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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A secure patio door is crucial to home security. It can be difficult when it isn't easy to lock.

In many instances, a locked that is not working is the result of the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. It may be possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these methods of troubleshooting don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open or close doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication will aid in preventing your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair bills and extend the life of your door.

To begin, you will have to clean the lock's the cylinder. To do this, use a spray can of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to spread the oil. Avoid using patio doors repairs near me or other solvents which could harm your locks, and make sure to spray a bit on the key itself as well.

After your lock cylinder is clean and lubricated, it's time to apply. You can use a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants do, so it's a great choice for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays can withstand freezing temperatures and are resistant to water. However, they might need multiple coats in order to be effective.

You can also apply sprays to de-icer your lock specially made for colder weather and will remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. A few sprays of this will aid your lock unlock and then lock again easily.

How often you have to lubricate your locks will depend on the environment. A location near the coast will expose your door to salty air and cause corrosion, and temperature fluctuations can also impact the performance of your lock. It is recommended to regularly lubricate your locks at least twice a year or more often in areas with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door will function properly for the years to come.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock isn't operating properly, it could be that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door can help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. You can fix the patio door that is locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder.

Start by checking the exterior and the inside of the lock to determine whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract in warm or cold weather, and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause problems when opening or closing the door.

Then, check the lock cylinder for obstructions in 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 does not fit easily, you can get rid of any obstructions by using a pair of picklocks and tweezers. If the problem persists you might need to remove the cylinder to determine the cause.

If the lock cylinder has not been screwed onto the lock body and is loose, it can be loosened by unscrewing the screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw lets you to rotate the cylinder and could even aid in restoring the proper alignment.





Examine the cylinder for a tiny tab that moves up and down with the key, usually towards the very end. This tiny clip, also known as a "release Tab" is what stops 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, then it can be inserted.

If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you might be able to restore the proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate, and the knob or handle can be pulled in and out. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Check it out for its functionality. If your patio door lock still isn't working it's likely that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch requires replacement.

Make sure you tighten the Screws

The locks on patio doors can be damaged by frequent usage, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. These delicate parts can be damaged if they are not properly maintained, causing your door to stop locking properly. Most lock problems are easily fixed with a few simple steps.

You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to clean any dirt or dust that might be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases since they could attract dust and debris which could cause more issues.

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

The most common problem when it comes to fixing 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 set lower or higher than it should be.

Then, take off the handle that was previously used and find the bolts or screws that hold it in the place. Keep on track of the bolts or screws, because you will need them for the installation of the new handle. Then, take off the spindle that was in use and slide the new one into place on the interior of the door. Make sure it is properly aligned with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle is installed then reinstall the interior and exterior handles to ensure that they are aligned with the bolts or screws which hold them in place.

Once you've made any necessary adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If the door is properly aligned, it should be able to open and shut without needing any additional force. If you're having difficulty it could be necessary to move the strike plate or latch, or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and require to be replaced.

Replace the latch

If your patio door locks still not working, it may be time to replace the lock. Replacing a lock is a relatively simple home improvement project that most homeowners can tackle themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors completely out and unscrewing your existing lock on the inside of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed into both the door and the jamb to get a sense for what kind of lock you'll need to purchase.

Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws securing the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside edge of the door frame) and adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the latch hole in the door jamb. Once you have repositioned the latch plate then tighten the screws and screw it in place.

After all the components have been repositioned or changed then assemble and secure the patio door as instructed by the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and catches the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does, then your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is able to provide the security and privacy you've come to anticipate from.

As with other parts of your home your patio doors also 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 hinges, door frame, and locking mechanism to shift slightly. If these components are not aligned it's like trying to insert a key in the wrong keyhole it won't work. By following these simple steps, you will be able to fix the issue that may have been thought to be impossible to fix. Do yourself a big pat on the back for taking on the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We're sure you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door. Best of luck! We're here to help if you have any questions or concerns.