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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is an essential part of home security. It can be a hassle if your door is difficult to lock. A locked that isn't working properly could be caused by misalignment, or simply wear and tear. It's possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these troubleshooting methods fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open and close doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair costs and will extend the life of your door. The first step is to clean the lock cylinder. To do this, you'll need spray cans of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and then move the key through and out to spread the oil. Avoid using solvents like household oil or other, as they can damage your locks. Spray a small amount on the key. After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it's time to grease. You can apply a silicone spray or a dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants, so it's a great option for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays can withstand freezing temperatures and are resistant to water. However, they might require several coats to be effective. You can also use a de-icer spray, which is specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will melt the frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will allow you to unlock your lock and then relock it more easily. The environment will determine the frequency at which you should belubricating locks. A coastal location exposes your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. Temperature variations can affect the efficiency of your lock. It is recommended to lubricate locks at least twice each 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 doesn't work properly it could be because one or more of its components could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door could stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws, adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder. Begin by looking at the exterior and the interior of the lock to see whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. Patio door locks can expand or contract with the weather, and might even shift with time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause issues when opening or closing the door. Then, check DIY patio door repair for obstructions within the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder may be difficult to open and could cause damage to the cam, latch springs, or lock pins. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you might be able to remove any obstructions using the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue persists, you may need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to locate the source of the obstruction. If the lock cylinder hasn't been secured to the body of the lock and is loose, it can be loosened by unscrewing the flat screw on the cylinder faceplate. This screw lets you rotate the cylinder, and may even help restore alignment. Look over the cylinder for a small tab that moves upwards and downwards with the key, typically towards the very end. This tiny clip, referred to as a “release tab”, keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. A standard key can slide this tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and then reinserted. If your lock cylinder is stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pulled and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock once you have restored alignment. Check it out for its functionality. If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly It is likely that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch requires replacement. Make sure you tighten the Screws Over time, the use of regular temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can take their toll on patio door locks. If not properly maintained the delicate parts could get worn out and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be solved with just a few steps. It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to clean any dust or dirt that may be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases as they can attract dust and debris and cause additional problems. If your patio door comes with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. Unlock the screw with a Robertson screwdriver and gently move it up or down to adjust the foot lock as needed. 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 latch and strike plate. This could be due to everyday wear and tear, or it could simply be that the latch is placed higher or lower than it should be. Start by removing the handle, then find the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Keep track of the bolts or screws as you will require them to install the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and then slide the new spindle into the door on the side of the door, making sure that it is aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Reinstall the interior and external handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws holding them in place. Close and secure the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should open and close without additional force. If you're having difficulty, you might need to reposition the strike plate or latch or the lock cylinder could be damaged and need to be replaced. Replace the latch If your patio door locks not working, it might be time to replace the lock. The majority of homeowners can replace a lock themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door all the way open and removing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed to the door and the jamb to discern the kind of lock you'll need to purchase. Before you install the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside edge of the door frame) and adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the jamb of the door. Once you have repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then screw it into place. After all the parts of your patio door are moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process, test the latch. Make sure it fits correctly and is secured when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is now ready to provide the security and privacy that you've come to anticipate from. Patio doors, like other components of your home, need to be properly aligned to function efficiently. Over time, heat and cold weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause the hinges, door frame, and the locking mechanism to shift. When these elements are misaligned it's similar to trying to insert keys into the wrong hole for a key it won't work. It is possible to fix a problem which seemed impossible by following these easy steps. Give yourself a pat on the back for tackling the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We're betting you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Good luck! We're here if you have any concerns or questions.