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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is essential to home security. It can be frustrating when yours is difficult to lock. A locked that isn't working properly could be caused by misalignment, or simply wear and tear. It is possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these methods aren't working, you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock may be difficult to open and close because of dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine can keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repairs and allowing your door to enjoy its full lifespan. The first step is to clean your lock the cylinder. To do this, use a spray can of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then turn the key to distribute it. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that could damage your locks, and make sure to spray a little on the key itself as well. After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to grease. You can apply dry lubricants like graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid lubricants. It's a great option to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand moist and cold temperatures, however they might require multiple coats to be effective. You can also apply a de-icer spray specially designed for cold weather and can remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will aid your lock unlock and then lock more easily. How often you need to lubricate your locks will depend on the environmental conditions. The location of your door will affect its performance. A location near the coast could expose it to salty air which can cause corrosion. It is recommended to lubricate locks at least twice a year or more often if your area has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door will perform as it should for the years to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should, one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a defective patio door lock can prevent further damage and ensure that your doors are safe. To repair a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws and adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder. Begin by looking at the exterior and the interior of the lock to see whether there are signs 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 misalign and cause problems when closing or opening the door. Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder may be difficult to open and can cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you might be able to dislodge any obstructions using the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists you may need to take out the cylinder in order to locate the cause. If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the lock body you can loosen it by removing an elongated screw within the faceplate of the cylinder. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could aid in restoring alignment. Look for the small tab that moves with the key. It's usually located near the end. This small clip, also called a “release Tab” will stop the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. This tab can be moved back with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be taken out and then returned. If the lock cylinder is stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt contacts the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pushed, and pulled back. Once Repair My Windows And Doors 've restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and test it for functioning. If your patio door lock still isn't working properly It is likely that another component like the latch spring or latch requires replacement. Make sure you tighten the Screws Over time, regular use as well as cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can wear down patio door locks. If they are not properly taken care of the delicate parts could wear out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Thankfully, most lock problems are easily fixable by following a few easy maintenance steps. The first thing you have to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that may be present, and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases as they can attract dust and other debris and cause additional problems. Next, if your patio door is equipped with an electronic foot lock for security ensure that the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most instances, this will 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. Once the adjustment has been completed you can tighten the screw. The most common problem when it comes to repairing patio door handles is the misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be due to everyday wear and tear or the latch could be set lower or higher than it should be. Then, remove the handle that was previously used and locate the screws or bolts that hold it in place. Keep on track of the screws or bolts, since you'll need them to install the new handle. Next, remove the old spindle, then slide the new spindle into the door on the side of the door, making sure that it is aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Once the new spindle is installed, reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior, making sure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws that 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 the door is correctly aligned, it should open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty it could be necessary 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 majority of homeowners can replace the lock themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors completely out and removing the existing lock on the inside of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed into both the door and the jamb to get a sense for what type of lock you'll need purchase. Before you install the new latch take off the screws that secure 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 in the door. After you've adjusted the latch plate then tighten the screws and fix it with screws. When all the components of your patio door have been repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process, test the latch. Make sure it fits correctly and is secured when the door is shut. If it does, then your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is able to give you the security and privacy that you've come to anticipate from. As with other parts of your home, your patio doors need to be properly aligned for them to function efficiently. Over time, heat and cold weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause hinges, door frame and locking mechanism 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. It is possible to fix the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these simple steps. So go ahead and give yourself an ovation for tackling this project and regaining your patio door's locked position! We'll bet you won't have any trouble opening or closing the door from here on. Good luck! We're here to help if you have any concerns or questions.