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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is essential for home security. It can be difficult when your door is difficult to lock. In most instances, a lock that is difficult to open is the result of misalignment or simple wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position could help to restore its function. If these solutions fail, you may need to replace both the mortise as well as the handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock may become hard to open and close over time due to dirt, dust 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. The first step in the process is to clean your lock's the cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to complete this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole and then move the key through and out to spread the oil. Avoid using solvents like household oil or other that can harm your locks. Spray a bit on the key. After your lock cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can apply a silicone spray or dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants, so it's a great choice for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays are able to be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are resistant to water. However, patio door replacement glass might need multiple coats in order to be efficient. You can also apply sprays to de-icer your lock, which is specifically designed for colder weather and will remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will allow you to unlock your lock, and then unlock it with ease. How often you have to lubricate your locks will depend on the environment. The location of your door can affect its performance. A location near the coast could expose the door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. It is recommended that you regularly lubricate your locks at least once a year or more often when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save the cost of repairs and ensure that they continue to function properly for many years. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could mean that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a faulty lock on your patio door can prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws or adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder. Begin by inspecting the exterior and the interior of the lock to see if there are any signs of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract during warm or cold weather, and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause problems when opening or closing the door. Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder could be difficult to open, and can cause damage to the cam, latch springs or the lock pins. If the cylinder does not fit easily, you can clear any obstructions by using a pair of picklocks and tweezers. If the issue persists, you may have to remove the cylinder in order to locate the cause. If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the body of the lock then you can loosen it by uncrewing an elongated screw within the cylinder's faceplate. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to move the cylinder around and could aid in restoring alignment. Examine the cylinder for a little tab that moves up and down with the key, typically towards the end. This little clip, called a “release tab” is what keeps the cylinder from sliding into the lock body. This tab can be removed by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be removed and then returned. If your lock cylinder is stuck, you may be able to restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt is in contact with the strike plate, and the knob or handle can be pulled in and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If the lock on your patio door isn't working properly, it is likely that an additional component such as the latch spring or latch needs to be replaced. Lock the Screws Over time, the use of regular as well as cold and hot weather dust, dirt and even dirt can wear down patio door locks. These delicate parts can be damaged if they are not maintained properly, causing your door to not lock properly. Thankfully, most lock problems are easily fixable by following a few easy maintenance steps. Clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that may be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases as they can attract dust and debris and cause additional problems. If your patio door is fitted with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the footlock, loosen the screw with the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment is done you can tighten the screw. The most common problem in the repair of patio door handles is the misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by wear and tear, or the latch could be set higher or below what it should be. Then, remove the handle from the old one and locate the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Keep on track of the screws or bolts, because you will need them to attach the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle, then slide the new spindle into the door on the inside 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 that they are aligned properly with the bolts or screws holding them in place. After you've made any needed adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If everything is in proper alignment, the door will open and close smoothly without any additional force. If you're still having problems it may be necessary to move your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. The replacement of a lock is a relatively simple home improvement task that many homeowners can tackle themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors completely out and then removing your existing lock on the inside of the door. Review the lock to determine the type of lock that you will need. Before installing the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's set on the outside of the door frame) and adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the hole in the jamb of the door. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, secure it in position and tighten the screws. Once all the components of your patio door have been repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch. Check to see if it fits properly and catches the latch when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is ready to give you the security and privacy that you've come to anticipate from. As with other parts of your home, your patio doors need to be properly aligned in order for them to function efficiently. Over time, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris, and other elements can cause frames, hinges, and the locking mechanism to shift. If these components are not aligned it's similar to trying to fit keys into the wrong hole for a key and it doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you can fix a problem that might have appeared to be unfixable. Give yourself a pat on your back for tackling the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're betting you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Good luck! We are here to assist should you require assistance or have any questions.