11 Ways To Completely Revamp Your Repair Patio Door Lock
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is a vital element of home security. It can be a hassle if it isn't easy to lock.
A locked that isn't working properly could be caused by misalignment or even simple wear and tear. It may be possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these troubleshooting techniques fail, you may need to replace both the mortise as well as the handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock can become difficult to open and close due to dust, dirt and grime. A regular cleaning and lubrication routine can keep your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving your money on repair costs and allowing your door to enjoy its full lifespan.
In the beginning, you'll have to clean the lock's cylinder. To do this, use a spray bottle of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to distribute the oil. Do not use solvents like household oil or other which could damage your locks. Spray a bit on the key.
After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to lubricate. You can use a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid oils. It's a great choice to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays can endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are resistant to water. However, they may require several coats to be efficient.
You can also apply sprays for de-icing that is designed for colder weather and will loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. This will allow you to unlock your lock and then relock it more easily.
How often you need to lubricate your locks will depend on the environment. The location of your door will affect its performance. A coastal location can expose the door to salty air, which could cause corrosion. The most common rule of thumb is to oil your locks twice per year, or more frequently if you live in a region that has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door continues to function as it should for many long time to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock does not function properly there's a chance that one or more of its components may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a faulty patio door lock can prevent additional damage and ensure that your doors are safe. To repair a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws and adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock to determine whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract in temperatures that are cold or hot and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to not align properly and can cause issues when opening or closing the door.
Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder may be difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you may be able of removing any obstruction using a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the issue continues, you may have to remove the cylinder in order to locate the cause.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the body of the lock, you can loosen it by removing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder's faceplate. This screw lets you rotate the cylinder, and may even help restore the proper alignment.
Look for an elongated tab that moves along with the key. It is usually close to the end. This tiny clip, also known as a "release Tab" is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. The tab can be moved back with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then reinserted.
If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you might be able restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pushed into and out. Reassemble the lock after you have restored the proper alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's likely that a component, like the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn out and will need to be replaced.
Make sure you tighten the Screws
Patio door locks are susceptible to damage from regular use, extreme temperatures dust, dirt and. These delicate parts may wear out if not maintained properly, causing your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be repaired with a few easy steps.
The first thing you need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust that may be present. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts functioning efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases because they may attract dust and debris which could cause more problems.
If your patio door is fitted with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will require you to adjust the screws that attach your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Unlock the screw with a Robertson screwdriver, and gently move it upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock if needed. Once the adjustment has been completed you can tighten the screw.
The most common problem when it comes to repairing patio door handles is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This could be caused by wear and tear or the latch could be placed lower or higher than it should be.
Then, take off the handle that was previously used and find the bolts or screws that are holding it in place. Keep on track of the screws or bolts, since you'll need them to attach the new handle. Then, take off sliding door repair , then slide the new one into position on the side of the door, ensuring that it is properly aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Reinstall the interior and external handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws to secure them.
Close and lock the patio door once you have made any adjustments that are required. If the door is correctly aligned, it will open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you're still having trouble it could be necessary to move the latch or strike plate or the lock cylinder could be damaged and must be replaced.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. Most homeowners can change the lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and removing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Review the lock to determine the type of lock you'll need.
Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that hold the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock that is positioned on the edges of the door's frame. Adjust it either horizontally or in a vertical direction so that it is aligned with the holes in the latch. After you've adjusted the strike plate, secure it in position and tighten the screws.
After all components have been moved or adjusted, assemble and secure the patio door as instructed by the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to ensure that it is in place and fits the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is now working exactly as it should, and is able to give you the security and privacy you've come expect from your doors.
As with other parts of your home, your patio doors need to be properly aligned for they to function effectively. Over time, temperatures or cold, dirt and debris can cause the hinges and door frame to shift. When these elements are misaligned, it's like trying to insert a key in the wrong hole for a key and it doesn't work. You can fix the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these simple steps. So, give yourself an award for tackling this task and reclaiming your patio door's locked position! We bet that you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Best of luck! We're here to help if you have any concerns or questions.