How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is an essential part of home security. It can be difficult when yours is difficult to lock.
In many instances, a locked that is not working is due to an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position could help restore its function. If these solutions fail, you may need to replace both the mortise as well as the 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 could aid in preventing your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair costs and will extend the life of your door.
To begin, you will have to clean the lock's cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray bottle of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount into the keyhole and work the key in and out to distribute the oil. Do not use solvents like household oil or other, as they can 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 use a silicone spray or a dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid oils. It's a great option to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays can withstand freezing temperatures and are resistant to water. However, they may need multiple coats in order to be efficient.
You can also use de-icer spray that is made for cold weather. It will remove the frost and ice from the mechanism of your lock. This will enable you to unlock your lock and then lock it more easily.
The environment will determine how often you need to 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 could cause corrosion. The general rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks every two years and more frequently if you live in an area that experiences extreme 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 isn't working properly, it could be that one or more components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door will 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, adjusting the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract during hot or cold weather and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanisms to stop aligning correctly and lead to problems with opening or closing the door.
Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder could be difficult to access, and may cause damage to the cam, latch springs or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can remove any obstructions by using a pair of picklocks and tweezers. If the issue persists, you might need to remove the cylinder in order to locate the root of the issue.
If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock you can loosen it by uncrewing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder's faceplate. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may aid in restoring alignment.
Look for an elongated tab that moves with the key. It's usually located at the end. This tiny clip, also called a "release Tab" is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body in the entire way. A standard key can move this tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and then reinserted.
If your lock cylinder is stuck, you may be able to restore the proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pushed into and pulled out. After you have restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and test it for performance. If your patio door lock still isn't functioning properly it's likely that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch needs to be replaced.
Lock the Screws
Locks for patio doors can be damaged by regular usage, extreme temperatures dust, dirt and. Unless properly cared for these delicate components can wear down and cause your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be easily fixed by following a few easy maintenance steps.
You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth clean any dirt or dust that may be present and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, repair patio door lock -based lubricant will help keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases because they may draw dust and dirt, which can cause further problems.
Then, if your patio door has a foot lock that is secure, make sure the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of instances, this will require changing the screws that attach the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Remove the screw using the Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down to adjust the foot lock if needed. Once the adjustment is complete then tighten the screw.
When it comes to repairing a patio door handle the most frequent issue is misalignment between the strike plate and the latch. This could be caused by wear and tear or the latch could be placed above or below where it is supposed to be.
Begin by removing the handle, then find the bolts or screws that secure it. Make sure you keep track of these since you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, remove the old spindle and slide the new one on the interior of the door. Be sure that it is aligned properly with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle is in place then reinstall the interior and exterior handles, making sure that they are in alignment with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.
After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it should open and shut without needing any additional force. If you're still having trouble then you may need to move the strike plate or latch, or the lock cylinder may be damaged and require to be replaced.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks still don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. The majority of homeowners can replace the lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and removing the existing lock on the interior of the door. Study the existing lock to determine the type of lock you will need.
Before you install the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside edge of the door frame) and adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the jamb in the door. After you've adjusted the strike plate, screw it into its place and tighten the screws.
When all the components of your patio door are relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to make sure 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 now functioning exactly as it should, and is will provide the security and privacy you've come appreciate 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, heat and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other factors can cause frames, hinges, and locking mechanism to shift. If these parts aren't aligned, it's like trying to insert keys into the wrong hole for a key it won't work. By following these simple steps, you will be able to fix a problem that might have appeared to be unfixable. So, give yourself an ovation for tackling this task and regaining the door that was locked! We're sure you won't have any more trouble opening or closing the door from here to the end. Best of luck! We are here to help in case you require any assistance or have questions.