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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is a crucial element of home security. If your door becomes difficult to lock, it can be a nightmare. A stubborn lock can be caused by misalignment, or even wear and tear. It's possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these methods aren't working, you can replace both the mortise and handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock may become hard to open and close due to dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine can prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repair bills and allowing your door to enjoy its maximum lifespan. To begin, you will have to clean the lock's cylinder. Use WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to accomplish this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole, and then rotate the key to spread it. Do not use solvents like household oil or other that can harm your locks. Spray a little on the key. After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it's time to lubricate. You can apply dry lubricants such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid oils. It's a great choice for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, however it might require multiple coats to be effective. You can also use sprays for de-icing that is designed for colder weather and will remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will enable you to unlock your lock, and then unlock it with ease. The climate will determine how often you should lubricate locks. A location with a coastline exposes your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. Temperature variations can affect how well your lock works. The general rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks twice per year, or more frequently when you live in an area with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door will 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 parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repair of a faulty lock on your patio door can stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. 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 the inside of the lock to see whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract in hot or cold weather and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to not align properly and can cause issues when opening or closing the patio door. Then, check the lock cylinder for obstructions within the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder is difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you might be able to remove any obstruction using the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue persists, you might need to remove the cylinder in order to locate the source. If the lock cylinder has not been screwed to the body of the lock and is loose, it can be loosened by unscrewing the flat screw on the cylinder faceplate. This screw will allow you rotate the cylinder, and could even aid in restoring the proper alignment. Look over the cylinder for a little tab that moves upwards and downwards with the key, generally towards the end. This tiny clip, also called a “release Tab” is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body in the entire way. sliding patio door repairs near me can be removed using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then reinserted. If your lock's cylinder is stuck, you may be able restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pulled in and pulled out. Reassemble the lock after you have restored the proper alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock isn't working properly, it is likely that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch must be replaced. Tighten the Screws Patio door locks can be damaged by regular use, extreme temperatures dust and dirt. If they are not properly taken care of, these delicate parts can wear down and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be fixed easily by following a few easy maintenance steps. The first thing you need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that might be present. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, however they can attract dust and debris which can cause further problems. If your patio door comes with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases this will require you to adjust the screws that attach your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Remove the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently move it up or down to adjust the foot lock as needed. After the adjustment is completed you can tighten the screw. When it comes to fixing the handle of a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by normal wear and tear or the latch could be set higher or below what it is supposed to be. Begin by removing the old handle, then find the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Keep on track of the screws or bolts, as you will require them to attach the new handle. Next, remove the old spindle, and then slide the new one into place on the side of the door, ensuring that it is aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they're properly aligned with the screws or bolts to secure them. Once you've made any necessary adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it should be able to open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you're having difficulty it could be necessary to adjust the latch or strike plate or the lock cylinder could be damaged and need to be replaced. Replace the latch If your patio door locks not working, it may be time to replace the lock. Installing a new lock is a relatively simple home improvement task that many homeowners can tackle by themselves. Start by sliding the patio door completely open and then removing the current lock from the inside of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock that you'll need. Before you install the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted on the outside of the door frame) and adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb in the door. Once you have repositioned the latch plate then tighten the screws and screw it in place. After all the components have been moved or adjusted after which you can assemble and secure your patio door according to the instructions of the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to ensure that it is in place and fits the latch's hasp when your door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is now working as it should and can give you the security and privacy you've come to expect from your home's doors. Patio doors, like other areas of your home must be aligned properly to work efficiently. Over time, cold and hot weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause the hinges, door frame and locking mechanism to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to put keys into the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. It is possible to fix the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these easy steps. So, give yourself an ovation for tackling this task and regaining your patio door's locked position! We're sure you won't have any issues opening or closing the door from here to the end. Best of luck! We are here to help in case you require any assistance or have questions.