10 Reasons Why People Hate Repair Patio Door Lock. Repair Patio Door Lock
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is vital to home security. When yours becomes difficult to lock, it could be a hassle.
In most instances, a locked that is not working is the result of an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. It may be possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these methods of troubleshooting don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open or close a door lock. A regular cleaning and lubrication routine will prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving your money on repair costs and helping your door reach its maximum lifespan.
To begin, you'll need to clean the lock's cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray complete this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole and work the key into and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils which could harm your locks. Make sure you spray some on the key itself as well.
Once your lock cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants like 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 to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays can be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are resistant to water. However, they may need multiple coats in order to be efficient.
You can also use de-icer spray that is made for cold weather. It will remove the frost and ice from the lock mechanism. A few coats of this will help your lock unlock and then re-lock more easily.
The environment will determine the frequency at which you should lubricate locks. A coastal location exposes your door to salty air and lead to corrosion. Temperature fluctuations can also influence the performance of your lock. The most common rule of thumb is to oil your locks twice per year or more often if you reside in an area with extreme weather conditions. Lubricating sliding patio door repair will save the cost of repairs and ensure that it will continue to function in a good way for many years.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should there's a chance that one or more of its components may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a broken lock on your patio door could help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. You can fix doors that are locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.
Begin by looking at the exterior and inside of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract during temperatures that are cold or hot and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause problems when opening or closing the door.
Then, look over the lock cylinder for obstructions within the keyway hole. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder is difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam, or latch springs. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you might be able of removing any obstructions with a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue persists, you may have to remove the cylinder to determine the source.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the lock body, you can loosen it by removing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder's faceplate. This screw will let you to rotate the cylinder and could even aid in restoring the proper alignment.
Look for a small tab that moves with the key. It's usually near the end. This little clip, called a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the body of the lock. A standard key will move the tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and put back in.
If your lock cylinder is stuck, you may be able to restore the proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pushed into and pulled out. Reassemble the lock after you have restored proper alignment. Check it out for its functionality. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's a sign that a component, like the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn and will need to be replaced.
Tighten the Screws
Over time, the use of regular as well as cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can cause damage to patio door locks. These delicate components can be damaged if not properly maintained, leading to your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be easily fixed with just a few simple maintenance steps.
It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to clean any dust or dirt that might be present. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, however they could attract dust and debris which can cause further issues.
If your patio door is fitted 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 attach your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the foot lock, loosen the screw with the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it up or down. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the screw.
When it comes to fixing a patio door handle, the most common problem involves misalignment between the strike plate and the latch. This could be due to everyday wear and tear or the latch may be positioned lower or higher than it is supposed to be.
Begin by removing the old handle, then identify the screws or bolts that hold it in place. Keep on track of the bolts or screws, because you will need them for the installation of the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle, then slide the new spindle into the door on the side of the door, ensuring that it is in alignment with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Reinstall the interior and external handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they're aligned properly with the bolts or screws that hold 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 everything is in alignment, the door should open and close without any additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty, you might need 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 not working, it could be time to replace the lock. Replacing a lock is a fairly simple home improvement project that most homeowners can do by themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and removing the existing lock on the inside of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed to the door and the door jamb so that you can get a sense for what kind of lock you'll need purchase.
Before installing the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's set on the outside of the door frame) and adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the latch hole in the jamb of the door. Once you have repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then fix it with screws.
After all the components are repositioned or modified, assemble and secure the patio door according to the instructions of the manufacturer. Once you're finished checking the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and is secured when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is installed correctly and is able to give you the security and privacy you have come to expect.
Like other parts of your house must be aligned properly to work efficiently. Over time, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris, and other elements can cause the hinges, door frame and locking mechanism to shift. If these parts aren't aligned, it's like trying to fit a key in the wrong hole for a key it won't work. By following these easy steps, you can solve an issue that seemed unfixable. So give yourself an award for tackling this project and regaining your patio door's lock position! We're sure you won't have any issues opening or closing the door from now on. Best of luck! We're here to assist if you need any assistance or have questions.