10 Facts About Repair Patio Door Lock That Will Instantly Put You In A Good Mood
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is a vital element of home security. If your door becomes difficult to lock, it can be frustrating.
A locked that isn't working properly could be caused by misalignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position can help to restore its function. If these solutions don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock can become difficult to open and close due to dirt, dust and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can stop your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving you money on repairs and helping your door reach its full potential.
To begin, you'll need 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 of oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to spread it. Do not use solvents like household oil or other, as they can damage your locks. Spray a small amount on the key.
After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it's time to lubricate. You can use a silicone spray or a dry lubricant, such as graphite powder. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid oils. It's a great choice for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays can withstand freezing temperatures and are impervious to water. However, they may require several coats to be efficient.
You can also use sprays to de-icer your lock specially 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.
How often you have to lubricate your locks will depend on the environment. The location of your door will affect its performance. A coastal location can expose it to salty air, which could cause corrosion. It is recommended that you regularly lubricate your locks at least two times each year, or more often if your area has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save the cost of repairs and ensure that they continue to work properly for many years.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock does not function properly it could be because one or more of its parts could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repair of a damaged lock on your patio door can help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. To repair sliding patio door repair near me locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws, adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.
Start by examining the exterior and inside of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks may expand or contract depending on the weather and may even shift over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to not align properly and can cause issues when opening or closing the patio door.
Then, check the lock cylinder for obstructions within the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder may be difficult to open and may cause damage to the cam, latch springs, or the lock pins. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you may be able to remove any obstruction using the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue continues, you may need to take out the cylinder to determine the source.
If the lock cylinder has not been screwed onto the lock body, it can be loosen by unscrewing the screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to move the cylinder around and could help to restore alignment.
Look for the small tab that is movable with the key. It's usually close to the end. This little clip, called a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding into the lock body. The tab can be removed with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then reinserted.
If your lock cylinder is stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt contacts the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pulled and withdrawn. Once you've restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and test its functioning. If your patio door lock still isn't working properly it's likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring needs to be replaced.
Tighten the Screws
Over time, regular use, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and can take their toll on patio door locks. These delicate parts can be damaged if they are not properly maintained, leading to your door to stop locking properly. Thankfully, most lock problems can be easily fixed by following a few easy maintenance steps.
The first thing you have to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dust or dirt that may be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts functioning efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants with oil bases as they can attract dust and other debris, which can cause further issues.
Next, if your patio door has a foot lock that is secure, make sure the foot lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require changing the screws that attach the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Remove the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently move it upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock as needed. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the screw securely.
The most common problem when it comes to repairing patio door handles is the misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This could be caused by normal wear and tear, or the latch could be placed above or below where it should be.
Begin by removing the handle, then find the bolts or screws that secure it. Keep on track of the bolts or screws, because you will need them to install the new handle. Remove the spindle that was in use and slide the new one in place on the interior of the door. Be sure that it is in alignment with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle is in place put back the interior and exterior handles and ensure that they are in alignment with the bolts or screws that secure them.
Close and lock the patio door once you have made any necessary adjustments. If the door is correctly aligned, it will open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty, you might need to adjust the strike plate or latch, or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and require to be replaced.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks still not working, it could be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can change locks themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door completely open and unscrewing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into the door and the door jamb so that you can discern the type of lock you'll need to purchase.
Before you install 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 adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the hole in the jamb of the door. After you've repositioned 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. Once you're finished checking the latch. Make sure it fits correctly and is secured when the door is shut. If it does then your patio door lock is now functioning just as it should and is able to give you the security and privacy you've come expect from your doors.
Like other parts of your home your patio doors also need to be aligned properly for them to function efficiently. Over time, cold and hot weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause hinges, door frame and locking mechanism to shift slightly. Misaligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to put keys in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. If you follow these steps, you can fix a problem that might have seemed unfixable. Do yourself a big pat on the back for tackling the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're sure you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door again. Have fun! We're here for you if there are any concerns or questions.