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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is a crucial element of home security. It can be difficult when it isn't easy to lock. In most instances, a locked that is not working is due to an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. It is possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these methods of troubleshooting aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock may be difficult to open and close because of dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication could help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on repair costs and prolong the lifespan of your door. In the beginning, you'll need to clean the lock's the cylinder. To do this, use a spray bottle of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and then move the key in and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household oil or other solvents, as they can damage your locks. Spray a small amount on the key. Once your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can apply a silicone spray or dry lubricant, such as graphite powder. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid fluids. It's a great choice to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both moist and freezing temperatures, however it may require multiple coats to be effective. You can also use a de-icer spray, which is specifically made for cold weather. It will break up the frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will enable you to unlock your lock and relock it more easily. How often you should lubricate your locks will rely on the environmental conditions. The location of your door can affect its performance. A coastal location can expose it to salty air which can cause corrosion. It is recommended to regularly lubricate your locks at least two times 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 as it should for many years to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't working properly, it could mean that one or more components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door will help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. To fix RepairMyWindowsAndDoors locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws and adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder. Begin by inspecting the exterior and the inside of the lock to determine whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract with warm or cold weather, and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanisms to not align properly and can cause issues when opening or closing the patio door. Then, check the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder may be difficult to open and could cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you might be able to dislodge any obstructions using a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the issue continues, you might need to remove the cylinder to determine the source. If the lock cylinder hasn't been secured to the body of the lock, it can be loosen by removing the screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw will let you rotate the cylinder, and could even aid in restoring the proper alignment. Check the cylinder for a small tab that moves upwards and downwards with the key, generally towards the end. This small clip, also called a “release Tab”, prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. The tab can be removed with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then returned. 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 engages the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pulled and withdrawn. Once you've restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and check its performance. If the lock on your patio door isn't functioning properly, it is likely that another component like the latch or latch spring needs to be replaced. Make sure you tighten the Screws Over time, frequent use as well as cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can take their toll on patio door locks. If they are not properly taken care of, these delicate parts can get worn out and cause your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues are easily fixable by following a few easy maintenance steps. You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that might be present, and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, however they can draw dust and dirt which could cause issues. If your patio door is equipped with an electronic foot lock for security ensure that the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most instances, this will require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. Unlock the screw with the Robertson screwdriver and gently pry upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock as needed. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the screw securely. When it comes time to repair the handle of a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be due to the wear and tear of everyday use, or it could simply be that the latch is placed higher or lower than it should be. Begin by removing the old handle, and then locate the screws or bolts that secure it. Make sure you keep track of these since you will need them when installing the new handle. Remove the old spindle and slide the new one on the interior of the door. Make sure that it is aligned properly with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Install the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws holding them in place. After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If the door is properly aligned, it will open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty then you may need to move the latch or strike plate, or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and must be replaced. Replace the latch If your patio door locks still aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. The majority of homeowners can replace the lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio door completely open and removing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed to the door and the door jamb to determine the kind of lock you'll have to purchase. Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that hold the strike plate. This is the part of the lock that is positioned on the edges of the door's frame. Adjust it horizontally or in an upward direction to align it with the latch hole. After you've repositioned your strike plate, secure it in its place and tighten the screws. Once all the components of your patio door have been relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. Once you're finished checking the latch. Make sure it is fitted correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is shut. If it does then your patio door lock is now working exactly as it should, and is able to provide you with the security and privacy you've come to appreciate from your home's doors. Like other areas of your home your patio doors also need to be aligned properly for them to function efficiently. Over time, heat and cold weather dirt and debris and other elements can cause hinges, door frame and locking mechanism to shift slightly. Misaligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to put a key in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. By following these simple steps, you can solve the issue that may have been thought to be impossible to fix. Give yourself a pat on your back for tackling the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're betting you won't face any issues opening or closing the door from here to the end. Have fun! We're here to help if you have any concerns or questions.