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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is crucial to ensure your home's security. When yours becomes difficult to lock, it can be frustrating. A locked that isn't working properly could be caused by misalignment or even simple wear and wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position may help restore its function. If these solutions fail, you may need to replace both the mortise as well as the handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock may become hard to open and close due to dust, dirt and grime. A regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving you money on repairs and helping your door reach its full potential. To begin, you'll need to clean the lock's cylinder. Use WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray do this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then turn the key to spread the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that can damage your locks, and make sure to spray a bit on the key itself. After your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can use an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant, such as graphite powder. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid oils. It's an excellent choice to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both humid and freezing temperatures, however it may require multiple coats to work effectively. You can also apply sprays for de-icing, which is specifically made for colder weather and will loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. A few coats of this will help your lock to unlock and then lock again easily. The climate will determine the frequency at which you should lubricate locks. A coastal location will expose your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. Temperature changes can influence the efficiency of your lock. The standard rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks at least twice a year, or more frequently if you reside in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door will function properly 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 could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repair of a broken lock on your patio door can prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. You can fix the patio door that is locked or locked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder. Begin by looking at the exterior and the inside of the lock to determine whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract in warm or cold weather, and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to not align properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the patio door. Next, examine the lock cylinder for obstructions within the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder may be difficult to open, and can cause damage to the cam, latch springs or lock pins. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you may be able of removing any obstruction using the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue continues, you might need to remove the cylinder to determine the cause. If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the lock body you can loosen it by removing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder faceplate. This screw lets you to rotate the cylinder and it could also help restore the proper alignment. Look for a small tab that moves with the key. It is usually at the end. This little clip, called a “release tab” prevents the cylinder from sliding into the body of the lock. This tab can be moved back by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be removed and then it can be inserted. If the lock cylinder is stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt contacts the strike plate. The knob or handle can then be pulled and withdrawn. Once you have restored the proper alignment, 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 worn or damaged and may require replacement. Make sure you tighten the Screws Over time, frequent use, hot and cold weather dust, dirt and even dirt can take their toll on patio door locks. These delicate components can wear out if not properly maintained, causing your door to not lock properly. Thankfully, most lock problems can be easily fixed with a few simple maintenance steps. Repair My Windows And Doors need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that may be present and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, they can attract dust and debris that can lead to further problems. Next, if your patio door is equipped with a security foot lock, make sure the lock is aligned with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will require you to adjust the screws that hold your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the footlock you need to loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment has been completed, tighten the screw. When it comes to repairing the handle of a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment between the strike plate and latch. This could be due to the wear and tear of everyday use or it could be due to the fact that the latch is set higher or lower than it ought to be. Then, remove the old handle and find the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Make sure to keep track of them as you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and place the new one in place on the inside of the door. Make sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle has been installed put back the handles for both exterior and interior, making sure that they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts which hold them in place. Close and lock the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in alignment, the door should be able to open and close smoothly, without any additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty it could be necessary to adjust 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 don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. Most homeowners can replace a lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio door all the way open and unscrewing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed into both the door and the jamb so that you can get a sense for what kind of lock you'll need purchase. Before installing the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted on the outside of the door frame) and adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the hole in the door jamb. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it into its place and tighten the screws. When all the components of your patio door are moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done 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 functioning just as it should and is will provide you with the security and privacy you've come to expect from your home's doors. Like other parts of your house, need to be properly aligned to function effectively. Over time, temperatures cold, dirt and debris can cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. If these components are not aligned it's similar to trying to fit a key into the wrong hole for a key: It just doesn't work. By following these simple steps, you can solve a problem that might have seemed unfixable. Do yourself a big pat on your back for tackling the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We bet that you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door again. Best of luck! We're here if you have any concerns or questions.