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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is essential for home security. It can be frustrating when it isn't easy to lock. In many cases, a stubborn lock is caused by an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position can help restore its function. If these troubleshooting methods don't work, 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 a door lock. A regular cleaning and lubrication routine will prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving your money on repair costs and helping your door reach its maximum lifespan. The first step in the process is to clean the lock the cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to do this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to distribute the oil. Do not use solvents like household oil or other that can harm your locks. Spray a bit on the key. After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it's time to grease. You can use a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid oils. It's an excellent choice to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both humid and freezing temperatures, however it may require several coats to work effectively. You can also apply sprays to de-icer your lock, which is specifically made for colder weather and will lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will aid your lock to unlock and then lock again easily. The climate will determine the frequency at which you should lubricate locks. 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. It is recommended to regularly lubricate your locks at least twice every year, or more frequently in areas with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door will function as it should for many 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 inspections and prompt repair of a broken lock on your patio door will 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 lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder. Start by checking the exterior and interior of the lock to determine whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. Patio door locks may expand or contract depending on the weather, and they 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. Then, look over the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder may be difficult to access, and could cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or lock pins. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you may be able to remove any obstructions with the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue continues, you may need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to locate the source of the obstruction. If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the lock body you can loosen it by removing an elongated screw within the cylinder faceplate. This screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and it could also help restore alignment. Look over the cylinder for a little tab that moves up and down using the key, usually towards the end. This little clip, also known as a “release tab” prevents the cylinder from sliding into the body of the lock. A standard key can slide this tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and then reinserted. If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you may be able to restore the proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate, and the handle or knob can be pushed in and pulled out. Once patio doors repairs near me Repair My Windows And Doors 've restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and test it for performance. If your patio door lock still isn't functioning properly It is likely that an additional component such as the latch or latch spring requires replacement. Tighten the Screws Locks for patio doors are susceptible to damage from regular usage, extreme temperatures dust and dirt. These delicate parts can wear out if not maintained properly, causing your door to stop locking properly. Most lock problems are easily fixed with a few simple steps. It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust that might be found. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts functioning smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases as they can draw dust and dirt, which can cause further issues. If your patio door comes with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require you to adjust the screws that hold your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Remove the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry up or down to adjust the foot lock if needed. After the adjustment has been completed then tighten the screw. The most common problem when it comes to repairing patio door handles is the misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This could be caused by normal wear and tear, or the latch could be placed lower or higher than it is supposed to be. Begin by removing the old handle, and then locate the screws or bolts that secure it. Make sure to keep track of these since you will need them later when installing the new handle. Next, remove the old spindle, and then slide the new spindle into the door on the side of the door, making sure that it is in alignment with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Once the new spindle is installed put back the handles for both exterior and interior and ensure that they are in alignment with the screws or bolts that secure them. Close and secure the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If the door is properly aligned, it should be able to open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty, you might need to adjust the strike plate or latch or the lock cylinder could be damaged and need to be replaced. Replace the latch If your patio door locks aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. The majority of homeowners can replace a lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and unscrewing your existing lock from the inside of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock that you'll need. Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that hold the strike plate. This is the part of the lock mounted on the edges of the door's frame. Adjust it horizontally or in the vertical direction to align it with the latch hole. After you've repositioned the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it into place. When all the components of your patio door have been moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and is able to catch the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is 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 aligned properly for them to function efficiently. Over time, temperatures and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other factors can cause hinges, door frame, and locking mechanism to shift slightly. The wrongly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to put keys in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. You can fix the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these easy steps. So give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this task and reclaiming your patio door's locked position! We're sure you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door. Best of luck! We are here to help if you need any assistance or have any questions.