Are You Responsible For The Repair Patio Door Lock Budget? 12 Top Notch Ways To Spend Your Money
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is a crucial element of home security. It can be difficult when your door is difficult to lock.
In a lot of instances, a lock that is difficult to open is caused by an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. It's possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these solutions fail, you may need to replace both the mortise as well as the handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open and close a door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication can aid in preventing your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on repair costs and prolong the longevity of your door.
The first step in the process is to clean the lock cylinder. Use WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to accomplish this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to distribute it. Do not use household oil or other solvents which could damage your locks. Spray a small amount on the key.
Once your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid lubricants. It's a great option for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays are able to withstand freezing temperatures and are resistant to water. However, they might need multiple coats in order to be effective.
You can also use a de-icer spray that is specially designed for cold weather. It will remove the frost and ice from the mechanism of your lock. A few coats of this will allow your lock to unlock and then lock more easily.
How often you need to lubricate your locks will depend on the environment. A coastal location exposes your door to salty air and lead to corrosion. Temperature variations can influence how well your lock works. The general rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks every two years, or more frequently if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door will function as it should for many long time to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't functioning correctly, it could indicate that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a defective patio door lock will prevent any further damage and ensure your doors are secure. To fix a locked or non-locked patio door, you can tighten loose screws, adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder.
Start by examining patio doors repairs near me and inside of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract with warm or cold weather, and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning properly and can cause issues when opening or closing the patio door.
Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder might be difficult to open, and could cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you may be able of removing any obstructions using a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue continues, you may need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to locate the source of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder is not been screwed to the body of the lock, it can be loosen by unscrewing the screw on the faceplate of cylinder. This screw lets you to rotate the cylinder and it could also help restore the proper alignment.
Look for the small tab that moves with the key. It is usually at the end. This small clip, sometimes 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 allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and then reinserted.
If your lock cylinder is stuck and is not aligned, you can fix it by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt is engaged with the strike plate. The handle or knob may then be pushed and pulled back. Reassemble the lock once you have restored alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's a sign that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn out and may require replacement.
Tighten the Screws
Patio door locks are susceptible to damage from regular usage, extreme temperatures dust, dirt and. If not properly maintained these delicate components can wear down and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock problems are easily repaired with a few easy steps.
Clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust that might be found. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases as they can attract dust and debris which could cause more problems.
If your patio door has a foot lock that is secure ensure that the lock is aligned 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. To adjust the foot lock simply loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the screw securely.
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 the wear and tear of everyday use, or it could simply be due to the fact that the latch is set higher or lower than it should be.
Then, remove the handle from the old one and locate the screws or bolts that hold it in the first place. Keep in mind the bolts or screws, as you will require them to install the new handle. Next, remove the old spindle, and then slide the new spindle into place on the side of the door, ensuring that it is in alignment with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Install the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure they are aligned properly with the bolts or screws to secure them.
Once you've made any necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If everything is in alignment, the door should open and close without additional force. If you still have problems, you may need to adjust the position of your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks still not working, it could be time to replace the lock. Replacing a lock is a fairly simple home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can tackle themselves. Start by sliding the patio door all the way open and unscrewing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed to the door and the jamb so that you can discern the kind of lock you'll have to purchase.
Before you install the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted on the outside edge of the door frame) and then adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the door jamb. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it back into place and tighten the screws.
When all the components of your patio door have been relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process checking the latch. Make sure it is fitted properly and catches the latch when the door is closed. If it does, then your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is able to provide the security and privacy you've come to anticipate from.
Like other areas of your home, your patio doors need to be aligned properly for they to function effectively. Over time, temperatures and cold weather dirt and debris and other elements can cause the hinges, door frame, and locking mechanism to shift slightly. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert a key in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. You can solve an issue that appeared impossible by following these easy steps. Do yourself a big pat on the back for tackling the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We'll bet you won't have any trouble opening or closing the door from here to the end. Good luck! We're here to assist should you require assistance or have any questions.