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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is a vital element of home security. If it becomes difficult to lock, it can be a nightmare. In a lot of instances, a lock that is difficult to open is caused by an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. It's possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these troubleshooting techniques fail, you may need to replace both the mortise and handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock may become hard to open and close due to dirt, dust and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair costs and prolong the longevity of your door. To begin, you will need to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray bottle of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount 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 little on the key itself. After cleaning your lock cylinder, it's time to lubricate. You can use a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid oils. It's a great choice to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays are able to endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are resistant to water. However, they may require several coats to be effective. You can also use de-icer spray specifically made for cold weather. It will break up the frost and ice from the mechanism of your lock. A few coats of this will allow your lock to unlock and then lock again easily. The climate will determine how often you should lubricate locks. The location of your door will impact its performance. A location near the coast could expose it to salty air which can cause corrosion. It is recommended that you regularly lubricate your locks at least once every year, or more frequently if your area has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save money on repairs, and ensure that it will continue to function properly for a long time. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't functioning correctly, it could indicate that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a damaged patio door lock can prevent any further damage and ensure your doors are safe. You can repair doors that are locked or locked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder. Begin by inspecting the exterior and inside of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract during hot or cold weather and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to not align properly and cause problems when opening or closing the patio door. Then, look over the lock cylinder for obstructions within the keyway hole. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder could be difficult to access, and can cause damage to the cam, latch springs or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you might be able to dislodge any obstruction using a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the problem persists you may have to remove the cylinder to determine the source. If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the lock body you can loosen it by unscrewing a flat screw inside the cylinder faceplate. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to move the cylinder around and could help to restore alignment. Look for a small tab that moves with the key. It's usually located at the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a “release tab” prevents the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. A standard key will move this tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and reinserted. If the cylinder of your lock has become stuck and is not aligned, you can fix it by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt contacts the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pushed, and withdrawn. Once you have restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and test it for functionality. If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it is likely that an additional component such as the latch or latch spring needs to be replaced. Tighten the Screws Over time, the use of regular as well as cold and hot weather dust, dirt and even dirt can cause damage to patio door locks. Unless properly cared for the delicate parts could get worn out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Thankfully, most lock problems can be fixed easily with just a few simple maintenance steps. It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth remove any dirt or dust that might be present, and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, however they can attract dust and debris that can lead to further problems. Next, if your patio door has an electronic foot lock for security ensure that the foot lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most instances, this will require changing the screws that attach the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the footlock simply loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it up or down. After the adjustment is completed you can tighten the screw. The most frequent issue when it comes to repairing patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be due to everyday wear and tear or the latch may be positioned lower or higher than it should be. Begin by removing the old handle, then find the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Keep on track of the bolts or screws, because you will need them to install the new handle. 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. Install the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure that they're properly aligned with the bolts or screws that hold them in place. After you've made any needed adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If everything is in alignment, the door will open and close without any additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty it could be necessary to reposition the latch or strike plate, or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and require to be replaced. Replace the latch If your patio door locks don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. Installing a new lock is a fairly simple home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can complete themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door completely open and then removing the current lock from the interior side of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed to the door and the jamb so that you can get a sense for what type of lock you'll need 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 edges of the door's frame. Adjust repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk or in a vertical direction so that it is aligned with the holes for the latch. After you've repositioned the latch plate then tighten the screws and fix it with screws. After all the parts of your patio door have been repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. Once you're finished, test the latch. Make sure it fits correctly and is secured when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is working as it should and able to give you the security and privacy you've come expect from your home's doors. Like other components of your home, need to be properly aligned to function effectively. Over time, heat cold, dirt and debris can cause the frames and hinges to shift. If these parts aren't aligned, it's like trying to fit a key in the wrong keyhole it won't work. It is possible to fix the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these simple steps. So go ahead and give yourself an award for tackling this challenge and regaining the door that was locked! We bet that you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door. Best of luck! We're here for you if there are any questions or concerns.