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

A safe patio door is crucial for home security. When yours is difficult to lock, it could be a nightmare.

A stubborn lock can be caused by misalignment, or simply wear and tear. It may be possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these methods fail, you may need to replace both the mortise as well as the handle.

Clean and Lubricate

Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open and close the door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair costs and will extend the lifespan of your door.

In the beginning, you'll have to clean the lock cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray bottle of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount into the keyhole, then work the key into and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that can damage your locks. Make sure you spray some on the key itself as well.

Once your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can apply a silicone spray or dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants do, which is why it's an excellent choice for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand moist and cold temperatures, however they may require multiple coats to be effective.

You can also apply de-icer spray specifically designed for cold weather. It will melt the frost and ice 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. A coastal location will expose your door to salty air and lead to corrosion, and temperature variations can impact the efficiency of your lock. It is recommended to regularly lubricate your locks at least once every year, or more frequently in areas with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save costs on repairs, and ensure that it continues to function in a good way for many years.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock doesn't work properly, one or more of its components 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 fix a locked or non-locked patio door, you can tighten loose screws, adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder.


Start by examining the exterior and inside of the lock to find signs 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 mechanisms to stop aligning correctly and lead to problems with opening or closing the patio door.

Then, look over the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or blocked cylinder may be difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the pins, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you might be able to dislodge any obstruction using a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the issue continues, you might need to remove the cylinder to determine the root of the issue.

If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock then you can loosen it by removing a flat screw inside the cylinder faceplate. Loosening this screw will allow you to move the cylinder around and could help restore proper alignment.

Look over the cylinder for a little tab that moves up and down with the key, generally towards the very end. This tiny clip, also known as a "release Tab" is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. A standard key can slide this tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and reinserted.

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

Tighten the Screws

Over time, frequent use, hot and cold weather, dirt, and dust can cause damage to patio door locks. Unless properly cared for these delicate components can get worn out and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be fixed with a few simple steps.

The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that might be present, and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases because they may attract dust and other debris which could cause more problems.

Next, if your patio door is equipped with 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 hold your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Loosen the screw using the Robertson screwdriver, and gently push it up or down to adjust the foot lock as needed. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the screw securely.

When it comes time to repair the handle of a patio door, the most common problem involves misalignment between the strike plate and the latch. This can be caused by normal wear and tear, or the latch could be placed above or below where it is supposed to be.

Start by removing the old handle, then identify the screws or bolts that hold it in place. Keep track of the bolts or screws since you'll need them to install the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle, and then slide the new one into the door on the side of the door, making sure that it is aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Once the new spindle is installed then reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior and ensure that they are in alignment with the bolts or screws that secure them.

Once patio door repairs near me 've made any necessary adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should be able to open and close smoothly, without any additional force. If you're having difficulty then you may need to move the latch or strike plate, or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and must be replaced.

Replace the latch

If your patio door locks still not working, it could be time to replace the lock. The majority of homeowners can replace a lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and removing the existing lock on the interior of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed into both the door and the door jamb so that you can get a sense for what kind of lock you'll need to purchase.

Before installing the new latch remove the screws that hold 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 door jamb. After you've repositioned the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it into place.

When all the components of your patio door are repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. Once you're finished, test the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is shut. If it does, your patio door lock is installed correctly and is able to give you the security and privacy you've come to anticipate from.

Like other areas of your home the patio doors have to be properly aligned in order for them to work efficiently. Over time, heat, cold, dirt, and debris could cause the hinges and door frame to shift. When these elements are misaligned it's like trying to fit a key into the wrong keyhole and it doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you can fix a problem that might have appeared to be unfixable. You should pat yourself on your back for tackling the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We'll bet you won't have any trouble opening or closing the door from now to the end. Best of luck! We are here to help if you need any assistance or have any questions.

Website: https://independent.academia.edu/SkipperFernandez