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3 Reasons Commonly Cited For Why Your Repair Patio Door Lock Isn't Working (And How To Fix It)
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock


A secure patio door is crucial for home security. If your door is difficult to lock, it can be a nightmare.

In many instances, a locked that is not working is due to the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. It is possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these solutions don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

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

To begin, you will need to clean the lock the cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or another penetrating spray to complete this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole, then work the key in and out to distribute the oil. Do not use solvents like household oil or other, as they can damage your locks. Spray a bit on the key.

When your lock's cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can use a silicone spray or dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants do, so it's a great option to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays can endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are resistant to water. However, they may require multiple coats to be efficient.

You can also apply de-icer spray specifically made for cold weather. It will remove frost and ice off the mechanism of your lock. A few coats of this will help your lock to unlock and then lock again easily.

The environment will determine how often you need to lubricate locks. The location of your door can affect its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose the door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. It is recommended to lubricate locks at least twice each year, or more often when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door continues to function properly for long time to come.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock does not work properly it could be because one or more of its components could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a defective patio door lock can avoid further damage and ensure that your doors are safe. You can fix doors that are locked or locked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder.

Begin by looking at the exterior and interior of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract with hot or cold weather and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning correctly and cause problems when opening or closing the patio door.

Then, check the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder may be difficult to open, and may cause damage to the cam, latch springs or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you might be able to remove any obstructions with the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue continues, you may need to take out the cylinder to determine the root of the issue.

If the lock cylinder hasn't been secured to the lock body and is loose, it can be loosened by unscrewing the screw on the cylinder faceplate. This screw will let you rotate the cylinder, and may even help restore alignment.

Look for an elongated tab that is movable with the key. It's usually close to the end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab", keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. A standard key will move this tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and put back in.

If your lock cylinder is stuck, you may be able restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt is in contact with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pulled in and pulled out. Once you have restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and test it for functioning. If the lock on your patio door isn't working properly, it is likely that an additional component such as the latch or latch spring needs to be replaced.

Tighten the Screws

Over time, regular use, hot and cold weather, dirt, and dust can wear down patio door locks. Unless properly cared for these delicate components can wear out and cause your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues are easily fixable by following a few easy maintenance steps.

It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth clean any dirt or dust that might be present, and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases as they can draw dust and dirt, which can cause further problems.

Then, if your patio door has an electronic foot lock for security ensure that the foot lock is aligned with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will require you to adjust the screws that hold your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Unlock the screw with the Robertson screwdriver, and gently pry up or down to adjust the foot lock as needed. Once the adjustment is done you can tighten the screw.

The most frequent issue when it comes to fixing patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by the wear and tear of everyday use or it could be due to the fact that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it ought to be.

Then, remove the handle that was previously used and locate the bolts or screws that are holding it in place. Keep track of the bolts or screws as you will require them to install the new handle. Next, remove the old spindle, then slide the new spindle into the door on the side of the door, making sure that it is aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Once the new spindle has been installed then reinstall the handles for both exterior and interior and ensure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws that secure them.

Close and lock the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If the door is correctly aligned, it should open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you are still having issues you may have to move your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder.

Replace the latch

If your patio door locks don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. Installing a new lock is a moderately easy home improvement task that many homeowners can do themselves. Begin by sliding patio door repair and removing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed to the door and jamb so that you can get a sense for what type of lock you'll need purchase.

Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that secure the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock that is mounted on the edge of the door's frame. Adjust it horizontally or in an upward direction to align it with the latch hole. After you've adjusted the latch plate, tighten the screws and fix it with screws.

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

Like other areas of your home your patio doors also need to be aligned properly for them to function efficiently. Over time, heat cold, dirt and debris can cause hinges and the frame of the door to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to insert keys in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. You can solve a problem which seemed impossible by following these easy steps. You should pat yourself on your back for tackling the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're sure you won't have any issues opening or closing the door from here on out. Best of luck! We are here to help if you need any assistance or have questions.

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