How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is vital for home security. It can be difficult when it isn't easy to lock.
A lock that is not working can be the result of misalignment or even wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position may help restore its function. If these methods aren't working, you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open or close doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair costs and prolong the life of your door.
The first step is to clean your lock the cylinder. To do this, you'll need spray cans of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount into the keyhole, then work the key into and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils which could harm your locks, and make sure to spray a bit on the key itself.
After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it's time to grease. You can apply dry lubricants such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants, so it's a great option to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays are able to be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are resistant to water. However, they might need multiple coats in order to be effective.
You can also use sprays for de-icing that is made for colder weather and will remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will allow you to unlock your lock and relock it more easily.
The environment will determine how often you need to belubricating locks. The location of your door can affect its performance. A location near the coast could expose it to salty air, which can cause corrosion. The general rule of thumb is to oil your locks at least twice a year and more frequently when you live in an area with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save money on repairs, and ensure that it will continue to work properly for a long time.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should there's a chance that one or more of its parts could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a faulty lock on your patio door could prevent further damage and ensure 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.
Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract during warm or cold weather, and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause problems when opening or closing the door.
Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder could be difficult to access, and can cause damage to the cam, latch springs or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you might be able to remove any obstructions with the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists it may be necessary to remove the cylinder and disassemble it in order to identify the cause of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed to the body of the lock and is loose, it can be loosened by unscrewing the flat screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may aid in restoring alignment.
Check the cylinder for a little tab that can move up and down with the key, usually towards the end. This little clip, called a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the body of the lock. The tab can be removed by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be removed, then it can be inserted.
If the cylinder of your lock is stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt contacts the strike plate. The knob or handle can then be pushed, and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored the proper alignment. Test it for functionality. If the lock on your patio door isn't working properly It is likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring needs to be replaced.
Make sure you tighten the Screws
Patio door locks can be damaged by regular usage, extreme temperatures dust, dirt and. These delicate parts may be damaged if they are not maintained properly, causing your door to stop locking properly. Fortunately, most lock issues can be easily fixed by following a few easy maintenance steps.
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, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases because they may attract dust and debris which could cause more problems.
Next, if your patio door has a foot lock that is secure, make sure the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases this will require you to adjust the screws that attach your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. 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 you can tighten the screw.
When it comes to fixing the handle on a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment between the strike plate and latch. This could be caused by wear and tear or the latch may be positioned above or below where it is supposed to be.
Start by removing the handle, then identify the screws or bolts that secure it. Be sure to keep track of these since you will require them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle, and then slide the new spindle into place on the side of the door, ensuring that it is in alignment with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Reinstall the interior and external handles once the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.
Close and secure the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in alignment, the door should open and close without any 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 are not working, it could be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can change a lock themselves. Start by sliding sliding patio door lock repair and unscrewing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Review the lock to determine the type of lock that you'll need.
Before installing the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted on the outside of the door frame) and adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb of the door. After you've adjusted the latch plate then tighten the screws and screw it into place.
After all the components are repositioned or modified, assemble and secure the patio door according to the instructions of the manufacturer. After you've completed the process checking the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is now ready to give you the security and privacy you've come to anticipate from.
Patio doors, like other parts of your house must be aligned correctly to function efficiently. Over time, cold and hot weather dirt and debris and other elements can cause frames, hinges, and locking mechanism to shift. If these components are not aligned it's similar to trying to fit a key in the wrong keyhole and it doesn't work. You can fix an issue that appeared impossible by following these simple steps. Give yourself a pat on the back for tackling the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We're sure you won't have any trouble opening or closing the door from now to the end. Have fun! We're here to help if you have any questions or concerns.