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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is vital to home security. If your door becomes difficult to lock, it could be a hassle. A locked that isn't working properly could be the result of misalignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position can aid in restoring its functionality. If these solutions fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open or close the door lock. A regular cleaning and lubrication routine can stop your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving your money on repair costs and allowing your door to enjoy its full potential. To begin, you will need to clean the lock the cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to complete this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole and then move the key in and out to distribute the oil. Do not use household oil or other solvents which could damage your locks. Spray a small amount on the key. After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it is time to lubricate. You can apply a silicone spray or a dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants do, so it's an excellent choice for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, but might require multiple coats to be effective. You can also apply de-icer spray that is specially designed for cold weather. It will melt the frost and ice from the mechanism of your lock. This will allow you to unlock your lock and unlock it with ease. How often you need to lubricate your locks will depend on environmental factors. A coastal location will expose your door to salty air and cause corrosion, and temperature fluctuations can also affect how well your lock works. The standard rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks at least twice a year or more often if 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 function as it should for many years to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock doesn't work properly, one or more of its components could be damaged or misaligned. patio door lock repair RepairMyWindowsAndDoors and prompt repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door could stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. You can fix doors that are locked or unlocked 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 any indications of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract in temperatures that are cold or hot and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanisms to not align properly and cause problems when opening or closing the patio door. Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder may be difficult to open, and can cause damage to the cam, latch springs, or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you may be able to remove any obstruction using a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the problem persists, you may need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to locate the source of the obstruction. If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed to the body of the lock, it can be loosen by unscrewing the flat screw on the faceplate of cylinder. This screw lets you rotate the cylinder, and may even help restore the proper alignment. Check the cylinder for a little tab that moves up and down using the key, typically towards the very end. This little clip, called a “release tab”, keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. The tab can be removed with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be taken out and then reinserted. If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you might be able to restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate, and the handle or knob can be pulled in and out. Once you have restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and test it for functionality. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's likely that another component such as the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn out and will require replacement. Lock the Screws Locks for patio doors can be damaged by frequent usage, extreme temperatures dust, dirt and. Unless properly cared for the delicate parts could get worn out and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock problems are easily fixed with a few simple steps. The first thing you need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that may be present and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases since they could attract dust and debris which could cause more problems. If your patio door is equipped with a foot lock that is secure ensure that the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require you to adjust the screws that attach your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Remove the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock as needed. Once the adjustment has been completed, tighten the screw. The most frequent issue when it comes to repairing patio door handles is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This could be due to the wear and tear of everyday use or it could be 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 the place. Make sure to keep track of these since you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, remove the spindle that was in use and slide the new one in place on the inside of the door. Be sure that it is in alignment with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle is in place, reinstall the handles for both exterior and interior, making sure that they are aligned with the screws or bolts that secure them. Close and lock the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in alignment, the door should open and close smoothly without any additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty it could be necessary to reposition the latch or strike plate or the lock cylinder may be damaged and need to be replaced. Replace the latch If your patio door locks aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. Most homeowners can change a lock themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door all the way open and removing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Study the existing lock to determine the type of lock that you'll need. Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that secure the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock mounted on the outside of the frame of the door. Adjust it either horizontally or in a vertical direction so that it is aligned with the holes for the latch. After you've adjusted the strike plate, screw it into place and tighten the screws. After all components have been repositioned or changed, assemble and secure the patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and is able to catch 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 just as it should and is will provide you with the security and privacy you've come expect from your doors. As with other parts of your home your patio doors also need to be aligned properly for they to function effectively. Over time, temperatures and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other factors can cause the frames, hinges, and locking mechanism to shift. If these parts aren't aligned it's like trying to insert a key into the wrong hole for a key and it doesn't work. It is possible to fix a problem which seemed impossible by following these simple steps. So give yourself an ovation for tackling this task and regaining the door that was locked! We're sure you won't have any issues opening or closing the door from now on. Good luck! We're here to assist in case you require any assistance or have questions.