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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is vital for home security. When yours is difficult to lock, it could be frustrating. In a lot of instances, a locked that is not working is due to an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position can help restore its function. If these solutions don't work you can replace both the mortise and handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock can become hard to open and close because of dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. patio doors repairs will save you money on repair costs and prolong the longevity of your door. The first step is to clean your lock the cylinder. To do this, you'll need spray cans of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then turn the key to spread the oil. Do not use solvents like household oil or other which could damage your locks. Spray a bit on the key. After your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can apply a silicone spray or dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid lubricants. It's an excellent choice to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays are able to withstand freezing temperatures and are resistant to water. However, they may require multiple coats to be efficient. You can also use sprays for de-icing, which is specifically designed for cold weather and can lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. This will help you unlock your lock and relock it more easily. How often you need to lubricate your locks will depend on the environmental conditions. A coastal location will expose your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. Temperature changes can affect how well your lock works. It is recommended that you regularly lubricate your locks at least two times each year, or more often when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door will function properly for the years to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't functioning correctly, it could indicate that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repair of a faulty lock on your patio door could help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. To repair a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws and adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder. Start by examining the exterior and inside of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract in warm or cold weather, and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause issues when opening or closing the door. Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder is difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the pins, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you may be able to remove any obstruction using a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists you may need to take out the cylinder to determine the cause. If the lock cylinder is not been screwed onto the lock body and is loose, it can be loosened by removing the screw on the faceplate of cylinder. This screw will let you to rotate the cylinder and may even help restore the alignment. Look for the small tab that is movable with the key. It is usually at the end. This tiny clip, also known as a “release Tab”, prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. A standard key will move the tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and reinserted. If your lock cylinder is stuck, you might be able restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt is in contact with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pushed in and pulled out. Reassemble the lock after you have restored the proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn out and will require replacement. Lock the Screws Over time, frequent use temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt and even dirt can take their toll on patio door locks. These delicate parts may wear out if not properly maintained, leading to your door to stop locking properly. Most lock problems are easily repaired with a few easy steps. The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that might be present, and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases since they could attract dust and other debris which could cause more problems. If your patio door has an electronic foot lock for security be sure that the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of instances, this will require changing the screws that attach the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. Unlock the screw with a Robertson screwdriver and gently push it upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock if needed. After the adjustment has been completed, tighten the screw. When it comes to fixing the handle of a patio door the most frequent issue involves misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by wear and tear or the latch could be placed higher or below what it is supposed to be. Then, take out the handle that was previously used and find the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Keep on track of the screws or bolts, as you will require them for the installation of the new handle. Next, remove the old spindle and then slide the new spindle into position on the side of the door, making sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Install the exterior and interior handles once the spindle has been installed. Make sure they are aligned properly with the screws or bolts to secure them. Close and lock the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If the door is correctly aligned, it should be able to open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you're still having problems it may be necessary to move your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks still do not work, it might 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. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and unscrewing your existing lock on the inside of the door. Review the lock to determine the type of lock you'll need. Before you install the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned 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 you can tighten the screws, then screw it into place. Once all the components of your patio door have been relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to make sure that it fits and catches the latch's hasp when your door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is able to provide the security and privacy you have come to expect. Like other areas of your home the patio doors have to be aligned properly for they to function effectively. Over time, heat, cold, dirt, and debris can cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. If these parts aren't aligned, it's like trying to fit keys into the wrong hole for a key and it doesn't work. By following these simple steps, you can fix an issue that been thought to be impossible to fix. Do yourself a big pat on your back for tackling the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're sure you won't have any issues opening or closing the door from now on. Have fun! We're here to help if you have any questions or concerns.