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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is essential to ensure your home's security. It can be difficult when your door is difficult to lock. In most cases, a stubborn lock is due to the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position could aid in restoring its functionality. If these troubleshooting methods 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 can help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair bills and extend the life of your door. The first step in the process is to clean your lock 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 rotate the key to distribute it. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that could damage your locks. Make sure to spray a bit on the key itself as well. Once your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can apply dry lubricants like graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants, so it's a great choice to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand moist and cold temperatures, however they might require multiple coats to be effective. You can also use de-icer spray, which is specifically designed for cold weather. It will remove ice and frost on the lock mechanism. A few sprays of this will aid your lock unlock and then lock again easily. How often you need to lubricate your locks will depend on the environment. A location near the coast exposes your door to salty air and cause corrosion, and temperature variations can affect how well your lock works. The standard rule of thumb is to oil your locks twice per year, or more frequently if you live in a region that has extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save money on repairs, and ensure that it continues to work properly for a long time. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock does not work properly there's a chance that one or more of its components may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repair of a broken lock on your patio door could help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws and adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder. Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract with hot or cold weather and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause problems when opening or closing the door. Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. A corroded or blocked cylinder can be difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams or latch springs. If Repair My Windows And Doors does not fit easily, you can clear any obstructions by using a pair of picklocks and tweezers. If the issue persists it may be necessary to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to find the root of the problem. If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the body of the lock then you can loosen it by removing a flat screw inside the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw lets you to rotate the cylinder and could even aid in restoring the alignment. Look for the small tab that moves with the key. It's usually at the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a “release tab”, keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. A standard key will slide this tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and then 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 is engaged with the strike plate. The handle or knob may then be pushed and withdrawn. Once you've restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and test its functionality. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's a sign that another component such as the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn out and may require replacement. Lock the Screws Patio door locks can be damaged by frequent use, extremes of temperature, dirt and dust. If not properly maintained these delicate components can get worn out and cause your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be easily fixed with just a few simple maintenance steps. It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust that might be present. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases because they may attract dust and other debris and cause additional issues. Then, if your patio door is equipped with an electronic foot lock for security, make sure the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. To adjust the footlock you need to loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment is done you can tighten the screw. When it comes time to repair a patio door handle, the most common problem is 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 should be. Then, remove the old handle and locate the bolts or screws that are holding it in the place. Be sure to keep track of them as you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle and then slide the new spindle into position on the inside of the door, making sure that it is in alignment with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure that they are aligned properly with the bolts or screws that hold them in place. After you've made the 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 shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you're still having trouble it could be necessary to adjust the latch or strike plate, or the lock cylinder could be damaged and require to be replaced. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks still don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. Most homeowners can replace the lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors completely out and unscrewing your existing lock on the inside of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed into the door and the door jamb to determine the kind 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 mounted on the outside edge of the door frame) and adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the latch hole in the door jamb. After you've repositioned your strike plate, screw it back into its place and tighten the screws. After all the parts of your patio door have been moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process testing the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is shut. If it does, then your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is able to provide the security and privacy that you've come to expect from. As with other parts of your home, your patio doors need to be properly aligned for they to function effectively. Over time, temperatures cold, dirt and debris could cause the hinges and door frame to shift. If these components are not aligned it's similar to trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole and it doesn't work. By following these easy steps, you will be able to fix an issue that seemed unfixable. Give yourself a pat on the back for tackling the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're sure you won't have any trouble opening or closing the door from here to the end. Good luck! We're here if you have any concerns or questions.