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

A safe patio door is essential for home security. If your door becomes difficult to lock, it can be a nightmare.

In many instances, a lock that is difficult to open is the result of the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position can help restore its function. If these solutions don't work you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle.

Clean and Lubricate

A door lock may be difficult to open and close due to dirt, dust and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair costs and prolong the lifespan of your door.

The first step in the process is to clean your lock the cylinder. Use WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray complete this. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole, then work the key through and out to spread the oil. Do not use household oil or other solvents, as they can damage your locks. Spray a small amount on the key.

After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it is time to lubricate. You can apply a silicone spray or a dry lubricant such as graphite powder. sliding patio door repair is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid oils. It's a great option to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays are able to be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are impervious to water. However, they might need multiple coats in order to be effective.

You can also use de-icer spray that is specially designed for cold weather. It will break up frost and ice off the lock mechanism. This will help you unlock your lock, and then unlock it with ease.

The environment will determine the frequency at which you should lubricate locks. The location of your door will affect its performance. A location near the coast could expose it to salty air, which could cause corrosion. The general rule of thumb is to grease your locks at least twice a year, or more frequently if you live in a region that has extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save money on repairs, and ensure that they continue to function in a good way for many years.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock isn't working correctly, it could indicate that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a broken 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, tighten loose screws, adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder.

Start by examining the exterior and interior of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract during hot or cold weather and can shift slightly over time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the door.

Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder may be difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you may be able of removing any obstructions with the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue continues, you may need to take out the cylinder in order to locate the source.

If the lock cylinder is not been secured to the body of the lock it can be removed by unscrewing the flat screw on the cylinder faceplate. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to move the cylinder around and could aid in restoring alignment.


Look for a small tab that moves with the key. It is usually near the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. A standard key will move the tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and then reinserted.

If your lock's cylinder is stuck, you might be able to restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pulled in and out. Once you've restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and check its functionality. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's likely that a component, like the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn out and will need to be replaced.

Tighten the Screws

The locks on patio doors can be damaged by frequent usage, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. These delicate components can wear out if not properly maintained, causing your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be easily fixed with just a few simple maintenance steps.

The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to clean any dust or dirt that might be found. Then dry the lock 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 since they could attract dust and debris and cause additional problems.

Then, if your patio door is equipped with an electronic foot lock for security be sure that the foot 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. Unlock the screw with the Robertson screwdriver, and gently push it upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock as needed. After the adjustment is completed you can tighten the screw.

The most frequent issue in the repair of patio door handles is the misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by wear and tear or the latch may be positioned lower or higher than it should be.

Then, take off the handle that was previously used and locate the bolts or screws holding it in place. Make sure to keep track of them as you will need them when installing the new handle. Remove the old spindle and slide the new one on the interior of the door. Make sure that it is aligned properly with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts holding them in place.

Once sliding patio door repair 've made any necessary adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If everything is in alignment, the door will open and close smoothly without additional force. If you're still having trouble, you might need to reposition the strike plate or latch or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and must be replaced.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. Most homeowners can replace locks themselves. Start by sliding the patio door open and unscrewing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into the door and the jamb so that you can get a sense for what kind of lock you'll need to purchase.

Before installing the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's set on the outside edge of the door frame) and adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the door jamb. After you've adjusted the latch plate, tighten the screws and fix it with screws.

Once all the components of your patio door are relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to make sure that it is in place and fits the latch's hasp when your door is closed. If it does the lock will be able to latch onto the door. If it does, your patio door lock is working exactly as it should, and is able to give you the security and privacy you've come appreciate from your home's doors.

Like other areas of your home, your patio doors need to be properly aligned in order for them to work efficiently. Over time, cold and hot weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause hinges, door frame and the locking mechanism to shift. If these parts aren't aligned it's like trying to fit a key into the wrong hole for a key and it doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you will be able to fix the issue that may 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're betting you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Good luck! We're here if you have any concerns or questions.

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