Removing a Patio Door Lock Assembly

Removal Preparation

• Check with your local home center or hardware store to determine whether a replacement lock for your patio door needs to be specially ordered. Removal of the existing lock before you obtain a replacement may require you to reinstall the existing lock. Check the local weather forecast so you can choose a mild day to remove the lock, because you may have to leave the door open for a period while you are removing the existing lock or installing a replacement.

Removal of Lock

• It is much easier to perform this task with the patio door ajar a few inches. This allows you to reach both sides of the door simultaneously. The screws that secure both lock faceplates on each side of the door should be located on the inside face of the door. Loosen -- but do not remove -- the screws with a Phillips screwdriver. This will prevent the faceplate on the opposite side from falling out of the door accidentally. Hold the faceplate with one hand while removing the screws with the other. Remove both face plates from the door. You should be left with an empty cavity in the door.

Installation Preparation

• Save the old patio door lock so you can compare it to the new unit to ensure the replacement lock will work. Some replacement patio door locks come with various lengths of latch hooks, and the correct length of latch hook must be screwed to the new lock before it can be installed. Compare the length of the latch hook on the new lock with the old lock's latch hook. If they do not match, remove the hook on the new door lock by removing the retaining screw with a Phillips screwdriver. Position the appropriate size latch hook on the lock and tighten the screw. Ensure the latch hook on the new lock is facing the same direction as the hook on the old lock. When you are finished, the latch hooks on the new and old locks should be identical in length and facing the same direction.

Install New Lock

• The faceplate that contains the latch hook on the new lock must be positioned so that the latch hook is facing in the direction the door closes. You may have to insert the hook into the door at an angle so that the hook protrudes through the hole in the edge of the door. When the faceplate is sitting flush with the door, the opposite plate can be positioned. Once the screws are tightened, both halves should be securely fastened to the door.