How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is essential to ensure your home's security. It can be a hassle if yours is difficult to lock.
In a lot of cases, a stubborn lock is caused by an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position could aid in restoring its functionality. If these troubleshooting methods don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock may become hard to open and close over time due to dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine can keep your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving you money on repair bills and allowing your door to enjoy its full lifespan.
The first step in the process is to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, use a spray can of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to spread it. Do not use household oil or other solvents which could damage your locks. Spray a small amount on the key.
Once your lock cylinder is clean and lubricated, it's time to apply. You can apply dry lubricants like graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants do, so it's an excellent choice to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays are able to withstand freezing temperatures and are resistant to water. However, they might need multiple coats in order to be efficient.
You can also use a de-icer spray, which is specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will melt frost and ice off the mechanism of your lock. A couple of sprays will allow your lock to unlock and then lock more easily.
How often you need to lubricate your locks will depend on the environment. The location of your door can affect its performance. A location near the coast could expose the door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. The general rule of thumb is to grease your locks twice per year, or more frequently if you live in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save money on repairs, and ensure that they continue to function in a good way for many years.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock does not work properly there's a chance that one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a defective patio door lock can prevent further damage and ensure that your doors are safe. You can repair doors that are locked or locked by tightening loose screws, adjusting 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. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract during temperatures that are cold or hot and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanisms to not align properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the door.
Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder is difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the pins, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can clear any obstructions using a pair tweezers and a picklock. If the issue continues then you'll need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to locate the cause of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder is not been screwed onto the body of the lock it can be removed by removing the screw on the cylinder faceplate. This screw will allow you rotate the cylinder, and it could also help restore alignment.
Examine the cylinder for a tiny tab that moves up and down with the key, usually towards the very end. This small clip, sometimes known as a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. The tab can be removed with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed, then it can be inserted.
If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you may be able to restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pushed into and withdrawn. After you have restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and test it for functionality. If the lock on your patio door isn't functioning properly it's likely that an additional component such as the latch or latch spring must be replaced.
Tighten the Screws
Over time, the use of regular as well as cold and hot weather dust, dirt and even dirt can take their toll on patio door locks. If not properly maintained, these delicate parts can wear down and cause your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be fixed easily with a few simple maintenance steps.
The first thing you need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use patio door repair near me to get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases because they may draw dust and dirt which could cause more issues.
If your patio door is fitted with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require you to adjust the screws that attach your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the footlock simply loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down. Once the adjustment is complete then tighten the screw.
The most common problem when it comes to repairing patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be due to normal wear and tear or it could be that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it should be.
Begin by removing the handle, and then locate the bolts or screws that secure it. Keep track of the screws or bolts, because you will need them for the installation of the new handle. Then, remove the spindle that was in use and slide the new one in 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 handles for both exterior and interior, making sure that they are aligned with the screws or bolts that secure them.
Once you've made any necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it will open and shut without needing any additional force. If you're still having problems it may be necessary to move your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks are not working, it may be time to replace the lock. Replacing a lock is a relatively simple home improvement task that many homeowners can do by themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors completely out and then removing your existing lock from the inside of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed into the door and the door jamb so that you can discern the type of lock you'll need purchase.
Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws securing the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside edge of the door frame) and then adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the latch hole in the door jamb. After you've adjusted the strike plate, secure it in position and tighten the screws.
After all the components have been repositioned or changed after which you can assemble and secure your patio door according to the instructions of the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to make sure that it fits and catches the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does the lock will be able to latch onto the door. If it does, your patio door lock is now functioning just as it should and is can provide you with the security and privacy you've come expect 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 work efficiently. Over time, heat and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other factors can cause hinges, door frame, and the locking mechanism to shift. When these elements are misaligned it's like trying to fit a key into the wrong hole for a key: It just doesn't work. By following these easy steps, you will be able to fix a problem that might have appeared to be unfixable. So give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this project and reclaiming the door that was locked! We're betting you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door. Best of luck! We're here for you if there are any concerns or questions.