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Beware Of These "Trends" About Repair Patio Door Lock
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A secure patio door is vital to ensure your home's security. patio door repair can be difficult when your door is difficult to lock.

A lock that is not working can be caused by misalignment, or even wear and wear and tear. It is possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting or lubricating it. 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 or close the door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication can 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.

The first step in the process is to clean your lock cylinder. Use WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to do this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole and then move the key into and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that could damage your locks. Also, make sure you spray some on the key itself as well.

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 attract dust as liquid lubricants, so it's a great option to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both moist and cold temperatures, however they may require several coats to be effective.

You can also apply de-icer spray, which is specifically made for cold weather. It will remove frost and ice off the mechanism of your lock. This will enable you to unlock your lock and then unlock it with ease.


The climate will determine how often you should belubricating locks. The location of your door can affect its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose it to salty air which could cause corrosion. It is recommended that you ensure that your locks are lubricated at least twice a year or more often when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save the cost of repairs and ensure that they continue to work properly for many years.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should it could be because one or more of its parts could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a broken lock on your patio door could stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. You can fix doors that are locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder.

Begin by inspecting the exterior and inside of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks can expand or contract with the weather, and could shift over time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanisms to not align properly and cause problems when opening or closing the door.

Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder might be difficult to open and may cause damage to the cam, latch springs or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can get rid of any obstructions with a pair of tweezers and a lock. If the issue persists then you'll need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to locate the root of the problem.

If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the lock body you can loosen it by removing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder faceplate. This screw lets you rotate the cylinder, and could even aid in restoring alignment.

Look over the cylinder for a small tab that moves up and down with the key, usually towards the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab", keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. A standard key can slide this tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and put back in.

If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you might be able to restore the proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate, and the knob or handle can be pulled in and out. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Check it out for its functionality. If your patio door lock isn't working It is likely that an additional component such as the latch or latch spring must be replaced.

Make sure you tighten the Screws

Patio door locks can be damaged by regular use, extremes of temperature, dirt and dust. These delicate parts may be damaged if not properly maintained, causing your door to not lock properly. Most lock problems are easily solved with just a few steps.

The first thing you need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt that might be found. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, they can attract dust and debris that can lead to further issues.

If your patio door is fitted with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is properly 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. To adjust the footlock, loosen the screw with a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the screw securely.

When it comes to repairing the handle on a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be due to the wear and tear of everyday use, or it could simply be that the latch is set higher or lower than it should be.

Then, take out the handle that was previously used and locate the screws or bolts that hold it in the place. Make sure you keep track of these as you will require them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and then slide the new spindle into position on the side of the door, ensuring that it is properly aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Install the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure that they're aligned correctly with the bolts or screws holding them in place.

After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it should open and shut without needing any additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty, you might need to reposition the strike plate or latch or the lock cylinder may 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. The majority of homeowners can replace locks themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and then removing your existing lock on the inside of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed into the door and the door jamb so that you can determine the kind of lock you'll need to purchase.

Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that hold the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock mounted on the outside of the frame of the door. Adjust it either horizontally or in the vertical direction to align it with the holes in the latch. After you've repositioned the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it in place.

After all the components have been moved or adjusted after which you can assemble and secure your patio door according to the instructions of the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to ensure that it is in place and fits the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is now ready 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, heat cold, dirt and debris could cause the hinges and door frame to shift. If these parts aren't aligned it's similar to trying to insert a key into the wrong hole for a key and it doesn't work. By following these easy steps, you can solve an issue that seemed unfixable. So, give yourself an ovation for tackling this challenge and regaining your patio door's locked position! We bet that you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Have fun! We are here to assist in case you require any assistance or have any questions.

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