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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is crucial to ensure your home's security. When yours becomes difficult to lock, it could be a nightmare.
In many cases, a stubborn lock is caused by an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position can aid in restoring its functionality. If these methods of troubleshooting fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open or close the door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine will prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving you money on repairs and helping your door reach its full potential.
The first step in the process is to clean your lock the cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to complete this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to spread the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents which could harm your locks. Make sure to spray a little on the key itself.
After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to grease. You can use 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 oils. It's a great option for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both humid and freezing temperatures, but may require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also apply de-icer spray, which is specifically made for cold weather. It will melt frost and ice off the mechanism of your lock. This will allow you to unlock your lock and then unlock it with ease.
The climate will determine how often you should belubricating locks. A location near the coast will expose your door to salty air and cause corrosion, and temperature changes can affect the performance of your lock. It is recommended to regularly lubricate your locks at least once every year, or more frequently when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save the cost of repairs and ensure that it will continue to function properly for many years.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could be that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a defective patio door lock can prevent further damage and ensure that your doors are safe. You can fix doors that are locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.
Start by checking the exterior and interior of the lock to see whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks can expand or contract in response to the weather, and might even shift with time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause problems when closing or opening the door.
Next, examine the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder might be difficult to access, and could cause damage to the cam, latch springs, or the lock pins. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can clear any obstructions with a pair of tweezers and a lock. If the problem persists it may be necessary to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to locate the source of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder has not been screwed onto the body of the lock and is loose, it can be loosened by unscrewing the screw on the cylinder faceplate. This screw will allow you rotate the cylinder, and could even aid in restoring the proper alignment.
Examine the cylinder for a small tab that can move up and down with the key, generally towards the very end. This little clip, called a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding into the lock body. A standard key will move this tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and reinserted.
If your lock's cylinder 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, reassemble the lock and test it for functioning. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's likely that a component, like the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn out and may require replacement.
Lock the Screws
Patio door locks can be damaged by regular use, extreme temperatures dust, dirt and. These delicate components can be damaged if not properly maintained, leading to your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be repaired with a few easy steps.
You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that might be present. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, however they could attract dust and debris that can lead to further problems.
If your patio door comes with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. In most instances, this will require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Remove sliding patio door repair using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry up or down to adjust the foot lock as required. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw.
The most common problem when it comes to fixing patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be due to everyday wear and tear or the latch may be positioned higher or below what it should be.
Begin by removing the handle, and then locate the bolts or screws which hold it in place. Make sure to keep track of these since you will need them when installing the new handle. Next, remove the old spindle, and then slide the new one into place on the inside of the door, making sure that it is in alignment with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Once the new spindle has been installed put back the handles for both exterior and interior to ensure that they are in alignment with the screws or bolts that hold them in place.
Close and secure the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If the door is properly aligned, it should be able to open and shut without needing any additional force. If you're having difficulty it could be necessary to adjust the latch or strike plate, or the lock cylinder could be damaged and require to be replaced.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks are not working, it may be time to replace the lock. Installing a new lock is a fairly simple home improvement task that many homeowners can complete by themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door all the way open and unscrewing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock you will need.
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. After you've adjusted the strike plate, screw it into 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. When you're done testing the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is closed. If it does then your patio door lock is now functioning just as it should and is able to provide you with the security and privacy you've come to expect from your home's doors.
Like other areas of your home must be aligned correctly to function effectively. Over time, heat, cold, dirt, and debris can cause hinges and door frame to shift. When these elements are misaligned it's similar to trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole: It just doesn't work. You can solve the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these simple steps. So, give yourself an ovation for tackling this task and regaining the door that was locked! We're sure you won't have any more trouble opening or closing the door from now to the end. Have fun! We're here if you have any concerns or questions.
