How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A secure patio door is crucial to ensure your home's security. It can be frustrating when your door is difficult to lock.

In most instances, a lock that is difficult to open is due to misalignment or simple wear and tear. It is possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these solutions don't work you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle.

Clean and Lubricate

Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open and close a door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair costs and will extend the longevity of your door.

The first step is to clean the lock cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to accomplish this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to distribute it. Avoid using household solvents or other oils which could harm your locks. Make sure to spray a little on the key itself as well.

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. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants do, which is why it's a great choice for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays are able to be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are impervious to water. However, they may require several coats to be efficient.

You can also apply sprays to de-icer your lock, which is specifically made for cold weather and can loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will allow your lock to unlock and then lock again easily.

The environment will determine how often you need to belubricating 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 most common rule of thumb is to grease your locks twice per year or more often when you live in an area with extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door continues to perform as it should for long time to come.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock doesn't function properly, one or more of its parts could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a faulty patio glass repair near me door lock can prevent additional damage and ensure that your doors are secure. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws and adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.

Start by checking the exterior and the inside of the lock to see if there are any signs of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract in temperatures that are cold or hot and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause problems when closing or opening the door.

Next, examine the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder could be difficult to open and could cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can remove any obstructions by using a pair of tweezers and a picklock. If the problem persists you might need to remove the cylinder to find the root of the issue.

If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the body of the lock, you can loosen it by removing an elongated screw within the cylinder's faceplate. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may help to restore alignment.

Examine the cylinder for a tiny tab that can move up and down with the key, usually towards the very end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab", keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. A standard key will slide this tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and reinserted.

If your lock cylinder is stuck, you may be able to restore the proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt is in contact with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pulled in and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored the proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's a sign that another component such as the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn and will require replacement.

Tighten the Screws

The locks on patio doors can be damaged by regular use, extreme temperatures dust, dirt and. If they are not properly taken care of these delicate components can wear out and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be fixed with a few simple steps.

The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust that might be present. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, however, as these can attract dust and debris which could cause problems.

If your patio door comes with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require you to adjust the screws that attach your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Loosen the screw using the Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock if needed. Once the adjustment is done, tighten the screw securely.

When it comes time to repair a patio door handle the most frequent issue is misalignment between the strike plate and the latch. This could be due to everyday wear and tear or the latch may be positioned lower or higher than it should be.

Begin by removing the handle, and then locate the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Make sure to keep track of these since you will need them later when installing the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle, and then slide the new spindle into place on the inside of the door, making sure that it is in alignment with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Reinstall the interior and external handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure that they're aligned properly with the bolts or screws holding them in place.

Once you've made any necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If everything is in proper alignment, the door will be able to open and close smoothly, without additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty then you may need to move the latch or strike plate, or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and require to be replaced.

Replace the latch

If your patio doors repair door locks not working, it might be time to replace the lock. The replacement of a lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that most homeowners can tackle by themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and unscrewing your existing lock from the inside of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into both the door and the jamb to discern the type of lock you'll need to purchase.

Before you install the new latch, loosen the screws securing the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside of the door frame) and adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb of the door. Once you have repositioned the latch plate, tighten the screws and fix it with screws.

After all the components are repositioned or modified, assemble and secure the patio door glass repair near me door as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, check the latch to make sure that it fits and catches the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does then your patio door lock is functioning as it should and can provide you with the security and privacy you've come expect from your home's doors.

Like other parts of your home your patio doors also need to be properly aligned in order for they to function effectively. Over time, temperature or cold, dirt and debris could cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. The wrongly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to put keys into the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. You can fix the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these simple steps. You should pat yourself on the back for tackling the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We bet that you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door. Best of luck! We're here to help if you have any questions or concerns.