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The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Repair Patio Door Lock
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

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

In many cases, a stubborn lock is due to an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. It's possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these troubleshooting methods fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

A door lock can become hard to open and close 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 in repair bills and extend the lifespan of your door.

The first step is to clean your lock cylinder. To do this, use 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 spread it. Do not use sliding patio door repair or other solvents, as they can damage your locks. Spray patio door repairs on the key.

After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it's time to lubricate. You can apply a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants do, which is why it's a great choice for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays can endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are resistant to water. However, they might require multiple coats to be efficient.

You can also use a de-icer spray, which is specifically made for cold weather and will loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. This will allow you to unlock your lock and lock it more easily.

How often you have to lubricate your locks will depend on the environmental conditions. The location of your door will affect its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose it to salty air which can cause corrosion. The standard rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks twice per year or more often when you live in a region that has extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door will function as it should for many the years to come.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock isn't working correctly, it could indicate that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a faulty patio door lock can avoid additional damage and ensure that your doors are safe. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws and adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder.

Begin by looking at the exterior and the inside of the lock to determine whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks may expand or contract depending on the weather and might even shift with time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause issues when opening or closing the door.

Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder is difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you might be able to remove any obstructions with a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue continues, you might need to remove the cylinder in order to locate the cause.

If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed to the body of the lock it can be removed by unscrewing the flat screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw lets you rotate the cylinder, and could even aid in restoring the alignment.

Examine the cylinder for a small tab that moves up and down using the key, generally towards the very end. This small clip, sometimes called a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body in the entire way. This tab can be moved back by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be removed, then returned.

If your lock cylinder is stuck, you might be able restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate, and the knob or handle can be pushed in and out. Reassemble the lock after you have restored proper alignment. Test it for functionality. If the lock on your patio door isn't functioning properly, it is likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring requires replacement.

Tighten the Screws

Over time, the use of regular as well as cold and hot weather dust, dirt and even dirt can cause damage to patio door locks. Unless properly cared for, these delicate parts can wear down and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock issues can be fixed with a few simple steps.

You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that may be present, and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases since they could attract dust and debris, which can cause further problems.


If your patio door is equipped with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will only require you to adjust the screws that secure your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the foot lock, loosen the screw with a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it up or down. After the adjustment has been completed then tighten the screw.

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

Then, take off the old handle and locate the bolts or screws that hold it in the first place. Keep in mind the bolts or screws because you will need them to install the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle, then slide the new one into position on the inside of the door, making sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Reinstall the interior and external handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure they are aligned properly with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.

Close and secure the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in alignment, the door will open and close smoothly without any additional force. If you're still having trouble then you may need to adjust the strike plate or latch, or the lock cylinder may be damaged and must be replaced.

Replace the latch

If your patio door locks still don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. Installing a new lock is a relatively simple home improvement project that most homeowners can tackle themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors completely out and removing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock you will need.

Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that secure the strike plate. This is the part of the lock that is mounted on the edges of the door's frame. Adjust it horizontally or in an upward direction to align it with the holes in the latch. After you've repositioned your strike plate, secure it in its place and tighten the screws.

After all components have been moved or adjusted, assemble and secure the patio door as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done checking the latch. Make sure it fits properly and catches the latch when the door is closed. If it does, then your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is now ready to give you the security and privacy that you've come to anticipate from.

As with other parts of your home the patio doors have to be properly aligned for they to function effectively. Over time, heat or cold, dirt and debris could cause the hinges and door frame to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to insert keys in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. If you follow these steps, you can fix the issue that may have been thought to be impossible to fix. Give yourself a pat on the back for tackling the project 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. Have fun! We're here to assist in case you require any assistance or have questions.

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