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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is a vital element of home security. When yours is difficult to lock, it could be a nightmare. A stubborn lock can be the result of misalignment or simply wear and wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position may help to restore its function. If these solutions don't work you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock can become hard to open and close due to dirt, dust and grime. A regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repairs and allowing your door to enjoy its maximum lifespan. The first step in the process is to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray can of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and work the key through and out to spread the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that could damage your locks. Make sure you spray some on the key itself. After cleaning your lock cylinder, it's time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants like graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid lubricants. It's an excellent choice for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both humid and freezing temperatures, but might require multiple coats to work effectively. You can also apply sprays to de-icer your lock, which is specifically designed for cold weather and will loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. This will allow you to unlock your lock, and then unlock it with ease. The environment will determine the frequency at which you should belubricating locks. The location of your door will affect its performance. A coastal location can expose it to salty air, which can cause corrosion. The most common rule of thumb is to grease your locks at least twice a year and more frequently when you live in a region that has extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save the cost of repairs and ensure that they continue to function in a good way for many years. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't functioning correctly, it could indicate that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door will help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws or adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder. Begin by inspecting the exterior and the interior of the lock to determine whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract in hot or cold weather and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause issues when closing or opening the door. Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder is difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the pins, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you might be able to dislodge any obstruction using the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue continues, you may need to take out the cylinder in order to locate the source. If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the body of the lock you can loosen it by removing an elongated screw within the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw will allow you rotate the cylinder, and may even help restore alignment. Examine the cylinder for a little tab that moves upwards and downwards with the key, typically towards the very end. This small clip, sometimes known as a “release Tab” is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. This tab can be removed by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be taken out and then returned. If the cylinder of your lock has become stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt is engaged with the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pulled and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock once you have restored alignment. Check it out for its functionality. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's likely that another component such as the latch or latch spring is worn or damaged and will require replacement. Make sure you tighten the Screws Locks for patio doors can be damaged by frequent use, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. These delicate parts can wear out if not properly maintained, leading to your door to not lock properly. Most lock problems are easily fixed with a few simple steps. Clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth get rid of any dust or dirt that might be present, and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, sliding patio door lock repair Repair My Windows And Doors of silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants with oil bases as they can attract dust and debris, which can cause further issues. Then, if your patio door has a security foot lock, make sure the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most cases this will only require you to adjust the screws that secure your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Loosen the screw using the Robertson screwdriver, and then gently pry upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock as needed. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the screw securely. The most common problem when it comes to repairing patio door handles is the misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be due to everyday wear and tear or the latch may be positioned above or below where it is supposed to be. Begin by removing the old handle, and then locate the bolts or screws which hold it in place. Be sure to keep track of them as you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and then slide the new spindle into place on the inside of the door, ensuring that it is aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Once the new spindle is in place then reinstall the handles for both exterior and interior and ensure that they are aligned with the bolts or screws that secure them. After you've made any needed adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it should be able to open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you still have problems, you may need to reposition your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks are still not working, it could be time to replace the lock. The replacement of a lock is a fairly simple home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can tackle themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and then removing your existing lock on the interior of the door. Study the existing lock to determine the type of lock that you'll require. Before installing the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's set on the outside edge of the door frame) and then adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the jamb of the door. After you've adjusted the 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 according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to make sure that it fits and catches the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is ready to provide the security and privacy you have come to expect. Patio doors, like other parts of your house must be aligned correctly to function effectively. Over time, cold and hot weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause the frames, hinges, and locking mechanism to shift slightly. Misaligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to put keys into the wrong keyhole. It's not working. You can fix an issue that appeared impossible by following these easy steps. Give yourself a pat on the back for taking on the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're betting you won't face any trouble opening or closing the door from now on out. Have fun! We're here for you if there are any concerns or questions.