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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A secure patio door is crucial to ensure your home's security. If your door becomes difficult to lock, it can be frustrating.

A lock that is not working can be caused by misalignment, or simply wear and tear. It is possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these methods aren't working, you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle.

Clean and Lubricate

A door lock may become difficult to open and close over time due to dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication could help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair bills and extend the life of your door.

To begin, you will have to clean the lock's the cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray can of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole and then turn the key to spread it. Do not use household oil or other solvents which could damage your locks. Spray a small amount on the key.

After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it's time to lubricate. You can apply dry lubricants such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid fluids. 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 may require multiple coats to be efficient.

You can also use sprays to de-icer your lock, which is specifically designed for cold weather and will remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will help you unlock your lock and then lock it more easily.

How often you need to lubricate your locks will depend on environmental factors. A location near the coast exposes your door to salty air and lead to corrosion, and temperature changes can affect how well your lock works. The most common rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks at least twice a year or more often if you reside in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save money on repairs, and ensure that it continues to function properly for many years.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock isn't operating properly, it could be that one or more components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a defective patio door lock can avoid any further damage and ensure your doors are safe. To fix a locked or non-locked patio door, tighten loose screws, adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.

Start by checking the exterior and the inside of the lock to see whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio doors can expand or contract with the weather, and they may even shift over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanisms to not align properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the door.

Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder may be difficult to access, and could cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you may be able to dislodge any obstruction using a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue persists, you may need to take out the cylinder to find the cause.

If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock you can loosen it by unscrewing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder faceplate. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help restore proper alignment.

Look for an elongated tab that is movable with the key. It is usually close to the end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body. The tab can be moved back with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then returned.

If your lock cylinder is stuck, you might be able to restore the proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pulled in and out. Once you have restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and test it for functioning. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's likely that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn and will require replacement.

Tighten the Screws

Patio door locks are susceptible to damage from regular use, extremes of temperature dust and dirt. Unless properly cared for these delicate components can wear out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be fixed easily with just a few simple maintenance steps.

It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that may be present, and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, patio door replacement of silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, however they can draw dust and dirt which could cause issues.

If your patio door is equipped with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will require you to adjust the screws that secure your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the footlock, loosen the screw with a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment is complete you can tighten the screw.

When it comes to fixing a patio door handle the most frequent issue involves misalignment between the strike plate and the latch. This could be caused by wear and tear or the latch may be positioned above or below where it should be.

Start by removing the handle, and then locate the bolts or screws which hold it in place. Keep on track of the bolts or screws as you will require them for the installation of the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle, and then slide the new spindle into place on the inside of the door, making sure that it is aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Install the exterior and interior handles once the spindle has been installed. Make sure they are aligned correctly with the bolts or screws to secure them.

Close and secure the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in alignment, the door will open and close without any 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 don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. Most homeowners can replace a lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors completely out and removing the existing lock on the interior of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed to the door and the door jamb to get a sense for what kind of lock you'll need to purchase.

Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that hold the strike plate. This is the part of the lock mounted on the outside of the frame of the door. Adjust it either horizontally or in the vertical direction to align it with the holes for the latch. Once you have repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then fix it with screws.

After all the components have been repositioned or changed then assemble and secure the patio door according to the instructions of the manufacturer. When you're done, check the latch to ensure that it fits and catches the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does, then your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is now ready to provide the security and privacy you've come to anticipate from.

Like other components of your home, need to be aligned properly to work effectively. Over time, temperature 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 like trying to insert keys in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. By following these easy steps, you can solve an issue that appeared to be unfixable. So give yourself an ovation for tackling this challenge and reclaiming the door that was locked! We bet that you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door again. Best of luck! We are here to help in case you require any assistance or have questions.