Why the latch stops lining up
Sliding doors settle as their rollers wear. Even a small drop at the latch side means the hook passes above or below the keeper instead of catching it. That's why a door can lock fine for years and then suddenly won't.
What you can check
- Close the door slowly and watch where the latch hook meets the keeper. If it's high or low, the door needs adjusting.
- Use the roller adjustment screws at the bottom of the panel to raise or lower the latch side.
- Check the keeper's screws. A loose keeper moves when the hook hits it.
- Look for a bent hook or a cracked lock body. Those parts need replacing, not adjusting.
Replacing the lock
Sliding door locks come in many shapes, and the replacement has to match the cutout in your door's frame. Bring the old lock or clear photos and measurements when you look for a part, or have us match it. If a lock is broken, a secondary bar or foot lock will keep the door secure until it's fixed.
When to call us
Call if adjusting the rollers doesn't line things up, the rollers are worn, or you can't find a lock that fits. For a door that won't lock at all, we can make it secure the same day.
Questions
Is it safe to leave a sliding door that won't lock?
Not for long. A wooden dowel or security bar in the bottom track stops the door from opening until the lock is fixed.
Do I need a new door if the lock is broken?
Almost never. The lock, keeper or rollers can be replaced on their own.