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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A secure patio door is an essential part of home security. If your door is difficult to lock, it could be frustrating.

A lock that is not working can be the result of misalignment or even simple wear and wear and tear. It is possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these solutions 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 could help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on repair costs and will extend the longevity of your door.

The first step is to clean your lock's cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray bottle of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole and then turn the key to distribute the oil. Do not use solvents like household oil or other which could damage your locks. Spray a bit on the key.

After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid fluids. It's a great choice for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand moist and cold temperatures, however they may require several coats to be effective.

You can also use sprays for de-icing, which is specifically designed for colder weather and will loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will help your lock to unlock and then lock again easily.

How often you need to lubricate your locks will rely on the environment. The location of your door will impact its performance. A coastal location can expose the door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. It is recommended that you regularly lubricate your locks at least once every year, or more frequently when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save the cost of repairs and ensure that they continue to function properly for many years.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

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

Start by examining the exterior and inside of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio doors can expand or contract in response to the weather, and could shift over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning properly and can cause issues when opening or closing the patio door.

Then, look over the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder is difficult to open and may 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 obstructions using the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue persists, you might need to remove the cylinder to determine the cause.

If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock, you can loosen it by unscrewing a flat screw inside the faceplate of the cylinder. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help restore proper alignment.

Look for an elongated tab that is movable with the key. It's usually close to the end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab", keeps the cylinder from sliding into the lock body. A standard key can slide this tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and reinserted.

If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you may be able restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pulled in and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Check it out for its functionality. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's a sign that a component, like the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn and will require replacement.

Make sure you tighten the Screws





Over time, the use of regular temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can cause damage to patio door locks. If they are not properly taken care of these delicate components can wear down and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues can be easily fixed with just a few simple maintenance steps.

The first thing you need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that may be present and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases as they can draw dust and dirt, which can cause further issues.

If your patio door comes with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require you to adjust the screws that hold your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Loosen the screw using the Robertson screwdriver, and gently move it upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock as required. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw.

The most frequent issue in the repair of patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by the wear and tear of everyday use or it could be due to the fact that the latch is placed higher or lower than it should be.

Begin by removing the old handle, and then locate the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Make sure to keep track of these since you will need them later when installing the new handle. Next, remove the old spindle and then slide the new spindle into the door on the side of the door, ensuring that it is in alignment with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Reinstall the interior and external handles once the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they're aligned properly with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.

Close and secure the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in proper alignment, the door will open and close without any additional force. If you're still having problems it may be necessary to adjust the position of your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks not working, it may be time to replace the lock. The replacement of a lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that most homeowners can complete by themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and then removing your existing lock from the inside of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed into both the door and the jamb so that you can discern the type of lock you'll need purchase.

Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that hold the strike plate. This is the part of the lock that is mounted on the edges of the frame of the door. Adjust it horizontally or in a vertical direction to align it with latch hole. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it into its place and tighten the screws.

Once all the components of your patio door have been moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to make sure that it fits and catches the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does, then your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is now ready to give you the security and privacy you've come to expect from.

Like other areas of your home your patio doors also need to be aligned properly for them to work efficiently. Over time, heat and cold weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause hinges, door frame and the locking mechanism to shift. If these parts aren't aligned it's similar to trying to fit a key into the wrong hole for a key and it doesn't work. patio doors repairs near me can solve a problem which seemed impossible by following these easy steps. So give yourself an award for tackling this task and reclaiming your patio door's lock position! We bet that you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Best of luck! We are here to assist should you require assistance or have questions.