Sliding door repair
Sliding Door Lock & Handle Repair in Orlando, FL
A sliding door that won’t latch or lock is a security problem, not just an annoyance. Most latch, lock and handle faults can be fixed by adjusting or replacing the hardware.
The service
How a sliding door lock works
Why a latch stops catching.
Most sliding doors lock with a hook latch inside the door that catches a strike plate on the frame when the door closes. The handle on each side operates that latch.
If the door drops because the rollers are worn, or the strike plate shifts, the hook no longer lines up and misses. Handles also work loose, crack, or wear out inside after years of use.
Repair means finding out why the latch is failing: realigning the door or strike, replacing a worn latch, or fitting a new handle set.
Common problems
Signs your lock needs attention
Any of these is worth fixing sooner rather than later.
Latch doesn’t catch
The hook misses the strike when the door closes.
You have to lift or push the door
It only locks if you force it into position.
Loose or wobbly handle
The handle moves or turns too freely.
Stiff or broken lever
The lock lever sticks, snaps or does nothing.
Key lock won’t turn
The outside key cylinder is stiff or stuck.
Door opens when locked
A firm pull is enough to open it.
Repair solutions
How lock problems get fixed
The right fix depends on the cause.
Latch and strike alignment
The door and strike plate adjusted so the latch catches cleanly.
Latch replacement
A worn or broken latch mechanism replaced with a compatible part.
Handle set replacement
Loose, cracked or broken handles replaced.
Extra security options
Add-ons such as a foot lock or security bar can be discussed.
How it works
Our lock repair process
A typical lock repair follows four steps.
1
Inspect
Check the latch, strike, handle and how the door sits.
2
Diagnose
Find out whether the problem is the hardware or the door position.
3
Repair
Realign, adjust or replace the parts that need it.
4
Test
Make sure the door latches and locks every time.
FAQ
Lock and handle questions
What people ask most about sliding door locks.
Why won’t my sliding door latch?
Usually the door has dropped because of worn rollers, or the strike plate has moved, so the latch no longer lines up. Sometimes the latch itself is worn or broken.
Can just the handle be replaced?
Yes, in most cases. If the latch is working and only the handle is loose or broken, the handle set can be replaced on its own.
What should I do until my door locks again?
Lay a security bar or a length of wood dowel in the bottom track so the door cannot slide open, then get the lock repaired.
What if the latch catches but the door still opens?
The latch or strike may be worn, or the door may have too much play in the frame. An inspection will show which.
Related services
Related repairs
Problems that often cause or come with a failing lock.
Sliding door won’t lock?
Call Orlando Sliding Pros or send a request with a photo of the lock.