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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is essential to home security. If your door is difficult to lock, it could be a nightmare. In many cases, a stubborn lock is due to the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position may help restore its function. If these troubleshooting methods aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock can become difficult to open and close over time because of dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication will aid in preventing your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair bills and extend the life of your door. The first step in the process is to clean the lock cylinder. To do this, use a spray bottle of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then rotate the key to spread it. Avoid using household oils or other solvents which could harm your locks, and make sure you spray some on the key itself as well. Once your lock cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can apply dry lubricants such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid lubricants. It's an excellent choice to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, however it may require multiple coats to work effectively. You can also use a de-icer spray specifically designed for cold weather. It will melt ice and frost on the lock mechanism. This will enable you to unlock your lock and then lock it more easily. How often you need to oil your locks will be contingent on environmental factors. A coastal location exposes your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion, and temperature variations can influence the efficiency of your lock. It is recommended that you lubricate locks at least once every year, or more frequently when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save money on repairs, and ensure that it continues to function properly for a long time. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't working properly, it could be that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a faulty patio door lock can avoid further damage and ensure that your doors are safe. You can repair 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 interior of the lock to see if there are any signs of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks may expand or contract depending on the weather, and they might even shift with time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning properly and cause problems when opening or closing the door. Then, look over the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or blocked cylinder can be difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder does not fit easily, you can remove any obstructions by using a pair of picklocks and tweezers. If the issue persists, you might need to remove the cylinder in order to locate the root of the issue. If the lock cylinder is not been screwed onto the body of the lock, it can be loosen by unscrewing the flat screw on the faceplate of cylinder. This screw will let you to rotate the cylinder and could even aid in restoring alignment. Look for the small tab that is movable with the key. It's usually located at the end. This little clip, called a “release tab”, keeps the cylinder from sliding into the lock body. A standard key will slide this tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and reinserted. If your lock cylinder is stuck, you might be able to restore the proper alignment by rotating 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, put back together the lock and test its performance. If the lock on your patio door isn't working it's likely that another component like the latch spring or latch needs to be replaced. Tighten the Screws Over time, the use of regular temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can wear down patio door locks. These delicate parts may be damaged if they are not properly maintained, leading to your door to stop locking properly. Fortunately, most lock issues can be easily fixed by following a few easy maintenance steps. The first thing you have to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth clean any dirt or dust that may be present and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases since they could attract dust and other debris and cause additional problems. If your patio door has a security foot lock, make sure the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the patio door frame. Loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and gently push it upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock as required. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the screw securely. The most common problem when it comes to repairing patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be due to normal wear and tear or it could be that the latch is placed higher or lower than it ought to be. Start by removing the old handle, then find the screws or bolts that secure it. Make sure you keep track of these as you will need them later when installing the new handle. Then, remove the spindle that was in use and slide the new one on the interior of the door. Make sure it is in alignment with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle has been installed then reinstall the handles for both exterior and interior and ensure that they are aligned with the screws or bolts which hold them in place. Close and lock the patio door once you have made any necessary adjustments. If the door is correctly aligned, it will open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty it could be necessary to move the strike plate or latch or the lock cylinder may be damaged and require to be replaced. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks still not working, it may be time to replace the lock. The majority of homeowners can replace locks themselves. Start by sliding the patio door all the way open and unscrewing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed into the door and jamb to discern the kind of lock you'll need 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 of the door frame) and then adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the door jamb. After you've repositioned your strike plate, secure it in position and tighten the screws. After all components have been moved or adjusted after which you can assemble and secure your patio door as instructed by the manufacturer. Once you're finished testing the latch. Make sure it fits correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is shut. 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 expect from your home's doors. Like other areas of your home the patio doors have to be aligned properly for they to function effectively. Over time, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris, and other factors can cause frames, hinges, and locking mechanism to shift. If these components are not aligned it's like trying to fit keys into the wrong keyhole it won't work. By following patio door repair near me , you can fix a problem that might have been thought to be impossible to fix. Do yourself a big pat on the back for tackling the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We're betting you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Good luck! We are here to assist in case you require any assistance or have questions.