How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is crucial to ensure your home's security. It can be frustrating when your door is difficult to lock. In most cases, a stubborn lock is caused by the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. It may be possible to fix 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 Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open and close a door lock. A regular cleaning and lubrication routine can stop your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving your money on repair costs and allowing your door to enjoy its full lifespan. To begin, you will have to clean the lock cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray do this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to distribute it. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that can damage your locks. Make sure to spray a bit on the key itself. Once your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can apply an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant, such as graphite powder. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid oils. It's an excellent choice to lubricate locks. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-london/ are water-resistant and can withstand both moist and freezing temperatures, however it might require multiple coats to work effectively. You can also apply de-icer spray, which is specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will melt the frost and ice from the mechanism of your lock. This will help you unlock your lock, and then relock it more easily. The environment will determine how often you should lubricate locks. A location near the coast will expose your door to salty air and lead to corrosion, and temperature changes can influence the efficiency of your lock. The general rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks at least twice a year or more often if you live in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door continues to perform as it should for long time to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could mean that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a faulty lock on your patio door can stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. You can repair the patio door that is locked or locked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder. Begin by looking at the exterior and inside 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 may cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause problems when opening or closing the door. Next, examine the lock cylinder for obstructions within the keyway hole. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder might be difficult to access, and could cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or lock pins. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can clear any obstructions with a pair of tweezers and a lock. If the problem persists 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 isn't screwed into the lock body then you can loosen it by removing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder's faceplate. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may help restore proper alignment. Check the cylinder for a small tab that can move up and down with the key, usually towards the very 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 by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be removed and then returned. If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you may be able to restore the proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pushed into and out. Reassemble the lock once you have restored the proper alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly It is likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring must be replaced. Tighten the Screws Over time, frequent use temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt and even dirt can wear down patio door locks. These delicate parts may be damaged if they are not properly maintained, causing your door to stop locking properly. Thankfully, most lock problems are easily fixable with a few simple maintenance steps. The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that may be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, however, as these can attract dust and debris that can lead to further issues. Then, if your patio door is equipped with a security foot lock be sure that the foot lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most cases this will only require you to adjust the screws that hold your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the footlock simply loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down. After the adjustment has been completed you can tighten the screw. When it comes time to repair a patio door handle, the most common problem is misalignment between the strike plate and latch. This could be caused by normal wear and tear, or the latch could be placed lower or higher than it should be. Start by removing the handle, then find the screws or bolts that secure it. Keep in mind the bolts or screws as you will require them for the installation of the new handle. Next, remove the old spindle and then slide the new spindle into position on the inside of the door, making sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure that they are aligned properly with the bolts or screws to secure them. After you've made any needed adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If everything is in proper alignment, the door will open and close without any additional force. If you're still having trouble then you may need to move the strike plate or latch, or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and require to be replaced. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks still aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. Most homeowners can change locks themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door completely open and then removing the current lock from the inside of the door. Study the existing lock to determine the type of lock you'll need. Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws securing the strike plate (the part of the lock that's set on the outside edge of the door frame) and adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the jamb in the door. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it back into place and tighten the screws. After all the components have been moved or adjusted then assemble and secure the patio door according to the instructions of the manufacturer. After you've completed the process, test the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is closed. If it does, then your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is able to give you the security and privacy that you've come to expect from. Like other areas of your home must be properly aligned to function effectively. Over time, temperature cold, dirt and debris can cause the hinges and door frame to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are like trying to put keys into the wrong keyhole. It's not working. By following these simple steps, you can fix an issue that appeared to be unfixable. So, give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this task and regaining your patio door's lock position! We're betting you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door again. Best of luck! We are here to assist if you need any assistance or have any questions.