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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is a crucial element of home security. If your door is difficult to lock, it could be a hassle. In most cases, a stubborn lock is caused by misalignment or simple wear and tear. It's possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating it. If these solutions don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open and close the door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving you money on repair bills and allowing your door to reach its full lifespan. To begin, you will have to clean the lock the cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to complete this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole and work the key through and out to spread the oil. Do not use solvents like household oil or other which could damage your locks. Spray a bit on the key. After cleaning your lock cylinder, it is time to lubricate. You can apply dry lubricants like graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid fluids. It's a great choice for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both moist and freezing temperatures, but might require multiple coats to work effectively. You can also apply sprays to de-icer your lock that is made for colder weather and will loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. A few coats of this will aid your lock to unlock and then lock more easily. How often patio door repairs need to oil your locks will be contingent on the environmental conditions. The location of your door can affect its performance. A location near the coast could expose the door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. The general rule of thumb is to grease your locks every two years and more frequently if you reside in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door continues to perform as it should for 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 may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door can prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. You can repair a 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 indications of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract in temperatures that are cold or hot and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause problems when opening or closing the door. Then, look over the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or blocked cylinder can be difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam or latch springs. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you might be able to dislodge any obstruction using a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the issue continues it may be necessary to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to find the source of the obstruction. If the lock cylinder hasn't been secured to the lock body 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 restore proper alignment. Look for the small tab that is movable with the key. It's usually located at the end. This small clip, sometimes 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 the cylinder of your lock has become stuck and is not aligned, you can fix it by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The knob or handle can then be pushed, and withdrawn. Once you've restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and check its performance. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's likely that a component, like the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn out and will require replacement. Make sure you tighten the Screws Over time, regular use temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can wear down patio door locks. If they are not properly taken care of, these delicate parts can wear down and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock issues can be repaired with a few easy steps. Clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that might be present, and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, they can attract dust and debris which can cause further issues. If your patio door is equipped with an electronic foot lock for security be sure that the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. Most of the time, 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 pry up or down to adjust the foot lock if needed. After the adjustment is completed you can tighten the screw. The most frequent issue in the repair of patio door handles is the misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This could be caused by wear and tear or the latch could be placed lower or higher than it is supposed to be. Then, take off the handle that was previously used and find the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Keep track of the bolts or screws because you will need them to install the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle, and then slide the new one into the door on the side of the door, ensuring that it is in alignment with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Reinstall the interior and external handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure that they're aligned correctly with the screws or bolts to secure them. Close and lock the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in alignment, the door will open and close smoothly without any additional force. If you're still having trouble it could be necessary to adjust the strike plate or latch or the lock cylinder may be damaged and need to be replaced. Replace the latch If your patio door locks still don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. The majority of homeowners can replace locks themselves. Start by sliding the patio door open and removing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed to the door and jamb to get a sense for what type of lock you'll have to purchase. Before installing the new latch take off the screws that secure 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 hole in the door jamb. Once you have repositioned the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it in place. After all the parts of your patio door have been repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, check 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, then your patio door lock is installed correctly and is ready to provide the security and privacy that you have come to expect. Like other areas of your home the patio doors have to be properly aligned in order for them to work efficiently. Over time, temperatures, cold, dirt, and debris could cause the frames and hinges to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to put keys in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you will be able to fix the issue that may have been thought to be impossible to fix. So go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this task and reclaiming your patio door's locked position! We'll bet you won't have any issues opening or closing the door from here to the end. Best of luck! We're here if you have any questions or concerns.