The Most Hilarious Complaints We've Seen About Repair Patio Door Lock How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A secure patio door is crucial to home security. It can be frustrating when yours is difficult to lock.

In most instances, a locked that is not working is due to misalignment or simple wear and tear. It is possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these methods fail, you may need to 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 the door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication could help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair bills and extend the lifespan of your door.

In the beginning, you'll have to clean the lock's cylinder. To do this, you'll need spray cans of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and work the key through and out to spread the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents which could harm your locks. Make sure you spray some on the key itself as well.

Once your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can apply a silicone spray or dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants do, which is why it's a great choice to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays are able to endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are resistant to water. However, they might require several coats to be efficient.

You can also apply de-icer spray specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will break up the frost and ice from the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will help your lock to unlock and then lock again easily.

How often you have to lubricate your locks will depend on the environmental conditions. A location near the coast will expose your door to salty air and cause corrosion, and temperature changes can influence the efficiency of your lock. The most common rule of thumb is to grease your locks every two years or more often when you live in an area with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save the cost of repairs and ensure that it will continue to function in a good way for a long time.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock doesn't work properly, one or more of its parts could be 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. You can repair a patio door that is locked or locked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder.

Begin by inspecting the exterior and inside of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract during 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 cause problems when opening or closing the patio door.

Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder may be difficult to open and can 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 using a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue continues then you'll need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to locate the cause of the obstruction.

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

Examine the cylinder for a small tab that moves up and down with the key, usually towards the very end. This little clip, called a "release tab" prevents 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 then reinserted.

If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you may be able to 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 out. Reassemble the lock after you have restored proper alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock still isn't working, it is likely that an additional component such as the latch or latch spring must be replaced.

Lock the Screws

Patio door locks can be damaged by regular use, extreme temperatures dust and dirt. If not properly maintained, these delicate parts can get worn out and cause your door to fail to 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 clean any dirt or dust that may be present. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts functioning efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases because they may draw dust and dirt, which can cause further issues.


If your patio door is equipped with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. Most of the time, 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 a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry up or down to adjust the foot lock as required. Once the adjustment is done, tighten the screw securely.

The most common problem when it comes to fixing patio door handles is the misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be due to the wear and tear of everyday use or it could be that the latch is placed higher or lower than it should be.

Begin by removing the handle, and then locate the screws or bolts that secure it. Keep track of the bolts or screws because you will need them for the installation of the new handle. Then, remove the old spindle and slide the new one on the inside of the door. Make sure that it is aligned properly with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws holding them in place.

Close and lock www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk once you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in alignment, the door will open and close without additional force. If you still have problems you may have to move your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. The replacement of a lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can tackle by themselves. Start by sliding the patio door open and unscrewing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed to the door and jamb to get a sense for what kind of lock you'll need to purchase.

Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that hold the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock that is mounted on the edges of the frame of the door. Adjust it horizontally or in an upward direction to align it with holes for the latch. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it into place and tighten the screws.

When all the components of your patio door are moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. Once you're finished checking the latch. Make sure it is fitted correctly and is secured when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is now functioning as it should and can provide you with the security and privacy you've come expect from your home's doors.

Patio doors, like other components of your home, need to be aligned correctly to function efficiently. Over time, heat and cold weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause the hinges, door frame, and locking mechanism to shift. When these elements are misaligned it's like trying to insert a key into the wrong keyhole: It just doesn't work. By following these simple steps, you can solve an issue that appeared to be unfixable. So go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this challenge and reclaiming your patio door's locked position! We'll bet you won't have any trouble opening or closing the door from here to the end. Good luck! We are here to assist in case you require any assistance or have any questions.