How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is a crucial element of home security. If your door becomes difficult to lock, it can be frustrating.
A stubborn lock can be caused by misalignment or even simple wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position can help restore its function. If these troubleshooting techniques don't work you can replace both the mortise and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open or close a door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair bills and extend the lifespan of your door.
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 oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to distribute the oil. Do not use solvents like household oil or other that can harm your locks. Spray a small amount on the key.
Once your lock cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can apply an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant, such as graphite powder. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid fluids. It's a great choice to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays are able to withstand freezing temperatures and are resistant to water. However, they may require multiple coats to be efficient.
You can also apply de-icer spray, which is specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will melt the frost and ice from the mechanism of your lock. A couple of sprays will help your lock unlock and then lock again easily.
The climate will determine how often you should belubricating locks. A location with a coastline exposes your door to salty air and lead to corrosion. Temperature fluctuations can also influence the efficiency of your lock. The general rule of thumb is to oil your locks every two years or more often if you live in a region that has extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door will function properly for the years to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could mean that one or more components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a faulty lock on your patio door could help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. You can fix the 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 to see whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract with warm or cold weather, and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning properly and cause problems when opening or closing the door.
Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder could be difficult to open and could cause damage to the latch springs, cam or lock pins. If the cylinder does not fit easily, you can clear any obstructions using a pair picklocks and tweezers. If the issue persists, you may need to take out the cylinder to determine the cause.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been secured to the body of the lock, it can be loosen by unscrewing the flat screw on the cylinder faceplate. This screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could even aid in restoring the alignment.
Look over the cylinder for a little tab that moves up and down with the key, usually towards the end. This small clip, also known as a "release Tab" is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. The tab can be removed by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be taken out and then reinserted.
If the lock cylinder is stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pushed, and withdrawn. Once you have restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and test its functionality. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's a sign that a component, like the latch or latch spring is worn or damaged and will require replacement.
Make sure you tighten the Screws
Over time, the use of regular, hot and cold weather dust, dirt and even dirt can cause damage to patio door locks. These delicate parts can be damaged if not maintained properly, causing your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be solved with just a few steps.
You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to clean any dust or dirt that might be present. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, however they can attract dust and debris which can cause further issues.
Then, if your patio door has a foot lock that is secure, make sure the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases this will require you to adjust the screws that attach your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Remove patio doors repair near me using the Robertson screwdriver, and then gently pry up or down to adjust the foot lock as required. After the adjustment is completed you can tighten the screw.
The most common problem when it comes to repairing patio door handles is the misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by everyday wear and tear or it could be due to the fact that the latch is set higher or lower than it ought to be.
Then, take off the handle that was previously used and find the bolts or screws holding it in the first place. Keep track of the screws or bolts, since you'll need them to attach the new handle. Then, remove the spindle that was in use and slide the new one into place on the inside of the door. Make sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle is installed put back the interior and exterior handles to ensure that they are in alignment with the screws or bolts that hold them in place.
After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If everything is in alignment, the door should be able to open and close smoothly, without additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty, you might need to reposition the latch or strike plate, or the lock cylinder may be damaged and require to be replaced.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks are still not working, it may be time to replace the lock. The majority of homeowners can replace a lock themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door open and then removing the current lock from the inside of the door. Review the lock to determine the type of lock you will need.
Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that secure the strike plate. This is the part of the lock mounted on the outside of the frame of the door. Adjust it either horizontally or in a vertical direction to align it with latch hole. After you've adjusted the latch plate then tighten the screws and screw it in place.
After all the components have been repositioned or changed after which you can assemble and secure your patio door as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch. Check to see if it fits properly and catches the latch when the door is shut. If it does then your patio door lock is working as it should and can give you the security and privacy you've come to appreciate from your home's doors.
Like other areas of your home, your patio doors need to be properly aligned in order for them to work efficiently. Over time, heat and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other elements can cause hinges, door frame, and locking mechanism to shift slightly. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole. It's not working. By following these easy steps, you will be able to fix an issue that seemed unfixable. Do yourself a big pat on your back for tackling the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're sure you won't have any trouble opening or closing the door from now on. Best of luck! We are here to assist if you need any assistance or have questions.