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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is essential for home security. It can be difficult when your door is difficult to lock.
In most instances, a lock that is difficult to open 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 the lock. If these solutions fail, you may need to replace both the mortise and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open or close a door lock. sliding patio door repair and lubrication will help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair costs and will extend the life of your door.
The first step is to clean your lock cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray do this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole, then work the key through and out to spread the oil. Do not use solvents like household oil or other that can harm your locks. Spray a little on the key.
After 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 as liquid lubricants do, so it's an excellent choice to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both humid and cold temperatures, however they may require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also apply de-icer spray specifically designed for cold weather. It will remove frost and ice off the mechanism of your lock. A few sprays of this will aid your lock to unlock and then lock again easily.
The environment will determine how often you need to lubricate locks. The location of your door will impact its performance. A coastal location can expose the door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. The most common rule of thumb is to oil your locks twice per year, or more frequently when you live in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save costs on repairs, and ensure that they continue to work properly for a long time.
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 parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a damaged patio door lock can prevent further damage and ensure that your doors are safe. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws or adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by looking at the exterior and the interior of the lock to determine if there are any signs of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio doors can expand or contract in response to the weather, and they may even shift over time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause problems when closing or opening the door.
Then, look over the lock cylinder for obstructions within the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder is difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam, or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you may be able of removing any obstruction using a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue persists, you may need to take out the cylinder in order to locate the source.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed to the lock body and is loose, it can be loosened by removing the screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help to restore alignment.
Look for an elongated tab that moves along with the key. It is usually at the end. This small clip, also called a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. A standard key can move the tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and reinserted.
If your lock cylinder is stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pushed, and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's a sign that a component, like the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn and will need to be replaced.
Tighten the Screws
The locks on patio doors are susceptible to damage from regular use, extreme temperatures dust, dirt and. Unless properly cared for, these delicate parts can wear down and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock problems are easily repaired with a few easy steps.
The first thing you have to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that might be present, and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts functioning efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases,, as these can attract dust and debris which could cause problems.
If your patio door has a foot lock that is secure 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. To adjust the foot lock you need to loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment is complete then tighten the screw.
The most common problem when it comes to repairing patio door handles is the misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be due to normal wear and tear, or it could simply be that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it should be.
Then, take out the old handle and find the bolts or screws holding it in the first place. Make sure you keep track of these since you will need them later when installing the new handle. Next, remove the old spindle, and then slide the new spindle into position on the side 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 is been installed. Make sure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.
Once you've made any necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If everything is in alignment, the door will be able to open and close smoothly, without any additional force. If you're having difficulty it could be necessary to move the latch or strike plate or the lock cylinder may be damaged and need to 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 relatively simple home improvement task that many homeowners can complete by themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors completely out and unscrewing your existing lock from the inside of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed to the door and the jamb so that you can get a sense for what type of lock you'll need to purchase.
Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws securing the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted 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 strike plate, screw it into position and tighten the screws.
After all components are repositioned or modified, assemble and secure the patio door according to the instructions of 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, then your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is ready to provide the security and privacy that you've come to anticipate from.
Like other parts of your house should be properly aligned to function effectively. Over time, temperature cold, dirt and debris can cause hinges and the frame of the door to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to put keys into the wrong keyhole. It's not working. You can fix an issue that appeared impossible by following these easy steps. You should pat yourself on the back for tackling the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We'll bet you won't have any issues opening or closing the door from here on out. Best of luck! We are here to assist if you need any assistance or have any questions.
