How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is an essential part of home security. It can be difficult when yours is difficult to lock.
A stubborn lock can be caused by misalignment, or even simple wear and wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position could aid in restoring its functionality. If these troubleshooting methods fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock may become difficult to open and close because of dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication could help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on repair costs and will extend the life of your door.
The first step is to clean the lock the cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to complete this. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and work the key into and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that can damage your locks. Also, make sure you spray some on the key itself as well.
Once your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can apply a silicone spray or dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants, so it's an excellent choice to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays are able to withstand freezing temperatures and are impervious to water. However, they might require several coats to be efficient.
You can also apply sprays for de-icing specially made for cold weather and will remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. A few coats of this will aid your lock to unlock and then lock again easily.
The environment will determine how often you should belubricating locks. A coastal location will expose your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion, and temperature changes can affect the performance of your lock. patio doors repairs of thumb is to lubricate your locks at least twice a year and more frequently if you live in a region that has extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door will function as it should for many long time to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could be that one or more components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a broken lock on your patio door can stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. You can fix a patio door that is locked or locked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.
Start by checking the exterior and the inside of the lock to determine if there are any signs of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract in warm or cold weather, and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanisms to stop aligning correctly and can cause issues when opening or closing the door.
Then, look over the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder could be difficult to access, and could cause damage to the cam, latch springs or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you might be able of removing any obstructions using the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue continues, you may need to take out the cylinder in order to locate the source.
If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the lock body you can loosen it by removing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder faceplate. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to move the cylinder around and could help to restore alignment.
Check the cylinder for a small tab that moves up and down with the key, generally towards the end. This small clip, also known as a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body in the entire way. The tab can be moved back with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be taken out and then returned.
If the cylinder of your lock has become stuck and is not aligned, you can fix it by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The knob or handle can then be pulled and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock once you have restored alignment. Check it out for its functionality. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's a sign that another component such as the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn and will need to be replaced.
Make sure you tighten the Screws
The locks on patio doors can be damaged by regular use, extreme temperatures dust and dirt. Unless properly cared for the delicate parts could get worn out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues are easily fixable by following a few easy maintenance steps.
The first thing you have to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth clean any dirt or dust that may be present and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases because they may attract dust and other debris and cause additional issues.
Next, if your patio door is equipped with a security foot lock be sure that the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the foot lock, loosen the screw with the help of a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the screw securely.
When it comes to repairing the handle on a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This could be due to normal wear and tear, or it could simply be that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it ought to be.
Then, take out the handle from the old one and locate the screws or bolts that hold it in place. Keep in mind the screws or bolts, since you'll need them to attach the new handle. Remove the old spindle and place the new one in place on the inside of the door. Be sure that it is in alignment with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Reinstall the interior and external handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure they are aligned properly with the screws or bolts holding 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 everything is in alignment, the door will open and close without additional force. If you still have problems you may have to move 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. The majority of homeowners can replace the lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors completely out and removing the existing lock on the interior of the door. Study the existing lock to determine the type of lock that you'll require.
Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that hold the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock mounted on the edge of the frame of the door. Adjust it either horizontally or in an upward direction so that it is aligned with the holes for the latch. Once you have repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then screw it into place.
Once all the components of your patio door are repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, check the latch to make sure that it fits and is able to catch the latch's hasp when your door is closed. If it does then your patio door lock is now functioning as it should and able to provide the security and privacy you've come expect from your home's doors.
Like other parts of your home your patio doors also need to be aligned properly for they to function effectively. Over time, heat and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other factors can cause hinges, door frame, and the locking mechanism to shift. The wrongly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to put a key in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. By following these simple steps, you can solve a problem that might have seemed unfixable. So, give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this project and regaining your patio door's locked position! We bet that you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door once more. Best of luck! We are here to help in case you require any assistance or have any questions.