Responsible For The Repair Patio Door Lock Budget? 10 Unfortunate Ways To Spend Your Money
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is essential to ensure your home's security. If it becomes difficult to lock, it can be a hassle.
A lock that is not working can be caused by misalignment, or even wear and wear and tear. It's possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these solutions don't work you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock can be difficult to open and close due to dirt, dust and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair costs and will extend the longevity of your door.
To begin, you will need to clean the lock cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray can of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils which could harm your locks. Make sure to spray a little on the key itself.
After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to grease. You can apply a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid lubricants. It's a great choice for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays are able to withstand freezing temperatures and are resistant to water. However, they may require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also apply de-icer spray that is specially designed for cold weather. It will melt the frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will enable you to unlock your lock and unlock it with ease.
The environment will determine how often you should lubricate locks. repairmywindowsanddoors near the coast will expose your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. Temperature changes can affect how well your lock works. The standard rule of thumb is to grease your locks twice per year or more often if you reside in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door will perform as it should for the years to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock doesn't work properly it could be because one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a faulty lock on your patio door can help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws and adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock for signs of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract during warm or cold weather, and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanisms to not align properly and cause problems when opening or closing the door.
Then, check the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder could be difficult to open, and can cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or lock pins. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you may be able of removing any obstructions with a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the issue persists then you'll need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it in order to identify the source of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the lock body, you can loosen it by uncrewing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder's faceplate. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may help restore proper alignment.
Look for an elongated tab that is movable with the key. It's usually located near the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the body of the lock. A standard key can slide this tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and put back in.
If your lock cylinder is stuck, you may be able restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate, and the knob or handle can be pushed into and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock once you have restored alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's a sign that a component, like the latch or latch spring is worn or damaged and will require replacement.
Make sure you tighten the Screws
Over time, the use of regular as well as cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can take their toll on patio door locks. Unless properly cared for the delicate parts could wear out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Thankfully, most lock problems can be fixed easily with a few simple maintenance steps.
The first thing you need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to remove any dust or dirt that might be present. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, however they could draw dust and dirt which could cause problems.
If your patio door comes with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. In most cases this will only require you to adjust the screws that secure your 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 gently pry it up or down. Once the adjustment is done, tighten the screw securely.
When it comes to fixing a patio door handle, the most common problem is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be caused by wear and tear or the latch may be positioned higher or below what it is supposed to be.
Then, take out the handle from the old one and locate the screws or bolts that are holding it in the place. Be sure to keep track of these since you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle, and then slide the new one into position on the side of the door, ensuring that it is aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Once the new spindle has been installed, reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior to ensure that they are in alignment with the bolts or screws that 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 proper alignment, the door should open and close smoothly without additional force. If you're still having 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 not working, it might be time to replace the lock. Replacing a lock is a relatively simple home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can do by themselves. Start by sliding the patio door open and then removing the current lock from the interior side of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock that you'll require.
Before installing the new latch, loosen 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 an upward direction to align it with holes in the latch. Once you have repositioned the latch plate then tighten the screws and screw it into place.
After all components have been repositioned or changed, assemble and secure the patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and is able to catch the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is now functioning as it should and will provide you with the security and privacy you've come to expect from your home's doors.
Patio doors, like other components of your home should be aligned properly to work efficiently. Over time, temperature, cold, dirt, and debris could cause the hinges and door frame to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole. It's not working. You can fix a problem which seemed impossible by following these easy steps. Give yourself a pat on the back for tackling the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We bet that you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door again. Have fun! We're here to help if you have any concerns or questions.