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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is vital for home security. It can be difficult when it isn't easy to lock. In many instances, a locked that is not working is due to an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. It may be possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these methods of troubleshooting aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock can become hard to open and close due to dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on repair costs and will extend the life of your door. In the beginning, you'll have to clean the lock's the cylinder. To do this, use 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 it. Avoid using household oil or other solvents which could damage your locks. Spray a little on the key. After cleaning your lock cylinder it is time to lubricate. You can apply dry lubricants like graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants do, which is why it's a great option to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays are able to endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are resistant to water. However, they may require several coats to be effective. You can also apply de-icer spray that is made for cold weather. It will break up frost and ice off the lock mechanism. A few sprays of this will help your lock unlock and then lock again easily. How often you need to oil your locks will be contingent on environmental factors. A location near the coast will expose your door to salty air and lead to corrosion, and temperature changes can influence how well your lock works. It is recommended that you regularly lubricate your locks at least two times every year, or more frequently in areas with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save costs on repairs, and ensure that they continue to function properly for a long time. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could mean that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a defective patio door lock can prevent further damage and ensure that your doors are secure. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws and adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder. Begin by looking at the exterior and the inside of the lock to see whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. Patio door locks can expand or contract with the weather and might even shift with time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause problems when opening or closing the door. Next, examine the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder could be difficult to open and may cause damage to the cam, latch springs, or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you may be able to dislodge any obstructions using a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists it may be necessary to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to locate the cause of the obstruction. If the lock cylinder has not been screwed to the body of the lock and is loose, it can be loosened by removing the screw on the cylinder faceplate. This screw lets you rotate the cylinder, and may even help restore the proper alignment. Examine the cylinder for a small tab that moves up and down with the key, typically towards the end. This little clip, called a “release tab”, keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. A standard key can slide this tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and put back in. If the cylinder of your lock has become stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt contacts the strike plate. The handle or knob may then be pushed and withdrawn. After you have restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and check its functionality. If the lock on your patio door isn't functioning properly It is likely that another component like the latch spring or latch requires replacement. Make sure you tighten the Screws Over time, frequent use temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can wear down patio door locks. If you can try these out are not properly taken care of these delicate components can wear out and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be fixed with a few simple steps. Clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dust or dirt that might be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, however they could attract dust and debris which can cause further issues. If your patio door comes with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will only require you to adjust the screws that secure your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Unlock the screw with the Robertson screwdriver, and then gently pry upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock as needed. Once the adjustment is complete, tighten the screw securely. The most common problem when it comes to repairing patio door handles is the misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by normal wear and tear or the latch could be placed above or below where it should be. Start by removing the handle, then identify the screws or bolts that secure it. Be sure to keep track of these as you will need them later when installing the new handle. Remove the spindle that was in use and slide the new one in place on the interior of the door. Be sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Reinstall the interior and external handles once the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they are aligned properly with the bolts or screws to secure them. Close and lock the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If the door is correctly aligned, it will open and shut without needing any additional force. If you still have problems it may be necessary to reposition your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. Installing a new lock is a fairly simple home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can complete themselves. Start by sliding the patio door all the way open and unscrewing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Study the existing lock to determine the type of lock that you will need. Before installing the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's set on the outside of the door frame) and then adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the door jamb. After you've adjusted the strike plate, screw it into 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 as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to make sure that it is in place and fits the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is ready to provide the security and privacy you've come to anticipate from. Patio doors, like other areas of your home should be aligned properly to work efficiently. Over time, heat cold, dirt and debris can cause frames and hinges to shift. The wrongly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to put keys into the wrong keyhole. It's not working. By following these easy steps, you will be able to fix an issue that been thought to be impossible to fix. So go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this challenge and regaining your patio door's lock position! We bet that you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Best of luck! We're here if you have any concerns or questions.