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How To Solve Issues Related To Repair Patio Door Lock
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A secure patio door is an essential part of home security. When yours is difficult to lock, it can be frustrating.

A lock that is not working can be caused by misalignment or even simple wear and tear. It may be possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating it. If these methods of troubleshooting don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open or close a door lock. A regular cleaning and lubrication routine will prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving your money on repair costs and allowing your door to enjoy its maximum lifespan.

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

After cleaning your lock cylinder, it is time to lubricate. You can use 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 a great choice for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays can endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are resistant to water. However, they may require multiple coats to be effective.

You can also apply de-icer spray, which is specifically designed for cold weather. It will remove the frost and ice from the lock mechanism. A few sprays of this will aid your lock to unlock and then lock more easily.

The environment will determine how often you should belubricating locks. A coastal location exposes your door to salty air and cause corrosion, and temperature changes can influence how well your lock works. It is recommended to ensure that your locks are lubricated at least twice each year, or more often when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save money on repairs, and ensure that they continue to function properly for a long time.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock does not work properly it could be because one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a damaged patio door lock will prevent any further damage and ensure your doors are safe. To repair a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws and adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder.

Begin by inspecting the exterior and inside of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Most 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 misalign and cause problems when opening or closing the door.

Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder is difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam or latch springs. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can remove any obstructions using a pair tweezers and a picklock. If the problem persists, you may need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it in order to identify the cause of the obstruction.

If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the body of the lock, you can loosen it by unscrewing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder faceplate. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to move the cylinder around and could help to restore alignment.

Check the cylinder for a tiny tab that moves up and down with the key, usually towards the end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding all the way into the body of the lock. A standard key can slide this tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and put back in.

If sliding patio door repair has become stuck and is not aligned, you can fix it by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt is engaged with the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pushed, and withdrawn. After you have restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and test its performance. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's a sign that another component such as the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn and will require replacement.

Tighten the Screws


Locks for patio doors are susceptible to damage from regular use, extremes of temperature, dirt and dust. These delicate components can wear out if not maintained properly, causing your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be easily fixed with just a few simple maintenance steps.

Clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that might be present, and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts running efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, they could draw dust and dirt which could cause problems.

If your patio door is equipped with an electronic foot lock for security ensure that the foot lock is properly aligned 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. Loosen the screw using the Robertson screwdriver and gently pry upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock if needed. After the adjustment has been completed then tighten the screw.

When it comes time to repair the handle on a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment between the strike plate and the latch. This can be due to everyday wear and tear or the latch could be set above or below where it is supposed to be.

Start by removing the handle, then identify the screws or bolts that secure it. Make sure to keep track of them as you will need them later when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and slide the new one on the inside of the door. Make sure it is in alignment with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle is installed then reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior, making sure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws that secure them.

After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If everything is in alignment, the door will open and close without additional force. If you're still having trouble then you may need to reposition the latch or strike plate or the lock cylinder may be damaged and need to be replaced.

Replace the latch

If your patio door locks still not working, it may be time to replace the lock. The replacement of a lock is a relatively simple home improvement project that most homeowners can do by themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors completely out and unscrewing your existing lock on the inside of the door. Study the existing lock to determine the type of lock that you'll need.

Before you install the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside edge of the door frame) and adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb in the door. After you've repositioned your strike plate, screw it back into its place and tighten the screws.

After all the components are repositioned or modified then assemble and secure the patio door according to the instructions of the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and catches the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does, then your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is now ready to give you the security and privacy that you have come to expect.

Patio doors, like other areas of your home must be aligned properly to work effectively. Over time, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris, and other factors can cause the hinges, door frame, and locking mechanism to shift. The wrongly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to insert a key in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. You can solve a problem which seemed impossible by following these easy steps. Do yourself a big pat on the back for tackling the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We'll bet you won't have any more trouble opening or closing the door from here on. Best of luck! We're here for you if there are any concerns or questions.

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