The 10 Scariest Things About Repair Patio Door Lock
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is essential to home security. It can be a hassle if your door is difficult to lock.
A locked that isn't working properly could be the result of misalignment or even wear and tear. It's possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating it. If these solutions fail, you may need to replace both the mortise and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock can be difficult to open and close over time due to dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication could help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on repair bills and extend the longevity of your door.
To begin, you will need to clean the lock's the cylinder. To do this, use a spray bottle of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to distribute the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that could damage your locks. Also, make sure you spray some on the key itself as well.
After cleaning your lock cylinder it is time to lubricate. You can use a silicone spray or a dry lubricant such as graphite powder. talks about it is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid lubricants. It's an excellent choice to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays are able to withstand freezing temperatures and are resistant to water. However, they may need multiple coats in order to be effective.
You can also use sprays for de-icing, which is specifically designed for cold weather and will loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. This will help you unlock your lock, and then lock it 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 location near the coast could expose it to salty air which could cause corrosion. It is recommended to ensure that your locks are lubricated at least two times a year or more often if your area has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door continues to perform as it should for the years to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't operating correctly, it could indicate that one or more components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a faulty lock on your patio door will prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws and adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.
Start by checking the exterior and the interior of the lock to see if there are any signs of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio doors can expand or contract in response to the weather, and might even shift with time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause problems when opening or closing the door.
Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder might be difficult to access, and can cause damage to the cam, latch springs or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you may be able to dislodge any obstructions with a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the problem persists it may be necessary to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to find the root of the problem.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the lock body, you can loosen it by uncrewing a flat screw inside the cylinder faceplate. Loosening this screw will allow you to move the cylinder around and could help restore proper alignment.
Examine the cylinder for a little tab that moves up and down using the key, typically towards the end. This small clip, also called a "release Tab" is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. This tab can be moved back using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then it can be inserted.
If the cylinder of your lock is stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pulled and pulled back. Once you've restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and test it for functionality. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's a sign that another component such as the latch or latch spring is worn or damaged and will require replacement.
Tighten the Screws
Locks for patio doors can be damaged by regular use, extremes of temperature dust and dirt. If not properly maintained the delicate parts could wear down and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues can be fixed easily by following a few easy maintenance steps.
It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that might be found. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, they can draw dust and dirt that can lead to further problems.
Then, if your patio door has a foot lock that is secure ensure that the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases this will only require you to adjust the screws that attach your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Remove the screw using the Robertson screwdriver, and then gently pry up or down to adjust the foot lock as required. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the screw securely.
When it comes to fixing the handle on a patio door the most frequent issue involves misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This could be due to normal wear and tear or it could be due to the fact that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it ought to be.
Then, take off the handle from the old one and find the bolts or screws that are holding it in the first place. Keep in mind the bolts or screws, as you will require them for the installation of the new handle. Next, remove the old spindle, and then slide the new one into place on the inside of the door, ensuring that it is in alignment with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure that they're aligned properly with the bolts or screws holding them in place.
Close and lock the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in alignment, the door will open and close without any additional force. If you're having difficulty it could be necessary to move the strike plate or latch or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and must be replaced.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks are still not working, it may be time to replace the lock. The replacement of a lock is a relatively simple home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can complete themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door open and then removing the current lock from the inside of the door. Review the lock to determine the type of lock you will need.
Before you install the new latch, loosen the screws securing the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside edge of the door frame) and adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the door jamb. Once you have repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then screw it into place.
After all the components are repositioned or modified after which you can assemble and secure your patio door as instructed by the manufacturer. Once you're finished, test the latch. Make sure it is fitted correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is now ready to give you the security and privacy you've come to anticipate from.
Like other parts of your home the patio doors have to be properly aligned in order for they to function effectively. Over time, temperature or cold, dirt and debris can cause the frames and hinges to shift. If these components are not aligned, it's like trying to insert a key into the wrong hole for a key and it doesn't work. You can fix a problem which seemed impossible by following these simple steps. Give yourself a pat on the back for taking on the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We're sure you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door once more. Good luck! We're here if you have any questions or concerns.