How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A safe patio door is an essential part of home security. If your door is difficult to lock, it could be frustrating.

In many instances, a lock that is difficult to open is due to the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. It may be possible to fix the function of the lock 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

A door lock may be difficult to open and close due to dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving you money on repair Patio door lock bills and allowing your door to reach its full potential.

To begin, you'll need to clean the lock's cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to do this. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and then move the key through and out to spread the oil. Avoid using solvents like household oil or other, as they can damage your locks. Spray a bit on the key.

Once your lock cylinder is clean and lubricated, it's time to apply. You can apply a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants do, which is why it's an excellent choice to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both humid and freezing temperatures, but might require multiple coats to be effective.

You can also use de-icer spray that is specially designed for cold weather. It will melt ice and frost on the mechanism of your lock. A few coats of this will allow your lock unlock and then lock again easily.

How often you should oil your locks will be contingent on the environmental conditions. A location near the coast will expose your door to salty air and lead to corrosion. Temperature fluctuations can also affect how well your lock works. The general rule of thumb is to grease your locks every two years and more frequently if you live in a region that has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door will perform as it should for 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 inspections and prompt repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door will prevent further damage and ensure 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.

Begin by looking at the exterior and the inside of the lock to determine whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract in temperatures that are cold or hot and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning properly and can cause issues when opening or closing the patio door.

Then, look over the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or blocked cylinder may be difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the pins, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you may be able of removing any obstructions with a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the issue persists, you may need to take out the cylinder to determine the root of the issue.

If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the body of the lock you can loosen it by removing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder faceplate. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help to restore alignment.

Look for an elongated tab that is movable with the key. It's usually near the end. This small clip, sometimes called a "release Tab" is what stops the cylinder from sliding patio door repairs into the lock body completely. A standard key will move the tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and then reinserted.

If the lock cylinder has become stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt is engaged with the strike plate. The knob or handle can then be pushed, and pulled back. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Check it out for its functionality. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's a sign that another component such as the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn out and may require replacement.

Tighten the Screws

The locks on patio doors are susceptible to damage from regular use, extremes of temperature, dirt and dust. These delicate components can be damaged if not properly maintained, causing your door to stop locking properly. Fortunately, most lock issues are easily fixable by following a few easy maintenance steps.

You should first clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present, and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts running efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants with oil bases because they may attract dust and debris which could cause more problems.

If your patio door is equipped 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. Loosen the screw using the Robertson screwdriver and gently push it up or down to adjust the foot lock as needed. Once the adjustment is complete you can tighten the screw.

When it comes to repairing a patio door handle, the most common problem is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by normal wear and tear, or it could simply be that the latch is placed higher or lower than it ought to be.

Then, take off the old handle and find the bolts or screws that are holding it in the place. Keep in mind the bolts or screws, because you will need them to install the new handle. Remove the old spindle and place the new one in place on the interior of the door. Make sure that it is in alignment with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Install the exterior and interior handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws holding them in place.

After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it will open and shut without needing any additional force. If you are still having issues you may have to move your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks are not working, it could be time to replace the lock. The majority of homeowners can replace locks themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors completely out and then removing your existing lock from the inside of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed into the door and the jamb so that you can discern the kind 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 mounted on the outside edge of the door frame) and then adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the jamb in the door. After you've adjusted the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it into place.

After all the components are repositioned or modified after which you can assemble and secure your patio door as instructed by the manufacturer. Once you're finished checking the latch. Make sure it is fitted properly and catches the latch when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is now functioning as it should and able to give you the security and privacy you've come appreciate from your home's doors.

Like other parts of your house, need to be aligned correctly to function effectively. Over time, temperature or cold, dirt and debris could cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. If these components are not aligned it's similar to trying to fit keys into the wrong keyhole it won't work. By following these easy steps, you will be able to fix an issue that seemed unfixable. So go ahead and give yourself an award for tackling this project and reclaiming your patio door's locked position! We're betting you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door track repair door. Good luck! We're here to assist in case you require any assistance or have questions.