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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is a vital element of home security. It can be a hassle if yours is difficult to lock. In a lot of instances, a locked that is not working is caused by an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating sliding patio door repairs near me or changing its position may help to restore its function. If these methods of troubleshooting don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock may be difficult to open and close because of dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication could aid in preventing your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair costs and prolong the longevity of your door. In the beginning, you'll have to clean the lock cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to accomplish this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole and then turn the key to distribute it. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that could damage your locks, and make sure to spray a little on the key itself. After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to lubricate. You can apply a silicone spray or a dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants do, so it's a great choice for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both humid and cold temperatures, however they might require multiple coats to be effective. You can also apply sprays for de-icing that is made for colder weather and will lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. This will help you unlock your lock and unlock it with ease. The environment will determine how often you should lubricate locks. The location of your door can affect its performance. A coastal location can expose it to salty air, which can cause corrosion. It is recommended to lubricate locks at least twice a year or more often in areas with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door continues to function properly for years to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could be that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door will prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. To fix a locked or non-locked patio door, tighten loose screws or adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder. Begin by looking at the exterior and interior of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio doors can expand or contract in response to the weather, and might even shift with time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause problems when closing or opening the door. Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder might be difficult to access, and may cause damage to the latch springs, cam or lock pins. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you might be able to remove any obstructions with a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the problem persists you may need to take out the cylinder to determine the root of the issue. If the lock cylinder is not been screwed to the body of the lock and is loose, it can be loosened by removing the screw on the cylinder faceplate. Loosening this screw will allow you to move the cylinder around and could aid in restoring alignment. Look over the cylinder for a small tab that moves up and down with the key, generally towards the very end. This small clip, also called a “release Tab”, prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body in the entire way. The tab can be moved back with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then reinserted. If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you may be able to restore the proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate, and the handle or knob can be pushed in and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored proper alignment. Check it out for its functionality. If your patio door lock isn't working it's likely that an additional component such as the latch spring or latch must be replaced. Tighten the Screws Over time, the use of regular as well as cold and hot weather, dirt, and dust can take their toll on patio door locks. If they are not properly taken care of the delicate parts could get worn out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be fixed easily with a few simple maintenance steps. You should first clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dust or dirt that might be found. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, however they can attract dust and debris which could cause issues. If your patio door has a foot lock that is secure ensure that the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, 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. Once the adjustment is done then tighten the screw. The most common problem when it comes to fixing patio door handles is the misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This could be due to the wear and tear of everyday use, or it could simply be that the latch is set higher or lower than it should be. Then, take out the handle from the old one and find the bolts or screws that hold it in the place. Make sure you keep track of these as you will require 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. Make sure that it is in alignment with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle is in place then reinstall the interior and exterior handles to ensure that they are in alignment with the bolts or screws that hold them in place. After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If the door is properly aligned, it should open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you're having difficulty it could be necessary to move the latch or strike plate or the lock cylinder may be damaged and must be replaced. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks are not working, it could be time to replace the lock. The majority of homeowners can replace locks themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and unscrewing your existing lock on the inside of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed to the door and the door jamb so that you can get a sense for what type of lock you'll have to purchase. Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that secure the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock that is positioned on the edge of the frame of the door. Adjust it horizontally or in a vertical direction to align it with the holes in the latch. After you've adjusted the strike plate, screw it back into position and tighten the screws. After all the parts of your patio door have been moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to ensure that it is in place and fits the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does, then your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is able to provide the security and privacy you've come to expect from. Patio doors, like other areas of your home, need to be aligned correctly to function efficiently. Over time, heat or cold, dirt and debris can cause the frames and hinges to shift. If these parts aren't aligned it's similar to trying to insert a key into the wrong hole for a key and it doesn't work. By following these easy steps, you can solve an issue that been thought to be impossible to fix. So, give yourself an award for tackling this task and regaining your patio door's locked position! We're betting you won't face any issues opening or closing the door from here on. Best of luck! We're here if you have any questions or concerns.