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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is essential to ensure your home's security. If it becomes difficult to lock, it can be frustrating. A lock that is not working can be caused by misalignment, or even simple wear and wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position may aid in restoring its functionality. If these solutions don't work you can replace both the mortise and handle. Clean and Lubricate Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open and close doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication could help to prevent 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'll have to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, use spray cans of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to distribute the oil. Do not use household oil or other solvents that can harm your locks. Spray a little on the key. When your lock's cylinder is clean and lubricated, it's time to apply. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors can use a silicone spray or a dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid lubricants. It's an excellent choice for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays are able to be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are impervious to water. However, they might need multiple coats in order to be efficient. You can also use a de-icer spray, which is specifically made for cold weather and can lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. This will help you unlock your lock and then lock it more easily. The environment will determine the frequency at which you should belubricating locks. The location of your door will affect its performance. A coastal location can expose it to salty air, which can cause corrosion. It is recommended that you lubricate locks at least two times each year, or more often when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door will function properly for the years to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't working properly, it could mean that one or more components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a faulty patio door lock will prevent additional damage and ensure that your doors are secure. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws or adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder. Start by checking the exterior and the interior of the lock to see whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks may expand or contract depending on the weather, and they could shift over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanisms to not align properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the door. Next, examine the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder could be difficult to open and can cause damage to the cam, latch springs or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can remove any obstructions with a pair of picklocks and tweezers. If the issue continues it may be necessary to take the cylinder out and disassemble it in order to identify the source of the obstruction. If the lock cylinder has not been screwed to the lock body it can be removed by unscrewing the flat screw on the faceplate of cylinder. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may aid in restoring alignment. Examine the cylinder for a small tab that moves upwards and downwards with the key, generally towards the end. This tiny clip, also called a “release Tab” will stop the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. A standard key will slide this tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and put back in. If your lock cylinder is stuck, you might be able to restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pushed in and out. Reassemble the lock once you have restored alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's a sign that another component such as the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn out and will require replacement. Make sure you tighten the Screws Locks for patio doors can be damaged by frequent use, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. Unless properly cared for these delicate components can wear down and cause your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues are easily fixable with a few simple maintenance steps. The first thing you have to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present, and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases since they could attract dust and debris and cause additional problems. Next, if your patio door has an electronic foot lock for security ensure that the foot lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the footlock you need to loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment is complete you can tighten the screw. The most common problem when it comes to repairing patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be due to the wear and tear of everyday use or it could be due to the fact that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it should be. Then, take off the handle from the old one and locate the screws or bolts that hold it in the place. Be sure to keep track of these since you will require them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and place the new one into place on the interior of the door. Be sure that it is in alignment with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle is installed then reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior and ensure that they are in alignment with the screws or bolts that secure them. Close and lock the patio door once you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should be able to open and close smoothly, without any additional force. If you are still having issues, you may need to adjust the position of your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the latch If your patio door locks still not working, it might be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can replace a lock themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and then removing your existing lock from the inside of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into both the door and the door jamb to determine the type of lock you'll have to purchase. Before you install the new latch, loosen the screws securing the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted on the outside edge of the door frame) and then adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb of the door. After you've adjusted the strike plate, screw it back into its place and tighten the screws. Once all the components of your patio door have been relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done checking the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and is secured when the door is closed. If it does the lock will be able to latch onto the door. If it does, your patio door lock is functioning just as it should and is will provide the security and privacy you've come to expect from your doors. As with other parts of your home the patio doors have to be aligned properly for them to work efficiently. Over time, temperatures and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other factors can cause hinges, door frame, and locking mechanism to shift. If these components are not aligned it's similar to trying to fit a key into the wrong keyhole and it doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you will be able to fix the issue that may have been thought to be impossible to fix. So go ahead and give yourself an award for tackling this challenge and reclaiming the door that was locked! We'll bet you won't have any issues opening or closing the door from here on out. Have fun! We're here if you have any questions or concerns.