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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is a vital element of home security. When yours becomes difficult to lock, it can be a nightmare. In many cases, a stubborn lock is due to an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position could aid in restoring its functionality. If these troubleshooting methods aren't working, you can 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 routine will keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving your money on repair costs and allowing your door to reach its full lifespan. In the beginning, you'll need to clean the lock's cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to do this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole, then work the key in and out to distribute the oil. Do not use solvents like household oil or other, as they can damage your locks. Spray a small amount on the key. After your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can use a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid oils. It's a great choice to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays can be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are resistant to water. However, they may require multiple coats to be efficient. You can also use a de-icer spray, which is specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will melt ice and frost on the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will aid your lock unlock and then lock again easily. The climate will determine how often you need to lubricate locks. The location of your door will affect its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose it to salty air, which could cause corrosion. It is recommended that you regularly lubricate your 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 that your patio door will perform as it should for the years to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock does not function properly it could be because one or more of its parts could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a broken lock on your patio door can prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. You can repair a patio door that is locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder. Start by checking the exterior and interior of the lock to determine whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract in warm or cold weather, and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause problems when opening or closing the door. Then, look over the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or blocked cylinder may be difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can get rid of any obstructions using a pair tweezers and a lock. If the issue persists it may be necessary to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to find the cause of the obstruction. If the lock cylinder has not been secured to the lock body it can be removed by removing the screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help restore proper alignment. Look for the small tab that moves along with the key. It is usually at the end. This little clip, also known as a “release tab” is what keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the body of the lock. This tab can be removed with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed, then reinserted. If your lock cylinder is stuck, you may be able to restore the proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pulled in and withdrawn. After you have restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and test its functionality. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's likely that another component such as the latch spring or latch is worn or damaged and may require replacement. Make sure you tighten the Screws Locks for patio doors are susceptible to damage from regular use, extremes of temperature dust and dirt. If they are not properly taken care of these delicate components can get worn out and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be repaired with a few easy steps. You should first clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present, and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts functioning smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, however they could attract dust and debris which could cause problems. Next, if your patio door has an electronic foot lock for security ensure that the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the patio door frame. Loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry up or down to adjust the foot lock as needed. After the adjustment has been completed you can tighten the screw. When it comes to repairing the handle of a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by wear and tear, or the latch could be placed higher or below what it should be. Begin by removing the old handle, then identify the bolts or screws that secure it. Make sure you keep track of these since you will require them when installing the new handle. Next, remove the old spindle, and then slide the new one into the door on the inside of the door, making sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Once the new spindle is in place then reinstall the handles for both exterior and interior to ensure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws which hold them in place. Close and lock patio door lock repairs near me once you have made any necessary adjustments. If the door is correctly aligned, it will open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you're still having trouble, you might need to adjust 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 do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. Most homeowners can change a lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio door all the way open and removing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Review the lock to determine the type of lock you will need. Before you install the new latch, loosen the screws securing 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 then tighten the screws and fix it with screws. After all the components have been moved or adjusted after which you can assemble and secure your patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. After 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, your patio door lock is functioning exactly as it should, and is able to 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 they to function effectively. Over time, temperatures and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other elements can cause the hinges, door frame and the locking mechanism to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. By following these simple steps, you can fix a problem that might have been thought to be impossible to fix. So give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this challenge and regaining your patio door's locked position! We're sure you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door. Have fun! We're here to help if you have any concerns or questions.