How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A safe patio door is an essential part of home security. It can be a hassle if yours is difficult to lock.

In a lot of instances, a lock that is difficult to open is due to misalignment or simple wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position can help restore its function. If these solutions don't work you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle.

Clean and Lubricate

A door lock may be difficult to open and close because of dust, dirt and grime. 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 longevity of your door.

To begin, you will need to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, you'll need spray cans of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole, then work the key in and out to distribute the oil. Do not use solvents like household oil or other which could damage your locks. Spray a little on the key.


After cleaning your lock cylinder, it's time to lubricate. You can use an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant, such as graphite powder. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid lubricants. It's a great choice for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays are able to withstand freezing temperatures and are impervious to water. However, they may need multiple coats in order to be efficient.

You can also apply de-icer spray, which is specifically specially designed for cold weather. patio door repair will remove the frost and ice from the mechanism of your lock. This will allow you to unlock your lock, and then lock it more easily.

How often you have to oil your locks will be contingent on the environment. The location of your door can affect its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose the door to salty air, which could cause corrosion. It is recommended to ensure that your locks are lubricated at least twice every year, or more frequently in areas with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save costs on repairs, and ensure that it will continue to function properly for many years.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could mean that one or more components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a faulty lock on your patio door can prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. 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 looking at the exterior and interior of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks can expand or contract in response to the weather, and they may even shift over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the patio door.

Then, look over the lock cylinder for obstructions within the keyway hole. A corroded or blocked cylinder may be difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam, or latch springs. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can get rid of any obstructions by using a pair of tweezers and a lock. If the issue continues, you may have to remove the cylinder to find the source.

If the lock cylinder is not been secured to the body of the lock, it can be loosen by removing the screw on the faceplate of cylinder. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may help to restore alignment.

Look for an elongated tab that moves with the key. It is usually at the end. This small clip, also called a "release Tab" will stop the cylinder from sliding into the lock body in the entire way. The tab can be removed with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be taken out and then it can be inserted.

If your lock cylinder has become stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pulled and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's likely that a component, like the latch spring or latch is worn or damaged and may require replacement.

Make sure you tighten the Screws

The locks on patio doors are susceptible to damage from regular use, extremes of temperature dust and dirt. If not properly maintained, these delicate parts can get worn out and cause your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues can be fixed easily by following a few easy maintenance steps.

You should first clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases as they can attract dust and debris which could cause more problems.

If patio door repairs is equipped with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require you to adjust the screws that attach your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Unlock the screw with a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock if needed. Once the adjustment is done, tighten the screw securely.

When it comes to repairing the handle on a patio door the most frequent issue involves misalignment between the strike plate and the latch. This could be caused by wear and tear or the latch could be set higher or below what it is supposed to be.

Begin by removing the handle, then find the screws or bolts which hold it in place. Make sure you keep track of them as you will require them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle, then slide the new spindle into the door on the inside of the door, making sure that it is in alignment with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Once the new spindle is in place, reinstall the handles for both exterior and interior to ensure that they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts that secure them.

Close and secure the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in proper alignment, the door will be able to open and close smoothly, without any additional force. If you're still having problems you may have to reposition your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder.

Replace the latch

If your patio door locks not working, it could be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can change locks themselves. Start by sliding the patio door all the way open and removing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed into the door and the jamb to determine the kind of lock you'll need to purchase.

Before installing the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside edge of the door frame) and then adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the jamb of the door. After you've repositioned your strike plate, secure it in position and tighten the screws.

Once all the components 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. Make sure it is fitted properly and catches the latch when the door is shut. If it does, your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is ready to provide the security and privacy that you've come to expect from.

Like other parts of your home the patio doors have to be aligned properly for they to function effectively. Over time, temperatures and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other elements can cause the hinges, door frame and the locking mechanism to shift. The wrongly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole. It's not working. It is possible to fix an issue that appeared impossible by following these simple steps. You should pat yourself on the back for tackling the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We're betting you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door again. Best of luck! We are here to help in case you require any assistance or have any questions.