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10 Facts About Repair Patio Door Lock That Will Instantly Put You In A Positive Mood
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A safe patio door is essential to home security. It can be difficult when yours is difficult to lock.

In many instances, a locked that is not working is due to misalignment or simple wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position could aid in restoring its functionality. If these troubleshooting methods 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 and close the door lock. A regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving you money on repair bills and allowing your door to reach its full lifespan.

The first step is to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, you'll need spray cans of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and work the key in and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that could damage your locks, and make sure to spray a bit on the key itself as well.

Once your lock cylinder is clean and lubricated, it's time to apply. You can apply a silicone spray or a dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants do, which is why it's a great option for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays are able to be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are resistant to water. However, they may require multiple coats to be effective.

You can also use a de-icer spray specifically made for cold weather. It will melt ice and frost on the mechanism of your lock. This will help you unlock your lock and relock it more easily.

How often you have to oil your locks will be contingent on environmental factors. A coastal location will expose your door to salty air and lead to corrosion, and temperature changes can impact how well your lock works. The standard rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks twice per year and more frequently if you reside in an area with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door will function properly for years to come.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock isn't operating properly, it could mean that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repair of a damaged lock on your patio door could help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. To fix a locked or non-locked patio door, you can tighten loose screws and adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.

Begin by looking at patio doors repairs near me and the inside of the lock to determine whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio doors can expand or contract with the weather, and they could shift over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause issues when closing or opening the 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 latch springs, cam or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can clear any obstructions by using a pair of tweezers and a lock. If the issue persists it may be necessary to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to find the root of the problem.

If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the body of the lock you can loosen it by unscrewing a flat screw inside the cylinder faceplate. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help restore proper alignment.


Look for an elongated tab that moves along with the key. It's usually located close to the end. This small clip, also called a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. A standard key will move this tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and reinserted.

If the cylinder of your lock is stuck and is not aligned, you can fix it by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt is engaged with the strike plate. The knob or handle can then be pushed, and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock still isn't functioning properly it's likely that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch needs to be replaced.

Make sure you tighten the Screws

The locks on patio doors can be damaged by regular use, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. Unless properly cared for, these delicate parts can wear out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock issues can be solved with just a few steps.

You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that may be present and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases since they could draw dust and dirt and cause additional issues.

If your patio door is fitted with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the footlock, loosen the screw with the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it up or down. Once the adjustment is complete, tighten the screw securely.

When it comes time to repair the handle of a patio door the most frequent issue is misalignment between the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by the wear and tear of everyday use or it could be that the latch is set higher or lower than it should be.

Start by removing the handle, and then locate the screws or bolts that secure it. Keep track of the bolts or screws as you will require them to install the new handle. Then, remove the old spindle and place the new one in place on the interior of the door. Make sure it is aligned properly with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle is installed put back the handles on the exterior and interior and ensure that they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts which hold them in place.

After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it will open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you're having difficulty then you may need to move the latch or strike plate, or the lock cylinder could be damaged and require to be replaced.

Replace the latch

If your patio door locks still aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. Most homeowners can change the lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and removing the existing lock on the interior of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock that you'll need.

Before you install the new latch, loosen the screws securing the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside edge of the door frame) and adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the jamb in the door. After patio doors repairs near me 've adjusted the strike plate, screw it back into position and tighten the screws.

When all the components of your patio door have been repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to make sure that it fits and is able to catch the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is able to give you the security and privacy you have come to expect.

Like other parts of your house must be properly aligned to function efficiently. Over time, temperatures and cold weather dirt and debris and other elements can cause frames, hinges, and locking mechanism to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert keys in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. You can solve the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these simple steps. So go ahead and give yourself an ovation for tackling this task and reclaiming your patio door's locked position! We're betting you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door. Good luck! We're here to help if you have any concerns or questions.

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