How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is essential to home security. It can be a hassle if yours is difficult to lock.
In a lot of instances, a locked that is not working is the result of the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. It is possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating it. If these troubleshooting methods don’t work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock may become hard to open and close over time because of dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on repair costs and will extend the life of your door.
The first step in the process is to clean the lock cylinder. To do this, you’ll need spray cans of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then turn the key to distribute the oil. Do not use household oil or other solvents, as they can damage your locks. Spray a small amount on the key.
When your lock’s cylinder is clean and lubricated, it’s time to apply. You can apply an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn’t swell up like liquid lubricants, so it’s a great choice to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, but may require multiple coats to work effectively.
You can also apply sprays to de-icer your lock, which is specifically made for cold weather and can loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. This will enable you to unlock your lock and then lock it more easily.
The climate will determine how often you should belubricating locks. A location near the coast exposes your door to salty air and lead to corrosion, and temperature variations can affect the efficiency of your lock. The most common rule of thumb is to oil your locks twice per year, or more frequently if you reside in a region that has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save money on repairs, and ensure that it continues to work properly for many years.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn’t functioning properly, it could mean that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a defective patio door lock can prevent additional damage and ensure that your doors are safe. To repair Patio Door a locked or unlocked patio sliding door repair door, tighten loose screws or adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock to determine if there are any signs of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door repair company door locks expand and contract in warm or cold weather, and may shift slightly over time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanisms to stop aligning correctly and cause problems when opening or closing the patio door.
Then, check the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder may be difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder does not fit easily, you can remove any obstructions using a pair tweezers and a picklock. If the issue continues then you’ll need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to locate the source of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder isn’t secured to the body of the lock you can loosen it by unscrewing an elongated screw within the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw will let you rotate the cylinder, and it could also help restore the alignment.
Look for an elongated tab that moves along with the key. It’s usually located near the end. This little clip, called a “release tab”, keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the body of the lock. The tab can be moved back by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be removed, then it can be inserted.
If your lock cylinder is stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt contacts the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pulled and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If the lock on your patio door isn’t working it’s likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring requires replacement.
Tighten the Screws
The locks on patio door lock repairs doors can be damaged by regular usage, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. These delicate components can wear out if not properly maintained, leading to your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be repaired with a few easy steps.
The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth clean any dirt or dust that may be present, and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, they could draw dust and dirt which could cause problems.
If your patio door is equipped with an electronic foot lock for security be sure that the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases this will require you to adjust the screws that attach your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Unlock the screw with the Robertson screwdriver and gently move it upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock as required. Once the adjustment has been completed, tighten the screw.
The most common problem when it comes to fixing patio door handles is the misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This could be caused by normal wear and tear or the latch could be set above or below where it should be.
Then, remove the old handle and locate the screws or bolts that are holding it in the place. Be sure to keep track of these as you will need them later when installing the new handle. Remove the old spindle and place the new one into place on the interior of the door. Make sure that it is in alignment with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle has been installed, reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior to ensure that they are in alignment with the screws or bolts that hold them in place.
Close and lock the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If the door is correctly aligned, it should be able to open and shut without needing any 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. Replacing a lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that most homeowners can tackle by themselves. Begin by sliding patio doors repairs the patio doors all the way out and unscrewing your existing lock on the interior of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed into the door and the door jamb to determine the kind of lock you’ll need purchase.
Before you install the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that’s set on the outside edge of the door frame) and adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the hole in the door jamb. After you’ve adjusted the latch plate, tighten the screws and fix it with screws.
Once all the components of your patio door are relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. After you’re done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and catches the latch’s hasp when your 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.
Like other areas of your home must be aligned properly to work efficiently. Over time, temperatures or cold, dirt and debris can cause hinges and the frame of the door to shift. When these elements are misaligned it’s like trying to fit a key into the wrong keyhole and it doesn’t work. If you follow these steps, you will be able to fix the issue that may have been thought to be impossible to fix. You should pat yourself 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. Best of luck! We are here to assist if you need any assistance or have any questions.
