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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is essential to ensure your home's security. It can be frustrating when your door is difficult to lock. A locked that isn't working properly could be caused by misalignment or even wear and wear and tear. It is possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these troubleshooting methods fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock can become difficult to open and close over time due to dirt, dust and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair costs and prolong the life of your door. The first step is to clean your lock the cylinder. To do this, you'll need spray cans of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. Spray a small amount into the keyhole and then move the key into and out to distribute the oil. Do not use solvents like household oil or other that can harm your locks. Spray a bit on the key. Once your lock cylinder is clean and lubricated, it's time to apply. You can apply dry lubricants like graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants do, so 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 work effectively. You can also use de-icer spray, which is specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will remove the frost and ice from the mechanism of your lock. This will allow you to unlock your lock and then unlock it with ease. How often you have to lubricate your locks will depend on the environmental conditions. The location of your door can affect its performance. A coastal location can expose it to salty air which can cause corrosion. The most common rule of thumb is to oil your locks twice per year and more frequently when you live in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door continues to function as it should for many the years to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could be that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a defective patio door lock can avoid further damage and ensure that your doors are safe. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws and adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder. Begin by looking at the exterior and interior of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. Patio door locks can expand or contract with 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, look over RepairMyWindowsAndDoors to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder might be difficult to open, and can cause damage to the cam, latch springs or the lock pins. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can remove any obstructions with a pair of picklocks and tweezers. If the problem persists, you may need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to find the cause of the obstruction. If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the body of the lock, you can loosen it by uncrewing a flat screw inside the faceplate of the cylinder. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help restore proper alignment. Check the cylinder for a little tab that moves up and down using the key, usually towards the end. This small clip, also called a “release Tab” will stop the cylinder from sliding into the lock body in the entire way. A standard key will slide this tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and then reinserted. If the lock cylinder has become stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt is engaged with the strike plate. The knob or handle may then be pushed and pulled back. Reassemble the lock after you have restored proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock isn't working it's likely that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch must be replaced. Lock the Screws Patio door locks are susceptible to damage from regular use, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. These delicate parts may be damaged if they are not properly maintained, causing your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be fixed easily with just a few simple maintenance steps. You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth clean any dirt or dust that may be present and dry the components 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,, as these can draw dust and dirt which could cause issues. If your patio door is fitted with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the foot lock you need to loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment is done you can tighten the screw. When it comes to repairing a patio door handle the most frequent issue is misalignment between the strike plate and the latch. This could be caused by wear and tear or the latch may be positioned lower or higher than it is supposed to be. Then, take off the old handle and locate the screws or bolts that are holding it in the place. Make sure you keep track of them as you will need them when installing the new handle. Remove the old spindle and place the new one in place on the interior of the door. Make sure it is in alignment with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they are aligned correctly with the screws or bolts to secure them. Close and secure the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should open and close smoothly without any additional force. If you are still having issues you may have to reposition your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the latch If your patio door locks still not working, it might be time to replace the lock. Replacing a lock is a relatively simple home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can do themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door open and removing the 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 jamb so that you can get a sense for what 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 mounted on the outside edge of the door frame) and adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the hole in the jamb in the door. After you've repositioned your strike plate, secure it in position and tighten the screws. After all components have been repositioned or changed after which you can assemble and secure your patio door as instructed by the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to make sure that it is in place and fits the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is now ready to give you the security and privacy you've come to anticipate from. Like other areas of your home the patio doors have to be aligned properly for they to function effectively. Over time, temperature, cold, dirt, and debris can cause frames and hinges to shift. When these elements are misaligned it's like trying to fit keys into the wrong keyhole: It just doesn't work. You can solve a problem which seemed 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 face any more trouble opening or closing the door from now to the end. Best of luck! We're here for you if there are any questions or concerns.