12 Repair Patio Door Lock Facts To Inspire You To Look More Discerning Around The Water Cooler How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A safe patio door is vital to ensure your home's security. It can be frustrating when yours is difficult to lock.

In most instances, a locked that is not working is caused by an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position can aid in restoring its functionality. If these methods of troubleshooting fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open and close doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication could help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair costs and prolong the life of your door.

To begin, you'll need to clean the lock's the cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray can of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount into the keyhole, then work the key in and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that can damage your locks. Make sure to spray a bit on the key itself as well.

After cleaning your lock cylinder, it's time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid oils. It's a great option to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both moist and freezing temperatures, but might require multiple coats to be effective.

You can also use de-icer spray specifically made for cold weather. It will melt the frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will allow you to unlock your lock, and then lock it more easily.

How often you need to lubricate your locks will rely on the environmental conditions. The location of your door can affect its performance. A location near the coast could expose it to salty air which could cause corrosion. It is recommended that you lubricate locks at least two times each year, or more often in areas with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door will perform as it should for the years to come.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder


If your patio door lock does not function properly it could be because one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door will help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. To repair a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws and adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.

Begin by looking at the exterior and interior of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract in hot or cold weather and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause issues when closing or opening the door.

Then, check Repair My Windows And Doors for obstructions within the keyway hole. A corroded or blocked cylinder can be difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the pins, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can get rid of any obstructions with a pair of tweezers and a lock. If the issue persists it may be necessary to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to find the cause of the obstruction.

If the lock cylinder is not been secured to the lock body and is loose, it can be loosened by unscrewing the flat screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw will let you rotate the cylinder, and it could also help restore the proper alignment.

Look over the cylinder for a tiny tab that moves up and down with the key, typically towards the end. This small clip, also known as a "release Tab" is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. The tab can be removed with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then returned.

If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you may be able to restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate, and the handle or knob can be pushed into and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring is worn or damaged and may require replacement.

Make sure you tighten the Screws

Over time, the use of regular as well as cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can take their toll on patio door locks. If not properly maintained, these delicate parts can wear down and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be easily fixed 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. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, however they could draw dust and dirt which can cause further issues.

If your patio door has an electronic foot lock for security be sure that the foot lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most instances, this will require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Remove the screw using the Robertson screwdriver, and then gently move it upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock as needed. Once the adjustment is done, tighten the screw securely.

When it comes to fixing the handle of a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by wear and tear, or the latch may be positioned higher or below what it should be.

Begin by removing the handle, then identify the screws or bolts 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 one into the door on the side of the door, making sure that it is in alignment with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Once the new spindle is in place put back the interior and exterior handles, making sure that they are aligned with the bolts or screws which hold them in place.

After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should open and close smoothly without any additional force. If you're still having problems, you may need to adjust the position of your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks still aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. The replacement of a lock is a fairly simple home improvement task that many homeowners can tackle themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door completely open and unscrewing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed into the door and jamb to get a sense for what type of lock you'll need to purchase.

Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that secure the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock that is mounted on the outside of the frame of the door. Adjust it either horizontally or in an upward direction so that it is aligned with the holes for the latch. After you've adjusted the strike plate, screw it back into place and tighten the screws.

After all components have been repositioned or changed after which you can assemble and secure your patio door as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, check the latch to ensure that it fits and is able to catch the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does the lock will be able to latch onto the door. If it does, your patio door lock is working just as it should and is able to provide you with the security and privacy you've come appreciate from your home's doors.

Patio doors, like other parts of your house must be aligned correctly to function effectively. Over time, heat, cold, dirt, and debris can cause hinges and door frame to shift. The wrongly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to insert a key in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. You can solve the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these simple steps. Do yourself a big pat on the back for taking on the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We'll bet you won't have any more trouble opening or closing the door from now on. Best of luck! We are here to help should you require assistance or have questions.