How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A safe patio door is essential to home security. It can be a hassle if it isn't easy to lock.

In many instances, a lock that is difficult to open is the result of the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. It's possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating it. If these solutions don't work you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle.

Clean and Lubricate

Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open and close a door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication could help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on Repair patio door lock costs and will extend the longevity of your door.

In the beginning, you'll need to clean the lock's the cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to accomplish this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole, then work the key through and out to spread the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that could damage your locks. Make sure to spray a little on the key itself.

When your lock's cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid oils. It's a great choice for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays can 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 de-icer spray, which is specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will break up ice and frost on the mechanism of your lock. A few sprays of this will help your lock to unlock and then re-lock more easily.

How often you have to lubricate your locks will depend on environmental factors. 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 two times a year or more often when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save costs on repairs, and ensure that they continue to function in a good way for many years.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio sliding door repair door lock isn't functioning properly, it could mean that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repair of a faulty lock on your patio door will stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. You can repair doors that are locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder.

Begin by inspecting the exterior and inside of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract during warm or cold weather, and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the patio door.

Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder may be difficult to access, and can cause damage to the latch springs, cam or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you may be able to remove any obstruction using a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the issue persists then you'll need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it in order to identify the source of the obstruction.

If the lock cylinder is not been secured to the lock body, it can be loosen by unscrewing the flat screw on the cylinder faceplate. This screw will let you rotate the cylinder, and it could also help restore the proper alignment.

Check the cylinder for a little tab that moves up and down using the key, typically towards the end. This little clip, called a "release tab", keeps the cylinder from sliding glass patio doors repair into the lock body. A standard key will move this tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and reinserted.

If the cylinder of your lock has become stuck and is not aligned, you can fix it by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt contacts the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pulled and pulled back. Reassemble the lock after you have restored proper alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock isn't working properly it's likely that an additional component such as the latch spring or latch needs to be replaced.

Tighten the Screws

The locks on patio doors can be damaged by frequent usage, extreme temperatures dust and dirt. Unless properly cared for these delicate components can wear down and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock issues can be repaired with a few easy steps.

The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth remove any dirt or dust that might be present, and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases as they can attract dust and other debris and cause additional problems.

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 cases this will require you to adjust the screws that hold your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the foot lock you need to loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment is complete you can tighten the screw.

The most frequent issue when it comes to repairing patio door handles is the misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be due to normal wear and tear or it could be that the latch is placed higher or lower than it ought to be.

Then, take off the handle that was previously used and find the bolts or screws that hold it in the first place. Keep track of the bolts or screws, since you'll need them to attach the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle, and then slide the new one into position on the side of the door, making sure that it is aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Once the new spindle has been installed put back the interior and exterior handles, making sure that they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts which hold them in place.

Once you've made any necessary adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it will open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty then you may need to adjust the strike plate or latch, or the lock cylinder may be damaged and require to be replaced.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks repair door locks not working, it could be time to replace the lock. Installing a new lock is a fairly simple home improvement task that many homeowners can tackle themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door completely open and removing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into both the door and jamb so that you can get a sense for what type of lock you'll need purchase.

Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that secure the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock that is mounted on the edge of the frame of the door. Adjust it horizontally or in a vertical direction to align it with the holes in the latch. After you've repositioned the latch plate, tighten the screws and fix it with screws.

After all the components have been repositioned or changed after which you can assemble and secure your patio door according to the instructions of the manufacturer. After you've completed the process testing the latch. Check to see if it fits properly and catches the latch when the door is shut. If it does then your patio door lock is functioning just as it should and is will give you the security and privacy you've come to expect from your doors.

As with other parts of your home your patio doors also need to be aligned properly for them to work efficiently. Over time, heat and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other factors can cause the frames, hinges, and locking mechanism to shift. If these components are not aligned it's like trying to insert a key into the wrong hole for a key: It just doesn't work. By following these easy steps, you can solve the issue that may have appeared to be unfixable. So, give yourself an award for tackling this project and reclaiming your patio door's lock position! We'll bet you won't have any more trouble opening or closing the door from here on. Good luck! We are here to assist should you require assistance or have any questions.