How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is an essential part of home security. If it is difficult to lock, it can be frustrating.
In a lot of instances, a locked that is not working is due to an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position may aid in restoring its functionality. If these methods fail, you may need to replace both the mortise and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open and close a door lock. A regular cleaning and lubrication routine can prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving you money on repair bills and allowing your door to enjoy its maximum lifespan.
The first step in the process is to clean your lock the cylinder. To do this, use a spray can of penetrating oil, like 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, as they can damage your locks. Spray a bit on the key.
Once your lock cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can use a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants, so it's a great choice for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both moist and cold temperatures, however they may require multiple coats to work effectively.
You can also apply de-icer spray specifically made for cold weather. It will break up ice and frost on the mechanism of your lock. This will enable you to unlock your lock, and then unlock it with ease.
How often you should oil your locks will be contingent on the environment. The location of your door will affect its performance. A coastal location can expose it to salty air, which could cause corrosion. The standard rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks at least twice a year or more often if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save money on repairs, and ensure that they continue to function properly for many years.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should, one or more of its components could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a faulty lock on your patio door can prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. You can fix a patio door that is locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.
Begin by looking at the exterior and the inside of the lock to see whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks can expand or contract with the weather and could shift over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause problems when closing or opening the door.
Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder may be difficult to open and may cause damage to the cam, latch springs or the lock pins. If the cylinder does not fit easily, you can get rid of any obstructions using a pair picklocks and tweezers. If the problem persists you may have to remove the cylinder in order to locate the source.
If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the lock body you can loosen it by removing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder's faceplate. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may aid in restoring alignment.
Check the cylinder for a little tab that moves upwards and downwards with the key, usually towards the end. This small clip, also called a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body in the entire way. A standard key can move the tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and put back in.
If your lock's cylinder is stuck, you might be able restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pulled in and pulled out. Once you've restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and test its performance. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's a sign that another component such as the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn and will need to be replaced.
Tighten the Screws
Over time, frequent use, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and can cause damage to patio door locks. If not properly maintained these delicate components can get worn out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues can be fixed easily with a few simple maintenance steps.
The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that might be present, and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases as they can attract dust and other debris, which can cause further problems.
If your patio door has a security foot lock, make sure the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. To adjust the footlock you need to loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it up or down. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw.
When it comes time to repair the handle on a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by everyday wear and tear or it could be that the latch is placed higher or lower than it should be.
Then, take off the handle from the old one and find the bolts or screws holding it in place. Keep on track of the bolts or screws, as you will require them for the installation of the new handle. Next, remove patio door lock repair RepairMyWindowsAndDoors and then slide the new spindle into the door on the inside of the door, ensuring that it is properly aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Reinstall the interior and external handles once the spindle has been installed. Make sure they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts holding them in place.
After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it will open and shut without needing any additional force. If you still have problems you may have to move your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. Replacing a lock is a relatively simple home improvement task that many homeowners can tackle themselves. Start by sliding the patio door completely open and removing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Study the existing lock to determine the type of lock that you will need.
Before you install the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside edge of the door frame) and then adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb in the door. After you've adjusted the strike plate, screw it into its place and tighten the screws.
Once all the components of your patio door are moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and is able to catch the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is working just as it should and is will provide the security and privacy you've come to appreciate from your home's doors.
Like other areas of your home, your patio doors need to be aligned properly for they to function effectively. Over time, temperature or cold, dirt and debris could cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. When these elements are misaligned it's like trying to fit a key in the wrong hole for a key it won't work. By following these simple steps, you can solve a problem that might have appeared to be unfixable. Do yourself a big pat on your back for tackling the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We're betting you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Good luck! We are here to assist in case you require any assistance or have questions.