How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is a crucial element of home security. It can be difficult when your door is difficult to lock.
In a lot of instances, a lock that is difficult to open is due to an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position may help restore its function. If these troubleshooting methods aren't working, 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 helping your door reach its full potential.
In the beginning, you'll have to clean the lock's the cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to do this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then turn the key to spread the oil. Do not use solvents like household oil or other that can harm your locks. Spray a bit on the key.
When your lock's cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can use an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants do, so it's an excellent choice for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, however it may require several coats to be effective.
You can also use sprays to de-icer your lock specially designed for cold weather and will remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will enable you to unlock your lock, and then relock it more easily.
The climate will determine the frequency at which you should lubricate locks. A location with a coastline will expose your door to salty air and cause corrosion. Temperature variations can affect the efficiency of your lock. The general rule of thumb is to grease your locks every two years or more often if you live in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save money on repairs, and ensure that it continues to work properly for many years.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't functioning correctly, it could indicate that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a faulty 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 and adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by looking at the exterior and interior of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Patio door locks may expand or contract depending on the weather, and they might even shift with time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanisms to not align properly and can cause issues when opening or closing the door.
Then, check the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder can be difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam or latch springs. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can remove any obstructions by using a pair of tweezers and a lock. If the issue continues, you may have to remove the cylinder in order to locate the root of the issue.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the lock body then you can loosen it by removing a flat screw inside the cylinder's faceplate. This screw will let you rotate the cylinder, and may even help restore the proper alignment.
Look for an elongated tab that is movable with the key. repair patio door lock Repair My Windows And Doors 's usually close to the end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab", keeps the cylinder from sliding into the body of the lock. A standard key can move this tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and then reinserted.
If the lock cylinder has become stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt is engaged with the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pushed, and pulled back. Once you've restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and test it for functioning. If your patio door lock still isn't working It is likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring must be replaced.
Lock the Screws
Patio door locks are susceptible to damage from regular use, extremes of temperature dust, dirt and. If not properly maintained, these delicate parts can get worn out and cause your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be fixed easily by following a few easy maintenance steps.
Clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to remove any dirt or dust that might be present. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, they can draw dust and dirt that can lead to further issues.
If your patio door is fitted with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases this will only require you to adjust the screws that secure your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Remove the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and gently move it up or down to adjust the foot lock as needed. After the adjustment has been completed then 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 could be due to the wear and tear of everyday use, or it could simply be due to the fact that the latch is placed higher or lower than it ought to be.
Then, remove the handle from the old one and find the bolts or screws that are holding it in the first place. Keep on track of the bolts or screws, since you'll need them to attach the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle, and then slide the new spindle into the door on the side of the door, ensuring that it is properly aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Install the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure that they're properly aligned with the screws or bolts holding them in place.
Close and lock the patio door once you have made any adjustments that are required. If the door is properly aligned, it will open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you're still having problems it may be necessary to reposition your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. The replacement of a lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can tackle themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and unscrewing your existing lock from the inside of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed into the door and jamb to discern the kind of lock you'll have to purchase.
Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that hold the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock that is positioned on the edges of the door's frame. Adjust it either horizontally or in the vertical direction to align it with the holes for the latch. Once you have repositioned the latch plate then tighten the screws and screw it into place.
After all components have been repositioned or changed then assemble and secure the patio door in accordance with the instructions given by 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, your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is now ready to give you the security and privacy you've come to anticipate from.
As with other parts of your home the patio doors have to be aligned properly for them to function efficiently. Over time, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris, and other elements can cause hinges, door frame and locking mechanism to shift slightly. If these parts aren't aligned it's like trying to insert keys into the wrong hole for a key and it doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you can solve a problem that might have seemed unfixable. Give yourself a pat on the back for taking on the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We bet that you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Have fun! We're here for you if there are any questions or concerns.