How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is vital to home security. It can be a hassle if your door is difficult to lock.
In a lot of instances, a lock that is difficult to open is the result of an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position may help restore its function. If these solutions aren't working, you can replace both the mortise and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open and close a door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine will keep your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving you money on repairs and helping your door reach its full lifespan.
The first step is to clean your lock's the cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray complete this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to spread the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils which could harm your locks, and make sure you spray some on the key itself.
After cleaning your lock cylinder, it is time to lubricate. You can apply a silicone spray or dry lubricant, such as graphite powder. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid lubricants. It's a great choice for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand moist and cold temperatures, however they might require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also use de-icer spray, which is specifically designed for cold weather. It will melt the frost and ice from the mechanism of your lock. A few sprays of this will help your lock to unlock and then lock again easily.
The climate will determine how often you should lubricate 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 can cause corrosion. It is recommended to lubricate locks at least twice each year, or more often in areas with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door continues to function as it should for many the years to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock does not work properly, one or more of its components may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repair of a broken lock on your patio door could prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. You can fix the patio door that is locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder.
Begin by looking at the exterior and the inside of the lock to see whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract with temperatures that are cold or hot and can shift slightly 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 corroded or blocked cylinder may be difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the pins, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you may be able of removing any obstructions with a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists it may be necessary to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to locate the source of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the lock body you can loosen it by uncrewing a flat screw inside the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw lets you rotate the cylinder, and could even aid in restoring alignment.
Examine the cylinder for a small tab that moves up and down using the key, generally towards the end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. A standard key will move the tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and reinserted.
If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you may be able restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt is in contact with the strike plate, and the knob or handle can be pushed in and out. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Check it out for its functionality. If your patio door lock still isn't working it's likely that another component like the latch spring or latch requires replacement.
Tighten the Screws
Patio door locks are susceptible to damage from regular usage, extreme temperatures dust and dirt. Unless properly cared for these delicate components can wear down and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be repaired with a few easy steps.
It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that may be present and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts functioning efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants with oil bases because they may attract dust and debris and cause additional problems.
If your patio door is equipped with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. In most instances, this will require changing the screws that attach 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 if needed. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the screw securely.
When it comes to repairing the handle on a patio door the most frequent issue is misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This can be due to everyday wear and tear or the latch may be positioned higher or below what it should be.
Begin by removing the handle, then identify the screws or bolts that secure it. Make sure to keep track of them as you will need them later when installing the new handle. Remove the old spindle and place the new one in place on the interior of the door. Make sure that it is aligned properly with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts that hold them in place.
After you've made any needed adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it should be able to open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty it could be necessary to move the latch or strike plate, or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and need to be replaced.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks still aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. Replacing a lock is a fairly simple home improvement task that many homeowners can complete by themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door open and unscrewing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Review the lock to determine the type of lock you'll need.
Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that hold the strike plate. patio door repairs repairmywindowsanddoors is the part of the lock that is positioned on the edges of the door's frame. Adjust it horizontally or in a vertical direction to align it with latch hole. Once you have repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then fix it with 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 checking the latch. Make sure it fits properly and catches the latch when the door is shut. If it does, your patio door lock is functioning just as it should and is can give you the security and privacy you've come to expect from your home's doors.
Like other areas of your home, your patio doors need to be properly aligned for them to work efficiently. Over time, temperature or cold, dirt and debris could cause the frames and hinges to shift. If these parts aren't aligned it's similar to trying to fit a key in the wrong keyhole and it doesn't work. By following these simple steps, you can fix an issue that seemed unfixable. So give yourself an ovation for tackling this project and reclaiming the door that was locked! We're sure you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door. Best of luck! We're here to assist should you require assistance or have any questions.