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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is vital to home security. When yours becomes difficult to lock, it could be a nightmare. A locked that isn't working properly could be caused by misalignment or simply wear and wear and tear. It is possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating it. If these solutions aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open or close the door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine can stop your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repair bills and allowing your door to enjoy its full lifespan. The first step in the process is to clean your lock the cylinder. Use WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray do this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then rotate the key to distribute it. Avoid using patio door lock repair or other solvents that could damage your locks. Also, make sure to spray a bit on the key itself. After your lock cylinder is clean and lubricated, it's time to apply. You can apply a silicone spray or 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 option for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays are able to be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are impervious to water. However, they might require multiple coats to be effective. You can also apply sprays to de-icer your lock specially designed for cold weather and will lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. This will enable you to unlock your lock and then relock it more easily. The climate will determine how often you need to belubricating locks. A coastal location exposes your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. Temperature changes can impact how well your lock works. The general rule of thumb is to grease your locks twice per year or more often if you live in a region that has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save money on repairs, and ensure that it will continue to function in a good way for many years. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should it could be because one or more of its parts could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a faulty lock on your patio door could prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. To repair a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws and adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder. Start by checking the exterior and interior 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 could shift over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause issues when closing or opening the door. Then, check the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or blocked cylinder can be difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder does not fit easily, you can get rid of any obstructions with a pair of tweezers and a lock. If the problem persists you may have to remove the cylinder in order to locate the cause. If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the lock body you can loosen it by unscrewing an elongated screw within the cylinder faceplate. This screw lets you rotate the cylinder, and may even help restore the alignment. Look for an elongated tab that is movable with the key. It's usually close to the end. This little clip, called a “release tab” is what keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. This tab can be moved back using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed, then it can be inserted. If the cylinder of your lock is stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The handle or knob may then be pushed and withdrawn. Once you've restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and check its performance. If your patio door lock isn't working properly it's likely that another component like the latch or latch spring must be replaced. Tighten the Screws Over time, regular use, hot and cold weather, dirt, and dust can take their toll on patio door locks. These delicate parts may be damaged if not maintained properly, causing your door to stop locking properly. Thankfully, most lock problems are easily fixable 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 then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases since they could draw dust and dirt which could cause more issues. If your patio door is fitted with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. In most cases this will require you to adjust the screws that attach your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the footlock, loosen the screw with the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it up or down. Once the adjustment is done, tighten the screw securely. When it comes to fixing the handle on a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment between the strike plate and latch. This could be caused by normal wear and tear, or the latch could be placed higher or below what it is supposed to be. Then, take out the handle from the old one and locate the screws or bolts that hold it in the place. Be sure to keep track of these since you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle, then slide the new spindle into the door on the side of the door, ensuring that it is aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Install the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws holding them in place. Once you've made any necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If everything is in proper alignment, the door will open and close without additional force. If you are still having issues, you may need to reposition your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the latch If your patio door locks not working, it might be time to replace the lock. The replacement of a lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can do themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors completely out and then removing your existing lock on the interior of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed into the door and the door jamb so that you can discern the kind of lock you'll have to purchase. Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that secure the strike plate. This is the part of the lock that is positioned on the outside of the frame of the door. Adjust it either horizontally or in an upward direction to align it with the latch hole. After you've repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then fix it with screws. After all components have been repositioned or changed, assemble and secure the patio door according to the instructions of the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to make sure that it is in place and fits the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is installed correctly and is able to give you the security and privacy that you've come to expect from. As with other parts of your home your patio doors also need to be aligned properly for they to function effectively. Over time, cold and hot weather dirt and debris and other elements can cause the frames, hinges, and locking mechanism to shift. If these parts aren't aligned, it's like trying to insert keys into the wrong hole for a key it won't work. You can fix a problem which seemed impossible by following these easy steps. So give yourself an award for tackling this project and reclaiming your patio door's locked position! We'll bet you won't have any trouble opening or closing the door from here on out. Good luck! We are here to assist should you require assistance or have any questions.