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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is crucial for home security. It can be difficult when it isn't easy to lock. In a lot of instances, a lock that is difficult to open is due to an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. It is possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these solutions fail, you may need to replace both the mortise and handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock can become hard to open and close over time because of dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication can aid in preventing your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair costs and prolong the longevity of your door. To begin, you will have to clean the lock cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray bottle of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to spread it. Avoid using household solvents or other oils which could harm your locks, and make sure to spray a bit on the key itself. When your lock's cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can use a silicone spray or a dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants, so it's a great choice for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both moist and freezing temperatures, but might require multiple coats to be effective. You can also apply de-icer spray, which is specifically made for cold weather. It will break up frost and ice off the lock mechanism. A few sprays of this will aid your lock unlock and then lock more easily. The environment will determine the frequency at which you should belubricating locks. The location of your door will impact its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose the door to salty air, which could cause corrosion. It is recommended to lubricate locks at least once each year, or more often when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door will perform as it should for long time to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't operating properly, it could mean that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a faulty patio door lock will prevent additional damage and ensure that your doors are secure. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws, adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder. Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock to see whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract with temperatures that are cold or hot and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause issues 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 may cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you might be able of removing any obstructions using the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists it may be necessary to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to find the cause of the obstruction. If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the body of the lock, you can loosen it by unscrewing a flat screw inside the cylinder faceplate. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help restore proper alignment. Look for a small tab that is movable with the key. It's usually at the end. This little clip, called a “release tab”, keeps the cylinder from sliding into the body of the lock. This tab can be removed by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be removed, then reinserted. If your lock cylinder 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 handle or knob can be pulled in and withdrawn. Once you've restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and test it for performance. If your patio door lock isn't working properly, it is likely that another component like the latch spring or latch requires replacement. Tighten the Screws Over time, regular use, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and can cause damage to patio door locks. These delicate parts can be damaged if they are not maintained properly, causing your door to stop locking properly. Most lock issues can be repaired with a few easy steps. It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust that may be present. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases since they could attract dust and other debris, which can cause further problems. Next, if your patio door has an electronic foot lock for security, make sure the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the foot lock you need to loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw. When it comes time to repair the handle of a patio door the most frequent issue is misalignment between the strike plate and the latch. This could be caused by normal wear and tear, or the latch may be positioned above or below where it is supposed to be. Start by removing the handle, and then locate the bolts or screws which hold it in place. Keep in mind the bolts or screws because you will need them to attach the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and then slide the new spindle into position 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 has been installed, reinstall the handles for both exterior and interior and ensure that they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts that hold them in place. After you've made any needed adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If the door is properly aligned, it should open and shut without needing any additional force. If you're still having trouble then you may need to move the strike plate or latch, or the lock cylinder could be damaged and require to be replaced. Replace the latch If your patio door locks still not working, it could be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can change locks themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door all the way open and removing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed into the door and jamb to get a sense for what type of lock you'll need purchase. Before you install the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's set on the outside edge of the door frame) and adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the hole in the door jamb. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it back into position and tighten the 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. After 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 installed correctly and is now ready to provide the security and privacy that you've come to anticipate from. Like other parts of your home your patio doors also need to be aligned properly for them to work efficiently. Over sliding patio door lock repair , temperatures cold, dirt and debris could cause the hinges and door frame to shift. The wrongly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. You can fix an issue that appeared impossible by following these easy steps. So give yourself an award for tackling this task and reclaiming the door that was locked! We're betting you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Good luck! We're here for you if there are any questions or concerns.