How To Explain Repair Patio Door Lock To Your Grandparents
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is crucial for home security. It can be frustrating when your door is difficult to lock.
A locked that isn't working properly could be caused by misalignment or even wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position can help to restore its function. If these troubleshooting methods don't work, 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. Regular cleaning and lubrication could help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair costs and prolong the lifespan of your door.
The first step is to clean the lock cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray bottle of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole and then turn the key to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that can damage your locks. Make sure you spray some on the key itself.
Once your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can use a silicone spray or dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants do, so it's a great option for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays are able to endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are resistant to water. However, they may need multiple coats in order to be efficient.
You can also apply a de-icer spray that is made for cold weather and can lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will aid your lock to unlock and then lock again easily.
How often you should lubricate your locks will rely on the environmental conditions. A coastal location exposes your door to salty air and cause corrosion. Temperature changes can affect how well your lock works. The standard rule of thumb is to grease your locks twice per year and more frequently when you live in a region that has extreme 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 years 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 could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a defective patio door lock can prevent further damage and ensure that your doors are secure. To fix a locked or non-locked patio door, tighten loose screws or adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.
Start by examining the exterior and interior of the lock for signs of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio doors may expand or contract depending on the weather, and might even shift with time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause problems when opening or closing the door.
Then, look over the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder may be difficult to open, and can cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you might be able to dislodge any obstructions with a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue persists, you may have to remove the cylinder to find the cause.
If the lock cylinder is not been secured to the lock body and is loose, it can be loosened by unscrewing the flat screw on the cylinder faceplate. This screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may even help restore alignment.
Look for the small tab that moves with the key. It is usually close to the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab", keeps the cylinder from sliding into the lock body. A standard key will slide this tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and then reinserted.
If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you might be able to restore the proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pushed in and out. Once you've restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and test its performance. If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly it's likely that another component like the latch spring or latch needs to be replaced.
Make sure you tighten the Screws
Locks for patio doors can be damaged by frequent use, extremes of temperature, dirt and dust. More suggestions can be damaged if not properly maintained, causing your door to stop locking properly. Most lock problems are easily fixed with a few simple steps.
The first thing you have to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to remove any dust or dirt that might be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, they can attract dust and debris which can cause further problems.
If your patio door is fitted with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the footlock simply loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment is completed you can tighten the screw.
When it comes to repairing the handle of a patio door the most frequent issue involves misalignment between the strike plate and latch. This could be caused by normal wear and tear, or the latch may be positioned higher or below what it should be.
Start by removing the old handle, and then locate the bolts or screws which hold it in place. Make sure you keep track of these as you will require them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and place the new one in place on the interior of the door. Make sure it is aligned properly with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle is in place then reinstall the interior and exterior handles to ensure that they are in alignment with the bolts or screws that secure them.
After you've made any needed adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by locking and closing 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 problems you may have to adjust the position of your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks still aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. The majority of homeowners can replace the lock themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door open and then removing the current lock from the interior side of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed into the door and the door jamb so that you can determine the type of lock you'll need to purchase.
Before installing 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 vertically or horizontally to align it with the latch hole in the door jamb. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it into its place and tighten the screws.
When all the components of your patio door have been repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to ensure that it is in place and fits the latch's hasp when your door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is now functioning just as it should and is will provide you with the security and privacy you've come expect from your home's doors.
Like other parts of your home, your patio doors need to be properly aligned in order for they to function effectively. Over time, heat or cold, dirt and debris could cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. If these components are not aligned it's similar to trying to insert a key into the wrong hole for a key it won't work. By following these easy steps, you will be able to fix the issue that may have appeared to be unfixable. So go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this project and regaining the door that was locked! We're betting you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Best of luck! We are here to help in case you require any assistance or have any questions.