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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is a crucial 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 the lock, or adjusting its position may aid in restoring its functionality. If these troubleshooting techniques aren't working, you can replace both the mortise and handle. Clean and Lubricate Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open and close the door lock. A regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repair bills and helping your door reach its full lifespan. To begin, you will have to clean the lock cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to do this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to spread it. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that could damage your locks. Make sure to spray a bit on the key itself as well. After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it is time to lubricate. You can use a silicone spray or dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid oils. It's a great option to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays can be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are resistant to water. However, they might require several coats to be effective. You can also use de-icer spray that is made for cold weather. It will break up ice and frost on the mechanism of your lock. A few sprays of this will allow your lock unlock and then re-lock more easily. The climate will determine how often you should belubricating locks. The location of your door will impact its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose the door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. The standard rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks twice per year, or more frequently when you live in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door continues to perform as it should for the years to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't operating properly, it could mean that one or more components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a faulty patio door lock can avoid additional damage and ensure that your doors are secure. You can fix the patio door that is locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder. Begin by looking at the exterior and inside of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio doors can expand or contract with the weather, and they may even shift over time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause issues when opening or closing the door. Then, look over the lock cylinder for obstructions within the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder may be difficult to open and may cause damage to the cam, latch springs, or lock pins. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can get rid of any obstructions with a pair of tweezers and a picklock. If the issue persists then you'll need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it in order to identify the root of the problem. If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the lock body then you can loosen it by uncrewing a flat screw inside the cylinder's faceplate. This screw will let you to rotate the cylinder and it could also help restore the alignment. Look for the small tab that moves with the key. It's usually located close to the end. This small clip, also called a “release Tab”, prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. The tab can be moved back by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be removed, then it can be inserted. If repair patio door lock of yours is stuck, you might be able restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate, and the handle or knob can be pushed in and pulled out. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's likely that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn out and will require replacement. Lock the Screws Over time, frequent use temperatures, cold and hot weather, dirt, and dust can cause damage to patio door locks. These delicate components can wear out if not properly maintained, causing your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be solved with just a few steps. The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to remove any dust or dirt that may be present. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts running efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, they could attract dust and debris that can lead to further issues. If your patio door is equipped with a security foot lock be sure that the foot lock is aligned 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. To adjust the footlock, loosen the screw with a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw. The most common problem when it comes to repairing patio door handles is the misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by the wear and tear of everyday use, or it could simply be due to the fact that the latch is set higher or lower than it should be. Then, remove the handle that was previously used and locate the screws or bolts that hold it in the place. Make sure to keep track of these as you will need them later when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle, and then slide the new spindle into place on the side of the door, making sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Reinstall the interior and external handles once the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts that hold them in place. Close and lock the patio door once you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in alignment, the door will open and close without any additional force. If you are still having issues it may be necessary to reposition your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks are not working, it could be time to replace the lock. The replacement of a lock is a relatively simple home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can complete themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door completely open and unscrewing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current 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, loosen screws that secure the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock mounted on the outside of the door's frame. Adjust it horizontally or in a vertical direction so that it is aligned with the holes for the latch. Once you have repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then fix it with 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. Once you're finished checking the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is closed. If it does then your patio door lock is functioning just as it should and is can provide you with the security and privacy you've come appreciate from your home's doors. Like other parts of your home your patio doors also need to be properly aligned for them to work efficiently. Over time, temperatures or cold, dirt and debris can cause frames and hinges to shift. When these elements are misaligned it's similar to trying to insert a key in the wrong hole for a key it won't work. If you follow these steps, you will be able to fix a problem that might have appeared to be unfixable. Do yourself a big pat on the back for tackling the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're betting you won't face any trouble opening or closing the door from now on out. Have fun! We're here to help if you have any questions or concerns.