10 Facts About Repair Patio Door Lock That Can Instantly Put You In An Upbeat Mood
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is essential to home security. If it becomes difficult to lock, it can be a hassle.
In most cases, a stubborn lock is caused by misalignment or simple wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position may help restore its function. If these solutions fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock may be difficult to open and close because of dust, dirt and grime. A regular cleaning and lubrication routine will prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repairs and allowing your door to enjoy its full lifespan.
The first step is to clean your lock cylinder. Use WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to accomplish this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to spread it. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that can damage your locks. Make sure you spray some on the key itself as well.
Once your lock cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can use a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants do, so it's a great choice for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays are able to withstand freezing temperatures and are resistant to water. However, they may require multiple coats to be efficient.
You can also apply a de-icer spray, which is specifically made for colder weather and will loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. A few coats of this will aid your lock unlock and then lock again easily.
How often you should lubricate your locks will depend on the environmental conditions. The location of your door can affect its performance. A location near the coast could expose it to salty air which can cause corrosion. It is recommended that you lubricate locks at least two times every year, or more frequently when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door will function properly for the years to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock does not perform as it should it could be because one or more of its parts could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a broken lock on your patio door will prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. You can repair doors that are locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.
Start by checking the exterior and interior of the lock to see whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio doors can expand or contract in response to the weather, and could shift over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause problems when opening or closing the door.
Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder can be difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the pins, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can clear any obstructions by using a pair of picklocks and tweezers. If the issue continues, you might need to remove the cylinder in order to locate the cause.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the lock body then you can loosen it by removing the screw that is flat inside the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may even help restore alignment.
Look for a small tab that moves along with the key. It's usually located near the end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding all the way into the body of the lock. The tab can be removed with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then returned.
If the lock cylinder has become stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The handle or knob may then be pushed and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Check it out for its functionality. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's a sign that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn out and will require replacement.
Tighten the Screws
The locks on patio doors are susceptible to damage from regular use, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. If not properly maintained, these delicate parts can wear out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock issues can be solved with just a few steps.
You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to clean any dirt or dust that might be present. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases since they could draw dust and dirt and cause additional problems.
If your patio door is equipped with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will only require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the patio door frame. Loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently push it up or down to adjust the foot lock if needed. Once the adjustment is done then tighten the screw.
The most common problem when it comes to fixing patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be due to everyday wear and tear or it could be that the latch is placed higher or lower than it should be.
Begin by removing the handle, then find the screws or bolts which hold it in place. Be sure to keep track of them as you will need them when installing the new handle. Next, remove the old spindle, then slide the new spindle into position on the side of the door, making sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Once the new spindle is in place then reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior and ensure that they are in alignment with the screws or bolts that secure them.
After you've made any needed adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If everything is in proper alignment, the door will be able to open and close smoothly, without additional force. If you're having difficulty then you may need to move the latch or strike plate or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and require to be replaced.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks still aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. Installing a new lock is a fairly simple home improvement task that many homeowners can do themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and unscrewing your existing lock on the inside of the door. Study the existing lock to determine the type of lock that you'll require.
Before you install the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside of the door frame) and adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the door jamb. After you've adjusted the strike plate, screw it back into place and tighten the screws.
After all the parts of your patio door are repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, check the latch to ensure that it fits and is able to catch the latch's hasp when your door is closed. If it does then your patio door lock is functioning just as it should and is can give you the security and privacy you've come to appreciate from your home's doors.
Like other areas of your home, your patio doors need to be properly aligned for them to function efficiently. Over time, temperature or cold, dirt and debris can cause the hinges and door frame to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole. It's not working. You can fix an issue that appeared impossible by following these simple steps. sliding glass door repairs Repair My Windows And Doors should pat yourself on your back for tackling the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We're sure you won't have any issues opening or closing the door from here on out. Good luck! We're here to assist if you need any assistance or have any questions.