How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A secure patio door is vital to ensure your home's security. It can be a hassle if yours is difficult to lock.

In most cases, a stubborn lock is due to an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position may help restore its function. If these troubleshooting techniques fail, you may need to replace both the mortise as well as the handle.

Clean and Lubricate

A door lock can become difficult to open and close over time because of dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can stop your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving you money on repairs and allowing your door to enjoy its full lifespan.

The first step is to clean your lock cylinder. Use WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray accomplish this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then rotate the key to spread it. Avoid using solvents like household oil or other that can harm your locks. Spray a little on the key.

When your lock's cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can use a silicone spray or dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid fluids. It's a great option for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both moist and cold temperatures, however they may require multiple coats to be effective.

You can also apply a de-icer spray specially made for colder weather and will lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will help your lock unlock and then lock more easily.

The environment 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 the door to salty air, which could cause corrosion. It is recommended to lubricate locks at least once a year or more often if your area has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door continues to function as it should for many the years to come.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

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

Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio doors can expand or contract in response to the weather, and might even shift with time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanisms to not align properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the door.

Then, look over the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder is difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you might be able to dislodge any obstructions with a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue continues it may be necessary to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to find the source of the obstruction.

If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed onto the body of the lock and is loose, it can be loosened by unscrewing the screw on the faceplate of cylinder. This screw will let you to rotate the cylinder and could even aid in restoring the proper alignment.

Look over the cylinder for a small tab that can move up and down with the key, usually towards the very end. This small clip, sometimes called a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding Patio door repair service near me into the lock body completely. This tab can be moved back by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be removed, then reinserted.

If your lock cylinder is stuck, you may be able to restore the 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. Once you have restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and test it for functionality. If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly it's likely that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch requires replacement.

Make sure you tighten the Screws

Over time, frequent use as well as cold and hot weather, dirt, and dust can cause damage to patio door locks. These delicate components can be damaged if not properly maintained, leading to your door to stop locking properly. Thankfully, most lock problems are easily fixable by following a few easy maintenance steps.

The first thing you need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, however, as these can draw dust and dirt which can cause further issues.

Then, if your patio door is equipped with a security foot lock, make sure the foot lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require you to adjust the screws that secure 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 required. Once the adjustment has been completed, tighten the screw.

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

Start by removing the handle, then identify the bolts or screws that secure it. Be sure to keep track of them as you will need them when installing the new handle. Remove the old spindle and place the new one on the inside of the door. Be sure that it is aligned properly with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Install the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure they are aligned correctly 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 be able to open and close smoothly, without additional force. If you're still having problems it may be necessary to adjust the position of your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks still don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. The replacement of a lock is a moderately easy home improvement task that many homeowners can do by themselves. Start by sliding patio doors repairs the patio doors completely out and unscrewing your existing lock on the interior of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock that you'll need.

Before installing the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside edge of the door frame) and adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the hole in the jamb of the door. Once you have repositioned the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it in place.

After all the components have been moved or adjusted then assemble and secure the patio glass repair door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and is able to catch the latch's hasp 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.

Like other areas of your home, need to be aligned correctly to function efficiently. Over time, cold and hot weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause the frames, hinges, and locking mechanism to shift slightly. When these elements are misaligned it's like trying to insert a key in the wrong keyhole: It just doesn't work. By following these easy steps, you can solve the issue that may have been thought to be impossible to fix. Do yourself a big pat on the back for taking on the task and reclaiming the patio door lock repair near me door's closed position! We're betting you won't face any issues opening or closing the door from here on out. Best of luck! We are here to assist should you require assistance or have questions.