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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is crucial to ensure your home's security. If it becomes difficult to lock, it can be frustrating. In most instances, a locked that is not working is caused by an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position may help restore its function. If these troubleshooting techniques don't work you can replace both the mortise and handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock can become difficult to open and close over time because of dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine will prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving your money on repair costs and helping your door reach its full lifespan. To begin, you'll have to clean the lock's 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. Do not use solvents like household oil or other, as they can damage your locks. Spray a small amount on the key. After your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can apply dry lubricants like graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid oils. It's a great choice for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both humid and freezing temperatures, however it may require multiple coats to work effectively. You can also use de-icer spray that is made for cold weather. It will melt ice and frost on the mechanism of your lock. This will allow you to unlock your lock and lock it more easily. How often you have to lubricate your locks will rely on the environmental conditions. A coastal location exposes your door to salty air and cause corrosion, and temperature changes can impact the efficiency of your lock. The most common rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks twice per year or more often when you live in a region that has extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door will perform as it should for the years to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock does not work properly there's a chance that one or more of its components could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a damaged patio door lock can prevent any further damage and ensure your doors are secure. You can repair doors that are locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder. Start by examining the exterior and interior of the lock for 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 not align properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the door. Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder can be difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can remove any obstructions with a pair of picklocks and tweezers. If the problem persists, you may need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to locate the root of the problem. If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed onto the lock body and is loose, it can be loosened by unscrewing the flat screw on the cylinder faceplate. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to move the cylinder around and could help restore proper alignment. Look for an elongated tab that is movable with the key. It is usually near the end. This small clip, sometimes known as a “release Tab” is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. A standard key will move this tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and put back in. If your lock cylinder is stuck, you might be able to restore the proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pushed in and withdrawn. After you have restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and test it for functioning. If the lock on your patio door isn't working It is likely that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch must be replaced. Lock the Screws The locks on patio doors can be damaged by frequent use, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. If not properly maintained, these delicate parts can wear out and cause your door to not lock properly. Thankfully, most lock problems are easily fixable by following a few easy maintenance steps. Clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that might be present, and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants with oil bases because they may attract dust and other debris and cause additional problems. Then, if your patio door is equipped with an electronic foot lock for security, make sure the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require you to adjust the screws that attach your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Unlock the screw with a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock if needed. Once the adjustment has been completed you can tighten the screw. When sliding patio door repair comes to fixing the handle on a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This could be caused by normal wear and tear or the latch may be positioned higher or below what it is supposed to be. Then, take out the handle that was previously used and find the bolts or screws that hold it in the place. Make sure to keep track of these as you will require them when installing the new handle. Then, remove the spindle that was in use and slide the new one on the inside of the door. Make sure it is properly aligned with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle is installed, reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior and ensure that they are in alignment with the bolts or screws which hold them in place. Close and secure the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in alignment, the door should be able to open and close smoothly, without additional force. If you still have problems, you may need to adjust the position of your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks still not working, it could be time to replace the lock. The replacement of a lock is a relatively simple home improvement project that most homeowners can tackle themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door completely open and then removing the current lock from the inside of the door. Review the lock to determine the type of lock you'll need. Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that hold the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock that is mounted on the edges of the door's frame. Adjust it either horizontally or in the vertical direction to align it with the holes in the latch. Once you have repositioned the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it in place. After all components have been moved or adjusted then assemble and secure the patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to make sure that it fits and catches the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is installed correctly and is ready to give you the security and privacy you've come to anticipate from. Like other areas of your home must be aligned properly to work efficiently. Over time, heat, cold, dirt, and debris can cause hinges and the frame of the door to shift. The wrongly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to put keys in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. By following these easy steps, you can solve an issue that seemed unfixable. So go ahead and give yourself an award for tackling this challenge and regaining your patio door's lock position! We're sure you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door again. Have fun! We're here for you if there are any questions or concerns.