20 Questions You Should Ask About Repair Patio Door Lock Before You Decide To Purchase It How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A safe patio door is a vital element of home security. When yours is difficult to lock, it can be frustrating.

In many instances, a lock that is difficult to open is the result of an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position could aid in restoring its functionality. If these troubleshooting methods don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open and close a door lock. A regular cleaning and lubrication routine can prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repair bills and helping your door reach its full potential.

The first step in the process is to clean your lock cylinder. To do this, use a spray can of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole, then work the key into and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that can damage your locks, and make sure you spray some on the key itself as well.

Once your lock cylinder is clean and lubricated, it's time to apply. You can use a silicone spray or a dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants, so it's a great option for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both humid and freezing temperatures, but may require multiple coats to be effective.

You can also apply de-icer spray, which is specifically made for cold weather. It will remove ice and frost on the lock mechanism. This will enable you to unlock your lock and then lock it more easily.

How often you should oil your locks will be contingent on the environment. A coastal location will expose your door to salty air and cause corrosion, and temperature variations can affect the performance of your lock. It is recommended that you ensure that your locks are lubricated at least two times a year or more often when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save the cost of repairs and ensure that it continues to function in a good way for many years.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should there's a chance that one or more of its parts could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a damaged patio door lock can prevent further damage and ensure that your doors are safe. You can repair the patio door that is locked or locked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.

Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract with hot or cold weather and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause issues when closing or opening the door.

Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder may be difficult to open and may cause damage to the latch springs, cam or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can get rid of any obstructions using a pair tweezers and a lock. If the problem persists you may need to take out the cylinder to find the root of the issue.

If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the lock body then you can loosen it by unscrewing a flat screw inside the cylinder's faceplate. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may help restore proper alignment.

Look for an elongated tab that is movable with the key. It is usually near the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. A standard key can move this tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and put back in.

If your lock's cylinder is stuck, you may be able to restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate, and the knob or handle can be pushed into and withdrawn. After you have restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and check its functionality. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's a sign that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring is worn or damaged and may require replacement.

Tighten the Screws

Over time, frequent use temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt and even dirt can cause damage to patio door locks. If not properly maintained the delicate parts could wear down and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues are easily fixable by following a few easy maintenance steps.

Clean the lock mechanism. Make fix patio door www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk of a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust that might be found. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases as they can attract dust and debris, which can cause further problems.

Then, if your patio door is equipped with a security foot lock ensure that the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will only require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the foot lock, loosen the screw with a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment is complete then tighten the screw.

The most frequent issue in the repair of patio door handles is the misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be due to normal wear and tear, or it could simply be due to the fact that the latch is set higher or lower than it should be.


Start by removing the old handle, and then locate the bolts or screws which hold it in place. Keep on track of the bolts or screws as you will require them for the installation of the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle, then slide the new one into place on the inside of the door, making sure that it is in alignment with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Once the new spindle is installed, reinstall the interior and exterior handles to ensure that they are aligned with the bolts or screws which hold them in place.

Close and lock the patio door once you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should be able to open and close smoothly, without any additional force. If you still have problems it may be necessary to adjust the position of your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks still don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. The majority of homeowners can replace a lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and removing the existing lock on the interior of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock that you'll need.

Before you install the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's set 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 door jamb. After you've repositioned the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it in place.

Once all the components of your patio door have been moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process testing the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and is secured when the door is closed. If it does, then your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is ready to give you the security and privacy you've come to expect from.

Like other areas of your home, need to be properly aligned to function efficiently. Over time, temperature cold, dirt and debris can cause frames and hinges to shift. The wrongly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are like trying to put keys in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. It is possible to fix an issue that appeared impossible by following these easy steps. So give yourself an ovation for tackling this task and regaining the door that was locked! We bet that you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door. Have fun! We're here if you have any concerns or questions.