The 10 Worst Repair Patio Door Lock Failures Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is essential to ensure your home's security. upvc patio door repairs near me can be a hassle if yours is difficult to lock.
In a lot of cases, a stubborn lock is the result of an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position could help to restore its function. If these solutions 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 the door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repair bills and helping your door reach its full potential.
The first step is to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, you'll need spray cans 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 oil or other solvents that can harm your locks. Spray a small amount on the key.
After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it's time to grease. You can use dry lubricants like graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants do, which is why it's a great choice for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both moist and freezing temperatures, however it might require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also apply de-icer spray, which is specifically designed for cold weather. It will remove the frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will help you unlock your lock and unlock it with ease.
The environment will determine how often you need to lubricate locks. The location of your door will impact its performance. A location near the coast could expose it to salty air, which can cause corrosion. The most common rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks every two years or more often if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save money on repairs, and ensure that it continues to work properly for a long time.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't working properly, it could be that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a faulty patio door lock can avoid additional damage and ensure that your doors are safe. To fix a locked or non-locked patio door, tighten loose screws and 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. 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 become misaligned and cause problems when closing or opening the door.
Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder might be difficult to open and may cause damage to the cam, latch springs, or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you may be able to dislodge any obstruction using a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists you might need to remove the cylinder to determine the source.
If the lock cylinder is not been secured to the lock body, it can be loosen by unscrewing the screw on the faceplate of cylinder. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may help to restore alignment.
Look over the cylinder for a small tab that can move up and down using the key, generally towards the end. This tiny clip, also known as a "release Tab" will stop the cylinder from sliding into the lock body in the entire way. 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 has become stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt contacts the strike plate. The knob or handle can then be pushed, and withdrawn. Once you've restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and check its performance. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's likely that a component, like the latch or latch spring is worn or damaged and may require replacement.
Tighten the Screws
The locks on patio doors can be damaged by regular use, extreme temperatures dust, dirt and. These delicate components can wear out if not maintained properly, causing your door to not lock properly. Thankfully, most lock problems can be easily fixed with a few simple maintenance steps.
It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that may be present. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases since they could attract dust and other debris and cause additional problems.
If your patio door is equipped with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will only require you to adjust the screws that hold your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock as required. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw.
When it comes time to repair a patio door handle the most frequent issue involves misalignment between the strike plate and the latch. This can be caused by everyday wear and tear or it could be due to the fact that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it ought to be.
Begin by removing the handle, then identify the screws or bolts which hold it in place. Be sure to keep track of these since you will require them when installing the new handle. Then, remove the spindle that was in use and slide the new one on the interior of the door. Make sure that it is aligned properly with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Reinstall the interior and external handles once the spindle has been installed. Make sure they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws holding them in place.
After you've made any needed adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it should open and shut without needing any additional force. If you're still having problems you may have to reposition your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks are still not working, it might be time to replace the lock. Installing a new lock is a fairly simple home improvement project that most homeowners can do by themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door all the way open 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 door jamb to discern the kind of lock you'll need to purchase.
Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that hold the strike plate. This is the part of the lock mounted on the edges of the frame of the door. Adjust it either horizontally or in an upward direction to align it with the latch hole. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, secure it in position and tighten the screws.
After all the components have been repositioned or changed after which you can assemble and secure your patio door according to the instructions of the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to make sure that it fits and is able to catch the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does the lock will be able to latch onto the door. If it does, your patio door lock is functioning exactly as it should, and is will provide you with the security and privacy you've come to appreciate from your home's doors.
Like other areas of your home the patio doors have to be aligned properly for them to work efficiently. Over time, heat and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other factors can cause frames, hinges, and the locking mechanism to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to put a key in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. You can solve an issue that appeared impossible by following these easy steps. So give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this challenge and reclaiming your patio door's locked position! We're betting you won't face any trouble opening or closing the door from here to the end. Best of luck! We're here to assist should you require assistance or have questions.