevity of your door. To begin, you will have to clean the lock's cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray can of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and work the key through and out to spread the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents which could harm your locks. Make sure you spray some on the key itself as well. When your lock's cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can use a silicone spray or dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants do, so it's a great choice to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays are able to be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are impervious to water. However, they might need multiple coats in order to be effective. You can also apply de-icer spray specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will melt frost and ice off the mechanism of your lock. This will help you unlock your lock and unlock it with ease. The environment will determine the frequency at which you should lubricate locks. A location near the coast exposes your door to salty air and cause corrosion, and temperature fluctuations can also affect the performance of your lock. It is recommended to lubricate locks at least twice every year, or more frequently when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door continues to function as it should for many the years to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't working properly, it could mean that one or more components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a broken lock on your patio door could prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. You can repair the patio door that is locked or locked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder. Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock for signs of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract with hot or cold weather and may shift slightly over time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanism to not align properly and cause problems when opening or closing the door. Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder might be difficult to access, and can cause damage to the latch springs, cam or lock pins. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can clear any obstructions by using a pair of tweezers and a picklock. If the issue persists it may be necessary to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to locate the cause of the obstruction. If the lock cylinder has not been screwed to the body of the lock it can be removed by unscrewing the screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to move the cylinder around and could help to restore alignment. Look for https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/folkestone-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ elongated tab that moves along with the key. It's usually near the end. This small clip, also called a "release Tab" will stop the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. A standard key can move this tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and put back in. If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you may be able restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate, and the knob or handle can be pushed in and out. After you have restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and check its functioning. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's likely that another component such as the latch or latch spring is worn or damaged and will need to be replaced. Lock the Screws Locks for patio doors can be damaged by regular use, extreme temperatures dust and dirt. If they are not properly taken care of the delicate parts could wear down and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock issues can be fixed with a few simple steps. The first thing you have to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth remove any dirt or dust that may be present and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts functioning smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, however they could draw dust and dirt which could cause issues. If your patio door is equipped with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the foot lock you need to loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment is complete you can tighten the screw. The most frequent issue when it comes to fixing patio door handles is the misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by normal wear and tear or the latch could be placed lower or higher than it should be. Start by removing the old handle, then find the screws or bolts that hold it in place. Keep on track of the screws or bolts, since you'll need them to attach the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle and then slide the new spindle into position on the inside of the door, ensuring that it is in alignment with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Once the new spindle has been installed then reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior and ensure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws which hold them in place. Close and lock the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in alignment, the door will open and close without additional force. If you're having difficulty it could be necessary to reposition the strike plate or latch or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and must be replaced. Replace the latch If your patio door locks aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. The replacement of a lock is a fairly simple home improvement project that most homeowners can complete by themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and unscrewing your existing lock from the inside of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into both the door and the door jamb to get a sense for what kind of lock you'll have to purchase. Before you install the new latch, loosen the screws securing the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside edge of the door frame) and adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the jamb in the door. After you've repositioned the latch plate then tighten the screws and screw it in place. Once all the components of your patio door are repositioned 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 catches 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 working as it should and able to give you the security and privacy you've come appreciate from your home's doors. Like other components of your home must be aligned correctly to function efficiently. Over time, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris, and other factors can cause the frames, hinges, and locking mechanism to shift slightly. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to put a key in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. By following these easy steps, you can fix the issue that may have seemed unfixable. Do yourself a big pat on the back for tackling 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 to the end. Best of luck! We're here to help if you have any questions or concerns.