Notes

10 Tell-Tale Warning Signs You Should Know To Look For A New Repair Patio Door Lock
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A safe patio door is vital for home security. When yours is difficult to lock, it could be a hassle.

A lock that is not working can be the result of misalignment or even simple wear and wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position may help to restore its function. If these troubleshooting methods aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open or close the door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication will 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's cylinder. Use WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray accomplish this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to distribute it. Avoid using household oil or other solvents which could damage your locks. Spray a small amount on the key.

When your lock's cylinder is clean and lubricated, it's time to apply. You can use a silicone spray or a dry lubricant, such as graphite powder. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants, so it's an excellent choice to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both moist and freezing temperatures, however it may require multiple coats 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 mechanism of your lock. A couple of sprays will allow your lock to unlock and then lock more easily.

How often you have to oil your locks will be contingent on the environmental conditions. The location of your door will impact its performance. A location near the coast could expose it to salty air which could cause corrosion. It is recommended to regularly lubricate your locks at least twice a year or more often when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save the cost of repairs and ensure that it continues to work properly for a long time.

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 inspections and timely repairs of a faulty 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 inspecting the exterior and inside of the lock for signs of damage or misalignment. Patio door locks may expand or contract depending on the weather, and they may even shift over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause issues when closing or opening the door.


Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder can be difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam, or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you might be able to dislodge any obstruction using a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the issue continues, you may need to take out the cylinder to determine the cause.

If the lock cylinder is not been screwed onto the body of the lock it can be removed by unscrewing the screw on the cylinder faceplate. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could aid in restoring alignment.

Look for the small tab that is movable with the key. It's usually close to the end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. This tab can be moved back using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then reinserted.

If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you may be able to restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate, and the handle or knob can be pulled in and pulled out. After you have restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and test its performance. 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 use, extreme temperatures dust, dirt and. These delicate parts may be damaged if they are not properly maintained, leading to your door to stop locking properly. Most lock issues can be fixed with a few simple steps.

Clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that may be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, however they can draw dust and dirt that can lead to further problems.

If your patio door is equipped with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will require you to adjust the screws that secure your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the foot lock simply loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment has been completed you can tighten the screw.

When it comes to fixing the handle on a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment between the strike plate and latch. This can be due to everyday wear and tear or the latch may be positioned above or below where it should be.

Then, take off the old handle and locate the screws or bolts that are holding it in the place. Make sure you keep track of these since you will require them when installing the new handle. Next, remove the old spindle and then slide the new spindle into position on the side of the door, making sure that it is in alignment with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure they are aligned properly with the screws or bolts holding them in place.

Close and secure patio door repair after you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should open and close smoothly without any additional force. If you're having difficulty, you might 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 are still not working, it may be time to replace the lock. The majority of homeowners can replace locks themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors completely out and removing the existing lock on the interior of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed into both the door and the jamb so that you can determine the type of lock you'll have to purchase.

Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that secure the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock mounted on the edges of the frame of the door. Adjust it either horizontally or in an upward direction so that it is aligned with the holes for the latch. After you've adjusted the strike plate, screw it back into place and tighten the screws.

After all components are repositioned or modified then assemble and secure the patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process, test the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is installed correctly and is able to provide the security and privacy that you have come to expect.

Patio doors, like other parts of your house, need to be aligned correctly to function efficiently. Over time, temperatures, cold, dirt, and debris can cause the hinges and door frame to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to put a key in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. It is possible to fix the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these simple steps. You should pat yourself on the back for tackling the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We bet that you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Best of luck! We're here for you if there are any concerns or questions.

Homepage: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-stevenage/