3 Common Reasons Why Your Repair Patio Door Lock Isn't Working (And How To Fix It) How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

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

In a lot of instances, a lock that is difficult to open is due to an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. It may be possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these methods of troubleshooting aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

A door lock may become difficult to open and close due to dust, dirt and grime. A regular cleaning and lubrication routine can prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving you money on repair bills and helping your door reach its full potential.

To begin, you will have to clean the lock the cylinder. Use WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray do this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then turn the key to distribute the oil. Do not use household oil or other solvents 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 dry lubricant such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants do, which is why it's a great option to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays can be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are impervious to water. However, they may require multiple coats to be efficient.

You can also use a de-icer spray, which is specifically made for cold weather. It will break up the frost and ice from the mechanism of your lock. A few sprays of this will aid your lock unlock and then lock more easily.

How often you need to lubricate your locks will depend on the environmental conditions. The location of your door can affect its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose it to salty air, which could cause corrosion. The general rule of thumb is to oil your locks twice per year or more often when you live in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save costs on repairs, and ensure that it will continue to work properly for many years.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could be that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a faulty patio door lock will prevent any further damage and ensure your doors are safe. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws and adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.

Begin by looking at the exterior and inside of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks may expand or contract depending on the weather, and could shift over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning correctly and can cause issues when opening or closing the patio door.

Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder may 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 remove any obstructions using a pair tweezers and a picklock. If the issue continues then you'll need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it in order to identify the cause of the obstruction.

If the lock cylinder has not been secured to the body of the lock, it can be loosen by removing the screw on the cylinder faceplate. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may aid in restoring alignment.

Look for a small tab that moves with the key. It's usually close to the end. This tiny clip, also known as a "release Tab" will stop 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 then reinserted.

If the lock cylinder has become stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt contacts the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pushed, and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored the proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If the lock on your patio door isn't working it's likely that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch requires replacement.

Tighten the Screws

Over time, frequent use temperatures, cold and hot weather, dirt, and dust can take their toll on patio door locks. If they are not properly taken care of, these delicate parts can wear out and cause your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be fixed easily with a few simple maintenance steps.

The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth remove any dirt or dust that may be present and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, however, as these can attract dust and debris which could cause problems.

Then, if your patio door is equipped with an electronic foot lock for security be sure that the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most instances, this will require changing the screws that attach the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. To adjust the footlock, loosen the screw with a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment has been completed, tighten the screw.

When it comes to repairing a patio door handle, the most common problem involves misalignment between the strike plate and the latch. get redirected here can be caused by everyday wear and tear, or it could simply be due to the fact that the latch is placed higher or lower than it should be.

Start by removing the old handle, and then locate the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Be sure to keep track of these since you will need them when installing the new handle. Next, remove the old spindle, and then slide the new one into the door on the inside of the door, ensuring that it is properly aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Once the new spindle is in place put back the interior and exterior handles, making sure that they are in alignment with the screws or bolts which hold them in place.

Close and lock the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in alignment, the door will 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 not working, it could be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can replace locks themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and unscrewing your existing lock on the interior of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into both the door and jamb so that you can discern the kind of lock you'll need purchase.

Before installing 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 adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the latch hole in the jamb in the door. Once you have repositioned the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it in place.

After all components are repositioned or modified after which you can assemble and secure your patio door as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to make sure that it fits and is able to catch the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does then your patio door lock is now working exactly as it should, and is will provide you with the security and privacy you've come expect from your home's doors.


Like other parts of your home your patio doors also need to be properly aligned in order for they to function effectively. Over time, heat or cold, dirt and debris can cause hinges and door frame to shift. If these components are not aligned, it's like trying to fit keys into the wrong hole for a key: It just doesn't work. It is possible to fix an issue that appeared impossible by following these easy steps. So go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this task and regaining your patio door's lock position! We're betting you won't face any issues opening or closing the door from here on. Have fun! We are here to help should you require assistance or have questions.