Solutions To The Problems Of Repair Patio Door Lock
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is an essential part of home security. If your door is difficult to lock, it could be a nightmare.
In most instances, a lock that is difficult to open is caused by an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position can aid in restoring its functionality. If these troubleshooting methods fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open or close doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine can stop your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving you money on repair bills and allowing your door to enjoy its full lifespan.
To begin, you'll need to clean the lock's the 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 rotate the key to distribute it. Avoid using household oils or other solvents which could harm your locks. Make sure to spray a little on the key itself as well.
After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it's time to grease. You can use a silicone spray or a dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid oils. It's a great choice for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays can withstand freezing temperatures and are impervious to water. However, they may need multiple coats in order to be efficient.
You can also apply de-icer spray that is made for cold weather. It will melt the frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will allow you to unlock your lock and lock it more easily.
How often you need to lubricate your locks will depend on the environmental conditions. The location of your door will impact its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose it to salty air, which can cause corrosion. The standard rule of thumb is to grease your locks at least twice a year and more frequently if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save the cost of repairs and ensure that they continue to function properly for a long time.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't working correctly, it could indicate that one or more components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repair of a damaged lock on your patio door could stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws and adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by looking at the exterior and interior of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract in warm or cold weather, and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause problems when opening or closing the door.
Then, look over the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder can be difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you may be able of removing any obstructions with a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the issue continues, you may need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it in order to identify the source of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder is not been secured to the lock body, it can be loosen by unscrewing the screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may help to restore alignment.
Look for a small tab that is movable with the key. It's usually close to the end. This tiny clip, also called a "release Tab" will stop the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. A standard key can move the tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and put back in.
If the cylinder of your lock is stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pushed, and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock once you have restored the proper alignment. Check it out for its functionality. If your patio door lock isn't working properly, it is likely that an additional component such as the latch or latch spring needs to be replaced.
Lock the Screws
The locks on patio doors can be damaged by frequent usage, extreme temperatures dust, dirt and. If not properly maintained these delicate components can get worn out and cause your door to not lock properly. Thankfully, most lock problems can be fixed easily with just a few simple maintenance steps.
The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that might be found. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts functioning efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, however they can attract dust and debris which can cause further issues.
If your patio door has a foot lock that is secure be sure that the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Unlock the screw with the Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock as needed. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the screw securely.
When it comes to repairing a patio door handle the most frequent issue is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be due to everyday wear and tear, or the latch may be positioned higher or below what it should be.
Then, take off the handle that was previously used and find the bolts or screws that hold it in the place. Be sure to keep track of them as you will need them when installing the new handle. Remove the old spindle and slide the new one into place on the interior of the door. Make sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle is installed put back the interior and exterior handles to ensure that they are in alignment with the screws or bolts that secure them.
Close and lock the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should open and close smoothly without additional force. If you're having difficulty, you might need 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 aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. The majority of homeowners can replace locks themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and removing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed into both the door and the jamb so that you can get a sense for what kind of lock you'll have to purchase.
Before installing the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside of the door frame) and adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the latch hole in the jamb in the door. After you've repositioned your strike plate, screw it back into position and tighten the screws.
After all components have been repositioned or changed then assemble and secure the patio door as instructed by the manufacturer. When Repair My Windows And Doors done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and catches the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is able to give you the security and privacy that you have come to expect.
As with other parts of your home the patio doors have to be properly aligned in order for them to work efficiently. Over time, heat cold, dirt and debris can cause the hinges and door frame to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. You can solve the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these simple steps. Do yourself a big pat on your back for tackling the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We're sure you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door again. Have fun! We're here to assist in case you require any assistance or have any questions.