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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is vital for home security. It can be difficult when it isn't easy to lock. A locked that isn't working properly could be the result of misalignment or simply wear and tear. It's possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these solutions aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open or close the door lock. A regular cleaning and lubrication routine will prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving you money on repair bills and helping your door reach its full potential. The first step is to clean your lock's cylinder. To do patio door lock repairs near me , you'll need a spray bottle of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole, and then rotate the key to spread the oil. Avoid using household oil or other solvents, as they can damage your locks. Spray a small amount on the key. After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to grease. You can use 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, so it's a great choice for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays are able to withstand freezing temperatures and are resistant to water. However, they may require multiple coats to be effective. You can also use de-icer spray specifically designed for cold weather. It will break up frost and ice off the lock mechanism. This will enable you to unlock your lock and lock it more easily. How often you need to lubricate your locks will rely on the environmental conditions. A location with a coastline exposes your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion, and temperature variations can affect the efficiency of your lock. The general rule of thumb is to oil your locks at least twice a year or more often if you reside in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save the cost of repairs and ensure that they continue to function in a good way for many years. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock doesn't function properly there's a chance that one or more of its parts could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a faulty patio door lock can avoid further damage and ensure that your doors are secure. You can repair a 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 inside of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks can expand or contract in response to the weather, and could shift over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause problems when closing or opening the door. Then, check the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder may be difficult to access, and may cause damage to the cam, latch springs or lock pins. If the cylinder does not fit easily, you can remove any obstructions using a pair tweezers and a lock. If the issue persists then you'll need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to locate the root of the problem. If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the body of the lock then you can loosen it by removing the screw that is flat inside the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and it could also help restore the alignment. Look for an elongated tab that moves with the key. It's usually located near the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a “release tab” is what keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. A standard key will move this tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and then reinserted. If your lock cylinder has become stuck and is not aligned, you can fix it by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt contacts the strike plate. The knob or handle may then be pushed and pulled back. Once you have restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and test it for performance. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's likely that another component such as the latch or latch spring is worn or damaged and may require replacement. Lock the Screws Locks for patio doors can be damaged by regular use, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. These delicate parts can be damaged if not maintained properly, causing your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be easily fixed with a few simple maintenance steps. The first thing you need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that might be present. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts functioning smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases as they can draw dust and dirt, which can cause further issues. If your patio door has an electronic foot lock for security be sure that the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of instances, this will require changing the screws that attach the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. To adjust the foot lock, loosen the screw with a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment has been completed, tighten the screw. When it comes time to repair a patio door handle, 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 old handle, and then locate the screws or bolts that secure it. Be sure to keep track of them as you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, remove the old spindle and slide the new one in place on the inside of the door. Be sure that it is aligned properly with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle has been installed put back the handles on the exterior and interior, making sure 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 the door is properly aligned, it will open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you are still having issues, you may need to reposition your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks not working, it may be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can replace locks themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and unscrewing your existing lock from the inside of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed into the door and the door jamb to discern the type of lock you'll have to purchase. Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that secure the strike plate. This is the part of the lock mounted on the edge of the door's frame. Adjust it either horizontally or in a vertical direction to align it with the holes in the latch. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it into place and tighten the screws. After all the parts of your patio door have been repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and catches the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is installed correctly and is able to provide the security and privacy you've come to anticipate from. Like other parts of your house must be aligned correctly to function efficiently. Over time, heat or cold, dirt and debris can cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. The wrongly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are like trying to put keys into the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. You can solve the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these easy steps. Do yourself a big pat on the back for tackling the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're sure you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door. Have fun! We are here to assist if you need any assistance or have questions.