How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is essential for home security. If it becomes difficult to lock, it can be frustrating. A lock that is not working can be the result of misalignment or even simple wear and tear. It's possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these solutions fail, you may need to replace both the mortise and handle. Clean and Lubricate Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open and close doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication could help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair costs and will extend the lifespan of your door. The first step is to clean your lock's the cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray complete this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then turn the key to distribute it. Avoid using household oils or other solvents which could harm your locks. Also, make sure to spray a little on the key itself. After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to grease. You can use dry lubricants like graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants do, which is why it's a great choice for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both humid and cold temperatures, however they may require several coats to be effective. You can also use sprays for de-icing, which is specifically designed for cold weather and will lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. A few sprays of this will allow your lock unlock and then lock more easily. How often you should lubricate your locks will rely on the environment. The location of your door can affect its performance. A location near the coast could expose the door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. The general rule of thumb is to grease your locks every two years, or more frequently if you live in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save money on repairs, and ensure that it continues to function in a good way for many years. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock does not perform as it should there's a chance that one or more of its components could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a defective patio door lock can avoid additional damage and ensure that your doors are secure. To repair a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws and adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder. Begin by inspecting the exterior and the interior of the lock to see whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract in temperatures that are cold or hot and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause problems 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 could eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam, or latch springs. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can clear any obstructions using a pair tweezers and a picklock. If the issue continues, you might need to remove the cylinder to determine the source. If the lock cylinder is not been screwed to the body of the lock and is loose, it can be loosened by unscrewing the flat screw on the cylinder faceplate. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to move the cylinder around and could help to restore alignment. Check the cylinder for a tiny tab that moves up and down with the key, generally towards the end. This small clip, sometimes known as a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. The tab can be moved back using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be taken out 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. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/cheltenham-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ or handle may then be pushed and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored proper alignment. Check it out for its functionality. If your patio door lock isn't working properly, it is likely that another component like the latch or latch spring requires replacement. Tighten the Screws Patio door locks can be damaged by regular usage, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. These delicate components can be damaged if they are not properly maintained, causing your door to stop locking properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues are easily fixable by following a few easy maintenance steps. The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust that may be present. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, they can draw dust and dirt which could cause problems. If your patio door has an electronic foot lock for security be sure that the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most cases this will require you to adjust the screws that hold your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the foot lock you need to loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment is complete then tighten the screw. The most frequent issue when it comes to repairing patio door handles is the misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be due to everyday wear and tear, or the latch could be placed above or below where it is supposed to be. Begin by removing the old handle, then find the bolts or screws which hold it in place. Make sure to keep track of these as you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, remove the spindle that was in use and slide the new one in place on the interior of the door. Make sure that it is aligned properly with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle is installed put back the interior and exterior handles, making sure that they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts which hold them in place. Once you've made any necessary adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If everything is in proper alignment, the door will open and close without additional force. If you are still having issues it may be necessary to reposition your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the latch If your patio door locks don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. Installing a new lock is a relatively simple home improvement project that most homeowners can tackle by themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and then removing your existing lock on the interior of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed into both the door and the door jamb so that you can get a sense for what kind of lock you'll have to purchase. Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that secure the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock mounted on the outside of the door's frame. Adjust it either horizontally or in the vertical direction so that it is aligned with the holes for the latch. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, secure it in place and tighten the screws. When all the components of your patio door have been relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process testing the latch. Make sure it fits properly and catches the latch when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is ready to give you the security and privacy that you've come to expect from. Like other components of your home must be properly aligned to function effectively. Over time, heat and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other elements can cause frames, hinges, and the locking mechanism to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert a key in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. By following these easy steps, you can solve the issue that may have appeared to be unfixable. 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 once more. Have fun! We're here for you if there are any concerns or questions.