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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is essential for home security. It can be a hassle if it isn't easy to lock. In a lot of cases, a stubborn lock is caused by misalignment or simple wear and tear. It's possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these solutions don't work you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle. Clean and Lubricate Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open or close the door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication could help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair costs and will extend the lifespan of your door. To begin, you'll need to clean the lock's cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray can of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to spread the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that could damage your locks. Make sure to spray a bit on the key itself. After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it's time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid oils. It's a great choice for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays can be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are resistant to water. However, they may require several coats to be efficient. You can also use a de-icer spray that is made for cold weather. It will remove frost and ice off the lock mechanism. This will help you unlock your lock and then unlock it with ease. The climate will determine how often you need to lubricate locks. The location of your door can affect its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose it to salty air which can cause corrosion. The general rule of thumb is to grease your locks at least twice a year and more frequently if you reside in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save costs on repairs, and ensure that it continues to function properly for many years. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't working correctly, it could indicate that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a faulty lock on your patio door can stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. You can repair a patio door that is locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder. Start by examining the exterior and interior of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract in temperatures that are cold or hot and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause problems when opening or closing the door. Then, check the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder is difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the pins, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you may be able of removing any obstructions with a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the problem persists you might need to remove the cylinder to find the source. If the lock cylinder hasn't been secured to the lock body it can be removed by unscrewing the flat screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to move the cylinder around and could help restore proper alignment. Look over the cylinder for a small tab that moves up and down with the key, usually towards the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a “release tab”, keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the body of the lock. 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 the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you may be able to restore 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 the proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock isn't working, it is likely that another component like the latch spring or latch requires replacement. Tighten the Screws The locks on patio doors can be damaged by frequent use, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. If they are not properly taken care of, these delicate parts can wear down and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Thankfully, most lock problems can be easily fixed with a few simple maintenance steps. The first thing you have to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that may be present and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, however they can draw dust and dirt which can cause further issues. If your patio door has a foot lock that is secure, make sure the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require changing the screws that attach the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. To adjust the footlock you need to loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it up or down. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw. When RepairMyWindowsAndDoors comes to fixing the handle on a patio door the most frequent issue is misalignment of the strike plate and the latch. This can be caused by the wear and tear of everyday use, or it could simply be due to the fact that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it ought to be. Begin by removing the handle, then find the screws or bolts that hold it in place. Keep track of the screws or bolts, since you'll need them to install the new handle. Remove the old spindle and place the new one on the interior of the door. Make sure it is aligned properly with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws to secure them. After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If the door is properly aligned, it should be able to open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you're still having trouble, you might need to move the strike plate or latch or the lock cylinder could be damaged and must be replaced. Replace the latch If your patio door locks don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. The replacement of a lock is a relatively simple home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can complete themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door all the way open and then removing the current lock from the interior side of the door. Review the lock to determine the type of lock you'll need. Before you install the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted on the outside of the door frame) and then adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the door jamb. After you've adjusted the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then screw it in place. After all components have been repositioned or changed after which you can assemble and secure your patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process testing the latch. Make sure it is fitted correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is shut. If it does, your patio door lock is now functioning just as it should and is able to provide the security and privacy you've come expect from your doors. Patio doors, like other parts of your house, need to be aligned properly to work efficiently. Over time, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris, and other elements can cause hinges, door frame and the locking mechanism to shift. If these parts aren't aligned, it's like trying to insert a key into the wrong hole for a key it won't work. It is possible to fix a problem which seemed impossible by following these easy steps. So, give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this project and reclaiming your patio door's locked position! We're sure you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Best of luck! We're here to assist if you need any assistance or have questions.