How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is essential to ensure your home's security. If your door becomes difficult to lock, it can be a hassle.
A locked that isn't working properly could be the result of misalignment or even simple wear and wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position could help to restore its function. If these troubleshooting techniques fail, you may need to replace both the mortise and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock can become hard to open and close because of dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine will keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving you money on repairs and helping your door reach its full potential.
In the beginning, you'll need to clean the lock's cylinder. To do this, use a spray bottle of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole and then turn the key to spread it. Do not use solvents like household oil or other, as they can damage your locks. Spray a bit on the key.
When your lock's cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can use a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid lubricants. It's an excellent choice for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays can endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are impervious to water. However, they might need multiple coats in order to be effective.
You can also apply a de-icer spray, which is specifically made for cold weather and will lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. A few sprays of this will allow your lock to unlock and then lock again easily.
How often you need to lubricate your locks will depend on the environmental conditions. The location of your door can affect its performance. A location near the coast could expose it to salty air which could cause corrosion. It is recommended that you regularly lubricate your locks at least twice every year, or more frequently if your area has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save costs on repairs, and ensure that they continue to function properly for many years.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock does not perform as it should, one or more of its components could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a damaged patio door lock will prevent further damage and ensure that your doors are secure. You can repair doors that are locked or locked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.
Begin by looking at the exterior and interior of the lock to see whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract in hot or cold weather and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to not align properly and cause problems when opening or closing the door.
Next, examine the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder may be difficult to open, and can cause damage to the cam, latch springs or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you may be able of removing any obstructions with a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue persists, you might need to remove the cylinder to find the source.
If the lock cylinder is not been secured to the body of the lock and is loose, it can be loosened by unscrewing the flat screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may aid in restoring alignment.
Check the cylinder for a tiny tab that moves upwards and downwards with the key, typically towards the very end. This tiny clip, also called a "release Tab" will stop the cylinder from sliding into the lock body in the entire way. A standard key can slide this tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and reinserted.
If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you may be able to restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate, and the knob or handle can be pulled in and out. Once you have restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and test it for functionality. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's a sign that another component such as the latch spring or latch is worn or damaged and may require replacement.
Lock the Screws
Over time, regular use as well as cold and hot weather dust, dirt and even dirt can cause damage to patio door locks. These delicate parts can be damaged if they are not properly maintained, leading to your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues can be fixed easily with a few simple maintenance steps.
Clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth remove any dirt or dust that may be present, and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, patio doors repairs -based lubricant can help keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases as they can attract dust and debris and cause additional problems.
If your patio door is fitted with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases this will only require you to adjust the screws that secure your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the foot lock you need to loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment is complete, tighten the screw securely.
When it comes to repairing a patio door handle the most frequent issue is misalignment of the strike plate and the latch. This can be caused by normal wear and tear, or the latch may be positioned above or below where it should be.
Start by removing the old handle, and then locate the bolts or screws that secure it. Be sure to keep track of these as you will require them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle, then slide the new spindle into place on the side of the door, making sure that it is aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Install the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure they are aligned properly with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.
Close and lock the patio door once you have made any necessary adjustments. If the door is correctly aligned, it should open and shut without needing any additional force. If you are still having issues you may have to adjust the position of your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. Replacing a lock is a moderately easy home improvement task that many homeowners can complete themselves. Start by sliding the patio door all the way open and removing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Review the lock to determine the type of lock you will need.
Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that secure the strike plate. This is the part of the lock that is mounted on the edge of the door's frame. Adjust it horizontally or in a vertical direction so that it is aligned with the latch hole. After you've repositioned your strike plate, screw it back into position and tighten the screws.
After all the parts of your patio door have been moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. Once you're finished checking the latch. Make sure it is fitted correctly and is secured when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is able to give you the security and privacy that you have come to expect.
Like other components of your home must be properly aligned to function efficiently. Over time, temperature cold, dirt and debris can cause frames and hinges to shift. When these elements are misaligned, it's like trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole it won't work. If you follow these steps, you can fix the issue that may have appeared to be unfixable. So give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this task and reclaiming your patio door's locked position! We're sure you won't have any issues opening or closing the door from here to the end. Best of luck! We are here to help if you need any assistance or have any questions.