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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is a crucial element of home security. It can be a hassle if it isn't easy to lock. A stubborn lock can be caused by misalignment or even simple wear and wear and tear. It is possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating it. If these solutions aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and 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 can help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on repair costs and prolong the lifespan of your door. The first step in the process is to clean your lock's the cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to complete this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to spread the oil. Avoid using solvents like household oil or other that can harm your locks. Spray patio door rollers on the key. After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to lubricate. You can apply a silicone spray or dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants do, which is why it's an excellent choice to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays are able to endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are impervious to water. However, they might require multiple coats to be efficient. You can also apply sprays for de-icing that is designed for cold weather and will remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will allow you to unlock your lock and then unlock it with ease. The environment will determine how often you need to belubricating 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 most common rule of thumb is to oil your locks every two years or more often if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save costs on repairs, and ensure that it continues to work properly for many years. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't functioning correctly, it could indicate that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a damaged patio door lock can prevent any further damage and ensure your doors are secure. To repair a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws and adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder. Start by checking the exterior and interior of the lock to determine if there are any signs of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract with hot or cold weather and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause issues when opening or closing the door. Next, examine the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder is difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam, or latch springs. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you might be able to dislodge any obstructions with the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists it may be necessary to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to locate the cause of the obstruction. If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the body of the lock you can loosen it by unscrewing an elongated screw within the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw lets you to rotate the cylinder and may even help restore alignment. Look over the cylinder for a small tab that can move upwards and downwards with the key, typically towards the very end. This tiny clip, also called a “release Tab” is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. A standard key can move the tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and reinserted. If your lock cylinder is stuck, you may be able to restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate, and the knob or handle can be pushed into and pulled out. After you have restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and test its functionality. If the lock on your patio door isn't working properly it's likely that another component like the latch or latch spring must be replaced. Lock the Screws Patio door locks are susceptible to damage from regular use, extreme temperatures dust, dirt and. These delicate parts can wear out if not maintained properly, causing your door to not lock properly. Thankfully, most lock problems can be fixed easily by following a few easy maintenance steps. You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to remove any dirt or dust that may be present. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases,, as these can draw dust and dirt that can lead to further problems. Then, if your patio door is equipped with a security foot lock, make sure the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the patio door frame. Unlock the screw with the Robertson screwdriver and gently push it up or down to adjust the foot lock as needed. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the screw. The most frequent issue when it comes to repairing patio door handles is the misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be due to everyday wear and tear, or the latch may be positioned above or below where it should be. Then, take off the handle that was previously used and find the bolts or screws holding it in the first place. Make sure to keep track of these as you will need them later when installing the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle, then slide the new spindle into position on the side of the door, making sure that it is in alignment with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure they are aligned correctly with the bolts or screws to secure them. After you've made any needed adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If everything is in alignment, the door will be able to open and close smoothly, without any additional force. If you're still having problems you may have to reposition your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks are still not working, it might be time to replace the lock. Replacing a lock is a relatively simple home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can complete themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and unscrewing your existing lock on the inside of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed into the door and the jamb so that you can determine the type of lock you'll have to purchase. Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that hold the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock mounted on the edges of the door's frame. Adjust it either horizontally or in a vertical direction to align it with the holes for the latch. After you've repositioned the latch plate then tighten the screws and fix it with screws. When all the components of your patio door have been relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. Once you're finished, test the latch. Make sure it is fitted correctly and is secured when the door is shut. If it does the lock will be able to latch onto the door. If it does, your patio door lock is now functioning just as it should and is can provide the security and privacy you've come to expect from your doors. As with other parts of your home, your patio doors need to be properly aligned for they to function effectively. Over time, heat, cold, dirt, and debris can cause hinges and the frame of the door to shift. If these parts aren't aligned it's similar to trying to insert keys into the wrong hole for a key and it doesn't work. By following these easy steps, you can solve an issue that appeared to be unfixable. Do yourself a big pat on your back for tackling the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We're betting you won't face any issues opening or closing the door from now to the end. Have fun! We're here to assist if you need any assistance or have questions.