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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is an essential part of home security. If it becomes difficult to lock, it can be frustrating. A locked that isn't working properly could be caused by misalignment, or simply wear and wear and tear. It's possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these methods of troubleshooting aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock can become hard to open and close due to dirt, dust and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine will prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving you money on repairs and allowing your door to reach its full lifespan. The first step in the process is to clean your lock cylinder. To do this, use a spray can of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole, and then rotate the key to distribute the oil. Avoid using household oil or other solvents, as they can damage your locks. Spray a small amount on the key. After cleaning your lock cylinder 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 as liquid lubricants do, which is why it's a great option to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, however it may require multiple coats to be effective. You can also apply a de-icer spray, which is specifically designed for cold weather and can loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. A few sprays of this will aid your lock to unlock and then re-lock more easily. The environment will determine how often you need to belubricating locks. The location of your door can affect its performance. A coastal location can expose it to salty air, which can cause corrosion. The most common rule of thumb is to grease your locks at least twice a year, or more frequently when you live in an area with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door continues to perform as it should for long time to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock doesn't function properly it could be because one or more of its components may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repair of a broken lock on your patio door could stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. To fix a locked or non-locked patio door, you can tighten loose screws or adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder. Begin by looking at the exterior and interior of the lock to see whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. Patio door locks can expand or contract with the weather, and they may even shift over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanisms to not align properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the door. Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder can be difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam or latch springs. If the cylinder does not fit easily, you can get rid of any obstructions by using a pair of picklocks and tweezers. If the issue continues then you'll need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to locate the root of the problem. If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the body of the lock you can loosen it by removing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder's faceplate. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help to restore alignment. Look for a small tab that moves with the key. It's usually close to the end. This tiny clip, also known as a “release Tab” is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. The tab can be removed by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be taken out and then returned. If the cylinder of your lock has become stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt contacts the strike plate. The knob or handle may then be pushed and pulled back. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock isn't working properly, it is likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring must be replaced. Lock the Screws Over time, the use of regular as well as cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can cause damage to patio door locks. If they are not properly taken care of these delicate components can wear out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be fixed easily by following a few easy maintenance steps. It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that may be present, and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases since they could draw dust and dirt which could cause more problems. If your patio door comes with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require you to adjust the screws that secure your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Unlock patio door lock repairs near me with the Robertson screwdriver, and gently push it up or down to adjust the foot lock if needed. Once the adjustment is complete, tighten the screw securely. When it comes time to repair a patio door handle, the most common problem is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by wear and tear or the latch may be positioned higher or below what it should be. Start by removing the handle, then identify the bolts or screws that secure it. Make sure to keep track of these since you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, remove the old spindle and place the new one in place on the inside of the door. Make sure that it is in alignment with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Install the exterior and interior handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure they are aligned properly with the bolts or screws holding them in place. Close and lock the patio door once you have made any adjustments that are required. If the door is properly aligned, it will open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you are still having issues, you may need to move your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks are still not working, it might be time to replace the lock. The replacement of a lock is a fairly simple home improvement task that many homeowners can complete themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and then removing your existing lock on the inside of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed to the door and the jamb so that you can discern the type of lock you'll need to purchase. Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that hold the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock that is positioned on the edge of the door's frame. Adjust it either horizontally or in a vertical direction so that it is aligned with the holes for the latch. Once you have repositioned the latch plate then tighten the screws and fix it with screws. Once all the components of your patio door have been 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 is in place and fits 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 as it should and will provide you with the security and privacy you've come appreciate from your home's doors. Like other areas of your home must be aligned correctly to function efficiently. Over time, temperatures and cold weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause the hinges, door frame and the locking mechanism to shift. If these parts aren't aligned, it's like trying to fit a key into the wrong keyhole and it doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you can solve an issue that been thought to be impossible to fix. Give yourself a pat on the back for taking on the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're betting you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door again. Best of luck! We're here to help if you have any concerns or questions.