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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A safe patio door is essential to ensure your home's security. If it is difficult to lock, it could be a hassle.

A locked that isn't working properly could be caused by misalignment or simply wear and wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position can help restore its function. If these troubleshooting techniques fail, you may need to replace both the mortise as well as the handle.

Clean and Lubricate

A door lock can become hard to open and close because of dust, dirt and grime. A regular cleaning and lubrication routine will prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repairs and allowing your door to reach its maximum lifespan.

The first step is to clean your lock the cylinder. Use WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray do this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole and then move the key in and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that can damage your locks. Make sure to spray a little on the key itself.

After your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can apply dry lubricants such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants do, so it's a great option for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both moist and freezing temperatures, but may require several coats to be effective.

You can also use de-icer spray that is made for cold weather. It will melt ice and frost on the lock mechanism. This will enable you to unlock your lock and then relock it more easily.

How often you have to lubricate your locks will rely on the environment. A location near the coast exposes your door to salty air and lead to corrosion, and temperature variations can influence how well your lock works. It is recommended that you lubricate locks at least twice each year, or more often if your area has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door continues to perform as it should for long time to come.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock doesn't function properly there's a chance that one or more of its components may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a defective patio door lock can avoid additional damage and ensure that your doors are secure. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws, adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder.

Begin by looking at the exterior and inside of the lock for signs of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract during warm or cold weather, and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause problems when opening or closing the door.

Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder might be difficult to access, and may cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or lock pins. If the cylinder does not fit easily, you can get rid of any obstructions by using a pair of tweezers and a lock. If the issue continues, you might need to remove the cylinder in order to locate the cause.





If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed to the body of the lock, it can be loosen by unscrewing the flat screw on the faceplate of cylinder. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to move the cylinder around and could help to restore alignment.

Examine the cylinder for a small tab that can move up and down using the key, typically towards the very end. This tiny clip, also known as a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. This tab can be moved back by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be taken out and then it can be inserted.

If your lock cylinder is stuck, you might be able to restore the proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pulled in and out. Reassemble the lock after you have restored proper alignment. Test it for functionality. If the lock on your patio door isn't working properly It is likely that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch requires replacement.

Make sure you tighten the Screws

Over time, the use of regular, hot and cold weather, dirt, and dust can wear down patio door locks. If they are not properly taken care of, these delicate parts can get worn out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues are easily fixable with a few simple maintenance steps.

Clean the lock mechanism. Use patio door repairs dampened cloth to remove any dust or dirt that might be found. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, however they can attract dust and debris that can lead to further issues.

If your patio door is fitted with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the foot lock, loosen the screw with a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down. Once the adjustment is complete, tighten the screw securely.

The most frequent issue in the repair of patio door handles is the misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be caused by wear and tear or the latch could be placed above or below where it should be.

Then, take off the handle that was previously used and locate the bolts or screws that hold it in the place. Keep on track of the bolts or screws, because you will need them to attach the new handle. Then, remove the spindle that was in use and slide the new one on the inside of the door. Be 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 that they're aligned correctly with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.

Once you've made any necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should be able to open and close smoothly, without any additional force. If you're still having problems it may be necessary to move your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks still don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. Installing a new lock is a moderately easy home improvement task that many homeowners can tackle by themselves. Start by sliding the patio door open and removing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed into the door and the jamb to discern the kind of lock you'll need purchase.

Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that secure the strike plate. This is the part of the lock mounted on the outside of the door's frame. Adjust it horizontally or in a vertical direction so that it is aligned with the holes in the latch. After you've repositioned your strike plate, screw it back into its place and tighten the screws.

After all the components have been moved or adjusted then assemble and secure the patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and is able to catch the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does, then your patio door lock is installed correctly and is ready to provide the security and privacy that you have come to expect.

Patio doors, like other areas of your home, need to be aligned properly to work effectively. Over time, cold and hot weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause the hinges, door frame and locking mechanism to shift. If these components are not aligned it's similar to trying to fit a key in the wrong hole for a key: It just doesn't work. By following these simple steps, you will be able to fix an issue that seemed unfixable. So, give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this task and regaining the door that was locked! We'll bet you won't have any more trouble opening or closing the door from now on. Best of luck! We're here to help if you have any concerns or questions.