Do Not Believe In These "Trends" Concerning Repair Patio Door Lock
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is a vital element of home security. If your door becomes difficult to lock, it can be frustrating.
In many instances, a locked that is not working is caused by misalignment or simple wear and tear. It's possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these solutions aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open or close the door lock. A regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can stop your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving you money on repair bills and helping your door reach its full potential.
The first step in the process is to clean the lock cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to complete this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to distribute it. Do not use household oil or other solvents, as they can damage your locks. Spray a little on the key.
When your lock's cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants, so it's an excellent choice for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both moist and freezing temperatures, however it may require multiple coats to work effectively.
You can also use sprays for de-icing specially made for cold weather and will lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. A few coats of this will help your lock unlock and then re-lock more easily.
How often you need to oil your locks will be contingent on environmental factors. The location of your door will impact its performance. A coastal location can expose the door to salty air, which could cause corrosion. The most common rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks at least twice a year and more frequently when you live in an area with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save money on repairs, and ensure that they continue to function properly for many years.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock does not work properly it could be because one or more of its parts could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a faulty lock on your patio door will stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws or adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder.
Start by examining the exterior and interior of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract during warm or cold weather, and may shift slightly 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 on the lock cylinder. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder could be difficult to open, and may cause damage to the cam, latch springs, or lock pins. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you may be able of removing any obstructions with the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue continues, you may have to remove the cylinder to determine the source.
If the lock cylinder has not been secured to the lock body it can be removed by removing the screw on the cylinder faceplate. This screw lets you rotate the cylinder, and may even help restore the alignment.
Check the cylinder for a tiny tab that can move upwards and downwards with the key, generally towards the very end. This small clip, also called a "release Tab" is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. The tab can be moved back using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed, then returned.
If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you might be able to restore the proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pulled in and out. Once you've restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and test its performance. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's likely that a component, like the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn and may require replacement.
Make sure you tighten the Screws
Over time, frequent use, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and can cause damage to patio door locks. Unless properly cared for, these delicate parts can get worn out and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock problems are easily repaired with a few easy steps.
Clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that might be present, and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants with oil bases since they could draw dust and dirt and cause additional problems.
Then, if your patio door has a security foot lock, make sure the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will only require you to adjust the screws that attach your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Loosen the screw using the Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down to adjust the foot lock as needed. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the screw securely.
When it comes time to repair the handle on a patio door, the most common problem involves misalignment between the strike plate and the latch. This can be due to everyday wear and tear or the latch could be placed higher or below what it should be.
Start by removing the old handle, then identify the screws or bolts that hold it in place. Make sure you keep track of these since you will need them when installing the new handle. Remove the old spindle and slide the new one in place on the interior of the door. Make sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Install repair patio door lock and interior handles once the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they're aligned properly with the screws or bolts that hold them in place.
After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If the door is properly aligned, it should open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you're still having trouble it could be necessary to reposition the latch or strike plate or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and need to be replaced.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks are not working, it might be time to replace the lock. Replacing a lock is a fairly simple home improvement project that most homeowners can complete by themselves. Start by sliding the patio door open and removing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into both the door and the door jamb to determine the type of lock you'll need to purchase.
Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that hold 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 an upward direction so that it is aligned with the holes for the latch. After you've adjusted the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then fix it with screws.
When all the components of your patio door are repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. Once you're finished testing the latch. Make sure it is fitted correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is shut. If it does, then your patio door lock is installed correctly and is ready to provide the security and privacy that you've come to expect from.
Like other parts of your house must be properly aligned to function efficiently. Over time, temperatures and cold weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause the hinges, door frame and the locking mechanism to shift. If these parts aren't aligned it's like trying to fit a key in the wrong hole for a key and it doesn't work. It is possible to fix an issue that appeared impossible by following these simple steps. So go ahead and give yourself an award for tackling this task and reclaiming the door that was locked! We're betting you won't face any issues opening or closing the door from here to the end. Good luck! We are here to assist should you require assistance or have questions.