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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is crucial for home security. It can be a hassle if your door is difficult to lock. In a lot of instances, a lock that is difficult to open is caused by the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. patio doors repairs near me to restore the lock's function 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, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open and close the door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication schedule 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. In the beginning, you'll have to clean the lock's the cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to do this. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and work the key through and out to spread the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils which could harm your locks, and make sure to spray a bit on the key itself. After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it is time to lubricate. You can use an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid fluids. It's an excellent choice for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both humid and freezing temperatures, however it may require multiple coats to work effectively. You can also apply de-icer spray, which is specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will melt ice and frost on the mechanism of your lock. This will enable you to unlock your lock and then unlock it with ease. How often you have to oil your locks will be contingent on the environment. The location of your door can affect its performance. A coastal location can expose it to salty air, which can cause corrosion. The general rule of thumb is to oil your locks twice per year and more frequently if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door will function properly for the years to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't functioning correctly, it could indicate that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door could prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. To repair a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws or adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder. Begin by looking at the exterior and the interior of the lock to determine whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio doors may expand or contract depending on the weather, and could shift over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanisms to not align properly and cause problems when opening or closing the door. Then, look over the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder could be difficult to open and can cause damage to the latch springs, cam or lock pins. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can clear any obstructions using a pair tweezers and a lock. If the issue persists it may be necessary to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to locate the root of the problem. If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed to the body of the lock and is loose, it can be loosened by unscrewing the screw on the cylinder faceplate. This screw lets you to rotate the cylinder and could even aid in restoring the alignment. Look for an elongated tab that moves along with the key. It's usually near the end. This little clip, called a “release tab”, keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the body of the lock. This tab can be removed using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed, then reinserted. If the cylinder of your lock has become stuck and is not aligned, you can fix it by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The handle or knob may then be pushed and withdrawn. After you have restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and test its performance. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's likely that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn and will require replacement. Make sure you tighten the Screws Locks for patio doors are susceptible to damage from regular usage, extreme temperatures dust and dirt. These delicate components can be damaged if not properly maintained, leading to 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 get rid of any dust or dirt that might be present, and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, however they can draw dust and dirt 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 the majority of instances, this will require changing the screws that attach the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. Unlock the screw with the Robertson screwdriver, and then gently move it up or down to adjust the foot lock if needed. Once the adjustment is done you can tighten the screw. The most frequent issue in the repair of patio door handles is the misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be due to everyday wear and tear, or the latch could be placed lower or higher than it should be. Then, take out the old handle and locate the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Keep on track of the screws or bolts, because you will need them for the installation of the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and place the new one into place on the inside of the door. Make sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle is installed put back the interior and exterior handles and ensure that they are in alignment with the bolts or screws that secure them. After you've made any needed adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it should open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you still have problems it may be necessary to move your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks still not working, it could be time to replace the lock. Replacing a lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can complete by themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors completely out and unscrewing your existing lock on the inside of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into both the door and the jamb to determine the type of lock you'll have to purchase. Before installing the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's set on the outside of the door frame) and adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb of the door. After you've repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then screw it into place. When all the components of your patio door have been moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. Once you're finished testing the latch. Make sure it is fitted properly and catches the latch when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is ready to provide the security and privacy you have come to expect. Like other components of your home must be aligned properly to work effectively. Over time, heat and cold weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause the frames, hinges, and the locking mechanism to shift. The wrongly 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 will be able to fix a problem that might have seemed unfixable. So give yourself an award for tackling this challenge and reclaiming the door that was locked! We're betting you won't face any issues opening or closing the door from now on. Best of luck! We're here to assist should you require assistance or have any questions.