How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is a vital element of home security. It can be difficult when your door is difficult to lock.
A locked that isn't working properly could be the result of misalignment or even simple wear and wear and tear. It is possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these troubleshooting techniques fail, you may need to replace both the mortise as well as the handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open and close the door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine will keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repairs and allowing your door to enjoy its full potential.
To begin, you'll need to clean the lock's cylinder. To do this, use a spray can of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and work the key through and out to spread the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils which could harm your locks. Also, make sure to spray a bit on the key itself as well.
After your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can apply a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid lubricants. It's a great option for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays can endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are impervious to water. However, they might require several coats to be effective.
You can also apply de-icer spray specifically designed for cold weather. It will melt ice and frost on the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will aid your lock unlock and then re-lock more easily.
How often you have to oil your locks will be contingent on the environment. The location of your door will impact its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose it to salty air which could cause corrosion. It is recommended that you regularly lubricate your locks at least twice every year, or more frequently in areas with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door continues to function properly for the years to come.
Repair My Windows And Doors
If your patio door lock isn't operating correctly, it could indicate that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a damaged patio door lock can avoid additional damage and ensure that your doors are secure. To fix a locked or non-locked patio door, you can tighten loose screws or adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting the exterior and the inside of the lock to determine whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. Patio door locks can expand or contract with the weather, and they may even shift over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanisms to stop aligning properly and can cause issues when opening or closing the door.
Then, look over the lock cylinder for obstructions within the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder can be difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the pins, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you may be able to remove any obstruction using a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists you may need to take out the cylinder in order to locate the cause.
If the lock cylinder is not been screwed onto the body of the lock, it can be loosen by unscrewing the screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may aid in restoring alignment.
Look over the cylinder for a small tab that can move upwards and downwards with the key, generally towards the end. This tiny clip, also called a "release Tab" is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. A standard key can move the tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and put back in.
If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you may be able to restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate, and the knob or handle can be pulled in and out. Once you've restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and test its functioning. If your patio door lock still isn't functioning properly It is likely that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch needs to be replaced.
Make sure you 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 wear down and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be solved with just a few steps.
Clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth remove any dirt or dust that may be present, and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, however they could draw dust and dirt which can cause further problems.
If your patio door is equipped with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is properly aligned 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. To adjust the footlock simply loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment has been completed you can tighten the screw.
The most frequent issue when it comes to repairing patio door handles is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This could be caused by wear and tear or the latch could be placed higher or below what it should be.
Begin by removing the old handle, then identify the screws or bolts that hold it in place. Make sure you keep track of them as you will require them when installing the new handle. Remove the spindle that was in use and slide the new one into place on the inside of the door. Be sure that it is in alignment with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Reinstall the interior and external handles once the spindle has been installed. Make sure they are aligned correctly with the screws or bolts holding them in place.
After you've made any needed adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If everything is in alignment, the door should open and close smoothly 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 require to be replaced.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks still not working, it could be time to replace the lock. The replacement of a lock is a fairly simple home improvement task that many homeowners can tackle by themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors completely out and removing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Study the existing lock to determine the type of lock that you'll need.
Before you install 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 then adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb in the door. After you've repositioned your strike plate, screw it into its place and tighten the screws.
Once all the components of your patio door have been repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and catches the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does, then your patio door lock is installed correctly and is able to provide the security and privacy you've come to anticipate from.
Like other components of your home should be properly aligned to function effectively. Over time, temperatures and cold weather dirt and debris and other elements can cause the frames, hinges, and locking mechanism to shift. If these parts aren't aligned it's like trying to insert keys into the wrong hole for a key: It just doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you can solve a problem that might have appeared to be unfixable. So, give yourself an ovation for tackling this task and regaining the door that was locked! We're sure you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door again. Best of luck! We're here to help if you have any questions or concerns.