How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is essential to ensure your home's security. It can be frustrating when yours is difficult to lock.
A lock that is not working can be caused by misalignment or simply wear and tear. It's possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these methods of troubleshooting aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock can 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 help you save money on repair costs and will extend the lifespan of your door.
To begin, you'll need to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray bottle of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole, then work the key through and out to spread the oil. Do not use solvents like household oil or other that can harm your locks. Spray a small amount on the key.
After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to lubricate. You can apply an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants do, which is why it's a great option to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays can be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are resistant to water. However, they may require several coats to be efficient.
You can also use a de-icer spray, which is specifically designed for cold weather and can lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. This will enable you to unlock your lock and then lock it more easily.
The environment will determine how often you should belubricating locks. The location of your door will affect its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose the door to salty air, which could cause corrosion. It is recommended that you regularly lubricate your locks at least once every year, or more frequently when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door continues to function properly for years to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should, one or more of its components could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repair of a broken lock on your patio door can help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws, adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting the exterior and the inside of the lock to see whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio doors may expand or contract depending on the weather and may even shift over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to not align properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the door.
Then, check the lock cylinder for obstructions within the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder might be difficult to open, and could cause damage to the cam, latch springs or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you might be able to remove any obstructions using the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists you may have to remove the cylinder to determine the source.
If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the lock body, you can loosen it by unscrewing a flat screw inside the cylinder faceplate. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help restore proper alignment.
Look for the small tab that moves along with the key. It's usually close to the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body. This tab can be removed by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be taken out and then returned.
If the lock cylinder has become stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt contacts the strike plate. The knob or handle may then be pushed and pulled back. After you have restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and check its functioning. If repair patio door lock Repair My Windows And Doors remains difficult to use, it's likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn and may require replacement.
Make sure you tighten the Screws
Patio door locks can be damaged by regular usage, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. If not properly maintained, these delicate parts can wear out and cause your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues are easily fixable with just a few simple maintenance steps.
You should first clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dust or dirt that may be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases,, as these can draw dust and dirt that can lead to further problems.
If your patio door is equipped with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most instances, this will require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the foot lock, loosen the screw with a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it up or down. Once the adjustment has been completed you can tighten the screw.
When it comes time to repair a patio door handle, the most common problem involves misalignment between the strike plate and the latch. This could be caused by normal wear and tear or the latch could be set above or below where it should be.
Then, take out the old handle and find the bolts or screws holding it in the place. Make sure you keep track of these as you will require them when installing the new handle. Next, remove the old spindle and then slide the new spindle into place on the side of the door, ensuring that it is properly aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Once the new spindle is installed, reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior and ensure that they are in alignment with the bolts or screws that secure them.
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 proper alignment, the door will open and close smoothly without additional force. If you're still having trouble then you may need to adjust the strike plate or latch, or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and must be replaced.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks still don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. The replacement of a lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can do themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door open and removing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed into the door and jamb so that you can get a sense for what type of lock you'll have to purchase.
Before installing the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's set on the outside edge of the door frame) and then adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the door jamb. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it into place and tighten the screws.
After all the components have been moved or adjusted, assemble and secure the patio door according to the instructions of the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and is able to catch the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does then your patio door lock is working as it should and will provide you with the security and privacy you've come appreciate from your home's doors.
As with other parts of your home your patio doors also need to be properly aligned in order for them to function efficiently. Over time, temperature cold, dirt and debris can cause hinges and the frame of the door 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. It is possible to fix a problem which seemed impossible by following these easy steps. Give yourself a pat on the back for taking on the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're sure you won't have any issues opening or closing the door from now on. Good luck! We're here for you if there are any questions or concerns.