How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is an essential part of home security. When yours is difficult to lock, it can be frustrating.
A lock that is not working can be caused by misalignment or even simple wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position may help to restore its function. If these solutions aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open and close doors. A regular cleaning and lubrication routine will keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repair bills and helping your door reach its maximum lifespan.
To begin, you'll need to clean the lock's the cylinder. To do this, use a spray can of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and then move the key in and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that could damage your locks. Also, make sure to spray a bit on the key itself as well.
After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to grease. You can use dry lubricants like graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid fluids. It's a great choice for locking lubrication. sliding patio door lock repair are water resistant and can withstand both moist and cold temperatures, however they may require several coats to work effectively.
You can also use sprays to de-icer your lock specially designed for cold weather and can lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will allow your lock to unlock and then lock more easily.
How often you should lubricate your locks will rely on the environment. The location of your door will affect its performance. A location near the coast could expose it to salty air, which could cause corrosion. The general rule of thumb is to grease your locks at least twice a year or more often if you live in a region that has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save the cost of repairs and ensure that it will continue to function in a good way for a long time.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock does not function properly, one or more of its parts could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a faulty patio door lock can avoid further damage and ensure that your doors are secure. 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 for indications of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks may expand or contract depending on the weather and could shift over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause issues when closing or opening the door.
Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder might be difficult to open, and can cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or the lock pins. If the cylinder does not fit easily, you can get rid of any obstructions by using a pair of tweezers and a lock. If the issue persists, you may need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to locate the cause of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been secured to the lock body it can be removed by unscrewing the flat screw on the faceplate of cylinder. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help restore proper alignment.
Look for an elongated tab that is movable with the key. It's usually near the end. This small clip, sometimes known as a "release Tab" will stop the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. This tab can be removed with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be taken out and then it can be inserted.
If the cylinder of your lock has become stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt is engaged with the strike plate. The knob or handle can then be pushed, and pulled back. After you have restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and test its functionality. If your patio door lock still isn't working properly It is likely that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch requires replacement.
Tighten the Screws
Locks for patio doors are susceptible to damage from regular use, extremes of temperature dust, dirt and. If not properly maintained these delicate components can wear down and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock problems are easily solved with just a few steps.
The first thing you have to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that may be present and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, however they can draw dust and dirt which could cause issues.
If your patio door comes with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most instances, this will require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. Remove the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock as required. After the adjustment has been completed then tighten the screw.
The most common problem when it comes to repairing patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be due to everyday wear and tear or it could be that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it ought to be.
Begin by removing the handle, and then locate the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Make sure you keep track of these since you will require them when installing the new handle. Then, remove the old spindle and slide the new one into place on the inside of the door. Make sure it is aligned properly with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle is in place then reinstall the interior and exterior handles, making sure that they are aligned with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.
Once you've made any necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If the door is properly aligned, it should be able to open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty then you may need to move the strike plate or latch or the lock cylinder may be damaged and require to be replaced.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks still do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. The replacement of a lock is a fairly simple home improvement project that most homeowners can complete themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and unscrewing your existing lock on the inside of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed into both the door and the door jamb so that you can get a sense for what type of lock you'll need to purchase.
Before installing the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned 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. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it into position and tighten the screws.
After all the components have been moved or adjusted after which you can assemble and secure your patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to ensure that it is in place and fits the latch's hasp when your door is closed. If it does, then your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is now ready to provide the security and privacy that you have come to expect.
Like other areas of your home the patio doors have to be properly aligned for them to function efficiently. Over time, temperature, cold, dirt, and debris can cause the frames and hinges to shift. When these elements are misaligned it's like trying to fit keys into the wrong hole for a key and it doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you can fix the issue that may have appeared to be unfixable. You should pat yourself on the back for tackling the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We're betting you won't face any issues opening or closing the door from now on out. Have fun! We're here to assist if you need any assistance or have any questions.