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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is a crucial element of home security. When yours is difficult to lock, it can be a hassle. In many cases, a stubborn lock is caused by misalignment or simple wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position may aid in restoring its functionality. 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 and close doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication could aid in preventing your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair costs and will extend the life of your door. In the beginning, you'll have to clean the lock's the cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray accomplish this. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and work the key into and out to distribute the oil. Do not use household oil or other solvents, as they can damage your locks. Spray a bit on the key. Once your lock cylinder is clean and lubricated, it's time to apply. You can apply a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants do, so it's an excellent choice for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays can withstand freezing temperatures and are impervious to water. However, they may need multiple coats in order to be efficient. You can also apply sprays to de-icer your lock that is made for cold weather and will loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will help your lock to unlock and then lock again easily. How often you should oil your locks will be contingent on the environmental conditions. The location of your door can affect its performance. A location near the coast could expose it to salty air which could cause corrosion. The standard rule of thumb is to grease your locks every two years and more frequently if you reside in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save the cost of repairs and ensure that it continues to work properly for a long time. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock does not function properly it could be because one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a damaged patio door lock will prevent further damage and ensure that your doors are safe. To repair a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws, adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder. Start by checking the exterior and interior of the lock to see if there are any signs of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract in hot or cold weather and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning correctly and lead to problems with opening or closing the door. Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder might be difficult to open and could cause damage to the cam, latch springs or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you might be able of removing any obstructions using a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue continues, you may need to take out the cylinder in order to locate the source. If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the body of the lock, you can loosen it by uncrewing a flat screw inside the cylinder faceplate. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may help to restore alignment. Look over the cylinder for a tiny tab that moves up and down using the key, typically towards the very end. This tiny clip, also known as a “release Tab”, prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. A standard key can move the tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and reinserted. If the lock cylinder is stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The knob or handle can then be pulled and pulled back. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Test it for functionality. If the lock on your patio door isn't working properly, it is likely that an additional component such as the latch spring or latch must be replaced. Lock the Screws Locks for patio doors can be damaged by regular use, extremes of temperature, dirt and dust. These delicate parts can wear out if not properly maintained, leading to your door to stop locking properly. Fortunately, most lock issues can be fixed easily with just a few simple maintenance steps. Clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that may be present, and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants with oil bases because they may attract dust and other debris which could cause more problems. If your patio door has a security foot lock, make sure the foot lock is aligned with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will require you to adjust the screws that attach your 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 you can tighten the screw. The most common problem when it comes to fixing patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be due to everyday wear and tear or the latch may be positioned lower or higher than it is supposed to be. Then, take out the old handle and locate the bolts or screws holding it in the first place. Make sure you keep track of them as you will require them when installing the new handle. Then, remove the old spindle and slide the new one into place on the interior of the door. Make sure it is in alignment with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Install the exterior and interior handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts that hold them in place. After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If everything is in alignment, the door should open and close smoothly without additional force. If you are still having issues, you may need to move your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks are not working, it may be time to replace the lock. The majority of homeowners can replace a lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio door completely open and then removing the current lock from the inside of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed to the door and the jamb to determine the kind of lock you'll need to purchase. 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 then adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the hole in the jamb in the door. Once you have repositioned the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it in place. After all the parts of your patio door are relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. When you're done testing the latch. Make sure it is fitted correctly and is secured when the door is shut. If it does, your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is ready to give you the security and privacy you have come to expect. Like other parts of your house, need to be aligned correctly to function efficiently. Over time, heat cold, dirt and debris can cause the frames and hinges to shift. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to put a key in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. It is possible to fix the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these easy steps. You should pat yourself on the back for taking on the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're betting you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door once more. Have fun! We're here to help if you have any concerns or questions.