10 Repair Patio Door Lock Meetups You Should Attend
How to Repair patio door repairs is an essential part of home security. If your door becomes difficult to lock, it can be a hassle.
In most cases, a stubborn lock is the result of the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position can help restore its function. If these troubleshooting techniques fail, you may need to replace both the mortise and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock can become hard to open and close over time because of dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine will stop your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving your money on repair costs and helping your door reach its maximum lifespan.
In the beginning, you'll have to clean the lock cylinder. To do this, use a spray bottle of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and work the key into and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that could damage your locks, and make sure to spray a bit on the key itself as well.
After cleaning your lock 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 fluids. It's a great choice to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays are able to withstand freezing temperatures and are impervious to water. However, they might require several coats to be efficient.
You can also use a de-icer spray specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will melt frost and ice off the mechanism of your lock. A couple of sprays will help your lock unlock and then lock again easily.
The climate will determine how often you should belubricating locks. The location of your door will impact its performance. A location near the coast could expose it to salty air which can cause corrosion. It is recommended that you ensure that your locks are lubricated at least twice every year, or more frequently when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save the cost of repairs and ensure that it continues to work properly for a long time.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should it could be because one or more of its components could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door can 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.
Start by examining the exterior and inside of the lock for signs of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract during temperatures that are cold or hot and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause issues 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 may eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you might be able to remove any obstructions using the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue continues then you'll need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to find the root of the problem.
If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock, you can loosen it by uncrewing an elongated screw within the cylinder's faceplate. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may help to restore alignment.
Look for an elongated tab that moves along with the key. It's usually located close to the end. This small clip, sometimes called a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. The tab can be removed by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be taken out and then it can be inserted.
If your lock's cylinder is stuck, you may be able to restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt is in contact with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pushed in and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock still isn't functioning properly it's likely that an additional component such as the latch spring or latch needs to be replaced.
Tighten the Screws
Over time, the use of regular temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can cause damage to patio door locks. These delicate parts may be damaged if they are not maintained properly, causing your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be fixed with a few simple steps.
Clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present, and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, however they can attract dust and debris which can cause further problems.
Next, if your patio door is equipped with a foot lock that is secure be sure that the lock is 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. Remove the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry up or down to adjust the foot lock as needed. Once the adjustment has been completed, tighten the screw.
The most frequent issue in the repair of patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by normal wear and tear or the latch may be positioned higher or below what it should be.
Begin by removing the old handle, then find the bolts or screws which hold it in place. Keep on track of the screws or bolts, as you will require them to attach the new handle. Then, take off the spindle that was in use and slide the new one into place on the interior of the door. Be sure that it is aligned properly with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Install the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure that they are aligned correctly with the screws or bolts holding them in place.
Close and secure the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If the door is properly aligned, it will open and shut without needing any additional force. If you still have problems it may be necessary to reposition your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks still do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. The replacement of a lock is a fairly simple home improvement task that many homeowners can tackle by themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and unscrewing your existing lock from the inside of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed to the door and the jamb so that you can determine the kind of lock you'll need purchase.
Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that secure the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock mounted on the edge of the door's frame. Adjust it either horizontally or in a vertical direction to align it with latch hole. After you've repositioned your strike plate, screw it back into place and tighten the screws.
After all the components are repositioned or modified after which you can assemble and secure your patio door as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, check the latch to make sure that it is in place and fits the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does the lock will be able to latch onto the door. If it does, your patio door lock is functioning exactly as it should, and is will provide you with the security and privacy you've come expect from your doors.
Like other areas of your home, need to be aligned correctly to function efficiently. Over time, heat or cold, dirt and debris can cause frames and hinges to shift. The wrongly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to put a key in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. You can solve 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'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Best of luck! We are here to help if you need any assistance or have questions.