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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is vital to home security. It can be difficult when yours is difficult to lock. A locked that isn't working properly could be caused by misalignment, or simply wear and wear and tear. It's possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting or lubricating it. If these troubleshooting methods fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open or close doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine will prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving you money on repair bills and allowing your door to enjoy its maximum lifespan. To begin, you will need to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, use a spray bottle of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. Spray a small amount into the keyhole, then work the key in and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household oil or other solvents which could damage your locks. Spray a bit on the key. After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to lubricate. You can use a silicone spray or a dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid lubricants. It's an excellent choice for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both moist and freezing temperatures, however it may require several coats to be effective. You can also use de-icer spray specifically designed for cold weather. It will remove the frost and ice from the lock mechanism. A few coats of this will help your lock unlock and then re-lock more easily. The climate will determine how often you should lubricate locks. A coastal location will expose your door to salty air and lead to corrosion. Temperature fluctuations can also impact how well your lock works. It is recommended that you ensure that your locks are lubricated at least once every year, or more frequently when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save the cost of repairs and ensure that it will continue to work properly for a long time. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock does not perform as it should there's a chance that one or more of its components could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door could help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. You can fix a patio door that is locked or locked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder. Start by checking the exterior and the inside of the lock to see if there are any signs of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract with warm or cold weather, and can shift slightly over time. replacement glass for patio door could cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning correctly and can cause issues when opening or closing the door. Then, check the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder may be difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the pins, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you might be able of removing any obstructions with the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue persists, you may have to remove the cylinder in order to locate the cause. If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the body of the lock then you can loosen it by uncrewing an elongated screw within the cylinder faceplate. This screw lets you rotate the cylinder, and could even aid in restoring the proper alignment. Look over the cylinder for a small tab that moves up and down using the key, generally towards the very end. This little clip, also known as a “release tab” is what keeps the cylinder from sliding into the body of the lock. The tab can be moved back by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be removed and then returned. If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you might be able to restore the proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pushed in and pulled out. Reassemble the lock once you have restored the proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's likely that a component, like the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn out and may require replacement. Make sure you tighten the Screws The locks on patio doors can be damaged by regular use, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. If they are not properly taken care of, these delicate parts can wear out and cause your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be fixed easily by following a few easy maintenance steps. The first thing you need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dust or dirt that might be found. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, they could attract dust and debris which can cause further problems. If your patio door is equipped with a foot lock that is secure be sure that the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will only require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. To adjust the foot lock you need to loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it up or down. After the adjustment is completed you can tighten the screw. When it comes to fixing the handle on a patio door, the most common problem involves misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This can be due to everyday wear and tear or the latch could be set higher or below what it is supposed to be. Then, remove the handle that was previously used and find the bolts or screws that hold it in the first place. Make sure you keep track of these as you will need them later when installing the new handle. Remove the old spindle and slide the new one in place on the inside of the door. Be sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle has been installed, reinstall the handles for both exterior and interior and ensure that they are aligned with the screws or bolts that secure them. Close and secure the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in proper alignment, the door will open and close smoothly without any additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty then you may need to adjust the latch or strike plate or the lock cylinder may be damaged and need to 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 a lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors completely out and unscrewing your existing lock from the inside of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into both the door and jamb so that you can discern the type of lock you'll need to purchase. Before installing the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted on the outside of the door frame) and then adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the door jamb. After you've repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then screw it into place. After all the components have been repositioned or changed then assemble and secure the patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and catches the latch's hasp when your door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is now ready to provide the security and privacy you've come to anticipate from. Patio doors, like other areas of your home must be aligned properly to work effectively. Over time, temperatures and cold weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause frames, hinges, and locking mechanism to shift. When these elements are misaligned, it's like trying to fit a key in the wrong hole for a key it won't work. You can fix a problem which seemed impossible by following these easy steps. Give yourself a pat on the back for tackling the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We bet that you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door again. Best of luck! We're here if you have any concerns or questions.