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10 Tell-Tale Signs You Must See To Buy A Repair Patio Door Lock
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A safe patio door is a crucial element of home security. It can be a hassle if yours is difficult to lock.

In many cases, a stubborn lock is due to the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. It may be possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating it. If these methods aren't working, you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle.

Clean and Lubricate

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

To begin, you will need to clean the lock the cylinder. Use WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray accomplish this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole and then turn the key to spread it. Do not use solvents like household oil or other, as they can damage your locks. Spray a little on the key.

When your lock's cylinder is clean and lubricated, it's time to apply. You can use dry lubricants like graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants, so it's an excellent choice to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both humid and cold temperatures, however they might require multiple coats to be effective.

You can also use sprays to de-icer your lock, which is specifically made for cold weather and can loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will help your lock to unlock and then lock again easily.

The climate will determine how often you should lubricate locks. A location near the coast will expose your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. Temperature fluctuations can also affect the efficiency of your lock. It is recommended to lubricate locks at least twice a year or more often in areas with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save the cost of repairs and ensure that they continue to function properly for many years.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should, one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a defective patio door lock will prevent additional damage and ensure that your doors are safe. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws or adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder.

Begin by looking at the exterior and interior of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract in hot or cold weather and can shift slightly over time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanism to not align properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the patio door.

Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder might be difficult to open and could cause damage to the cam, latch springs or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you might be able to dislodge any obstructions using a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists you may need to take out the cylinder to find the cause.


If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the body of the lock then you can loosen it by unscrewing a flat screw inside the cylinder faceplate. This screw lets you rotate the cylinder, and it could also help restore alignment.

Look over the cylinder for a tiny tab that moves up and down with the key, usually towards the very end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk can be moved back with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed, then returned.

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

Tighten the Screws

Over time, the use of regular, hot and cold weather dust, dirt and even dirt can cause damage to patio door locks. If not properly maintained, these delicate parts can wear down and cause your door to not lock properly. Thankfully, most lock problems can be easily fixed with just a few simple maintenance steps.

It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt that might be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts running smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases as they can attract dust and debris which could cause more issues.

If your patio door comes with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is aligned properly 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 foot lock you need to loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it up or down. Once the adjustment is complete then tighten the screw.

When it comes to repairing the handle of a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This could be due to everyday wear and tear, or it could simply be due to the fact that the latch is placed higher or lower than it ought to be.

Then, take off the handle that was previously used and locate the screws or bolts that are holding it in place. Keep track of the bolts or screws, as you will require them to install the new handle. Remove the old spindle and slide the new one in place on the inside of the door. Be sure that it is aligned properly with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle has been installed, reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior, making sure that they are aligned with the screws or bolts which hold them in place.

Close and secure the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in proper alignment, the door will open and close smoothly without any additional force. If you're having difficulty then you may need to reposition the strike plate or latch or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and require to be replaced.

Replace the latch

If your patio door locks are not working, it could be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can replace a lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio door completely open and unscrewing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into the door and the jamb to get a sense for what kind of lock you'll need to purchase.

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 of the door frame) and adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the jamb of the door. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it back into its place and tighten the screws.

After all the parts of your patio door are moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process, test the latch. Make sure it fits correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is shut. If it does then your patio door lock is working just as it should and is able to provide the security and privacy you've come appreciate from your home's doors.

Like other components of your home should be properly aligned to function effectively. Over time, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris, and other elements can cause hinges, door frame and the locking mechanism to shift. If these components are not aligned, it's like trying to fit keys into the wrong keyhole and it doesn't work. It is possible to fix an issue that appeared impossible by following these simple steps. So give yourself an ovation for tackling this project and regaining your patio door's locked position! We'll bet you won't have any issues opening or closing the door from here to the end. Have fun! We're here for you if there are any questions or concerns.

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