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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is vital for home security. When yours is difficult to lock, it can be a nightmare. In many instances, a locked that is not working is due to an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position may aid in restoring its functionality. 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 doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine will keep your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving you money on repair bills and allowing your door to reach its full lifespan. To begin, you will need to clean the lock's cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to accomplish this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole and work the key in and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using solvents like household oil or other which could damage your locks. Spray a little on the key. After cleaning your lock cylinder, it is time to lubricate. You can use a silicone spray or a dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants, so it's a great choice to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays can endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are impervious to water. However, they might need multiple coats in order to be effective. You can also use a de-icer spray that is made for cold weather. It will break up frost and ice off the mechanism of your lock. A couple of sprays will allow your lock to unlock and then lock more easily. The climate will determine the frequency at which you should lubricate locks. The location of your door will impact its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose it to salty air which could cause corrosion. The most common rule of thumb is to grease your locks twice per year or more often when you live in a region that has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save the cost of repairs and ensure that it will continue to function in a good way for a long time. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock doesn't work properly, one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door can help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. To fix a locked or non-locked patio door, you can tighten loose screws or adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder. Begin by inspecting the exterior and the inside of the lock to determine whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract in temperatures that are cold or hot and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause issues when closing or opening the door. Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder could be difficult to open, and may 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 with the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue continues, you may have to remove the cylinder in order to locate the cause. If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock you can loosen it by unscrewing a flat screw inside the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw will let you rotate the cylinder, and may even help restore the proper alignment. Look over the cylinder for a little tab that moves up and down using the key, generally towards the very end. This small clip, also known as a “release Tab” is what stops 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 removed, then it can be inserted. If your lock cylinder 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 can then be pushed, and pulled back. Reassemble the lock once you have restored proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly It is likely that an additional component such as the latch spring or latch needs to be replaced. Tighten the Screws Locks for patio doors can be damaged by frequent usage, extreme temperatures dust and dirt. These delicate parts can be damaged if not properly maintained, leading to your door to not lock properly. Most lock problems are easily fixed with a few simple steps. You should first clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that may be present and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, they can draw dust and dirt which could cause problems. If your patio door comes with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. In the majority of instances, this will require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the foot lock, loosen the screw with the help of a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down. Once the adjustment is complete, tighten the screw securely. When upvc patio door repairs near me comes to fixing the handle of a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by normal wear and tear or it could be that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it ought to be. Then, take out the handle from the old one and find the bolts or screws holding it in the first place. Keep track of the bolts or screws because you will need them to install the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and then slide the new spindle into position on the side of the door, ensuring that it is aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles once the spindle has been installed. Make sure they are aligned correctly with the bolts or screws that hold them in place. Close and lock the patio door once you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in alignment, the door should open and close without additional force. If you still have problems it may be necessary to adjust the position of your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks still don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. Replacing a lock is a moderately easy home improvement task that many homeowners can tackle by themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors completely out and removing the existing lock on the interior of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed to the door and the jamb so that you can get a sense for what kind of lock you'll need to purchase. Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that hold the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock mounted on the edge of the frame of the door. Adjust it either horizontally or in a vertical direction to align it with latch hole. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, secure it in place and tighten the screws. After all the parts of your patio door are relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, check the latch to ensure that it fits and catches the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is working exactly as it should, and is will provide you with the security and privacy you've come to appreciate from your home's doors. Patio doors, like other parts of your house must be aligned properly to work effectively. Over time, temperatures and cold weather dirt and debris and other elements can cause the hinges, door frame and locking mechanism to shift slightly. If these parts aren't aligned it's like trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole it won't work. If you follow these steps, you can fix the issue that may have seemed unfixable. Give yourself a pat on the back for taking on the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We're sure you won't have any trouble opening or closing the door from now on out. Good luck! We are here to help if you need any assistance or have questions.