Farleyniemann5404
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is vital for home security. If your door becomes difficult to lock, it could be a nightmare.
A stubborn lock can be the result of misalignment or even wear and wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position can aid in restoring its functionality. 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 doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair bills and extend the longevity of your door.
In the beginning, you'll have to clean the lock's the cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray bottle of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and then move the key through and out to spread the oil. Do not use household oil or other solvents which could damage your locks. Spray a bit on the key.
After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants like graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid oils. It's an excellent choice to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both moist and freezing temperatures, however it might require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also use a de-icer spray specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will remove the frost and ice from the mechanism of your lock. This will enable you to unlock your lock and unlock it with ease.
The environment will determine how often you need to belubricating locks. The location of your door will affect its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose it to salty air, which could cause corrosion. The standard rule of thumb is to grease your locks twice per year or more often when you live in an area with extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door will perform as it should for years to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock does not perform as it should it could be because one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a damaged patio door lock will prevent further damage and ensure that your doors are safe. You can repair doors that are locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.
Start by examining the exterior and inside of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Patio door locks may expand or contract depending on the weather and might even shift with time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning correctly and can cause issues when opening or closing the patio door.
Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder is difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you might be able to remove any obstruction using a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the problem persists you might need to remove the cylinder in order to locate the root of the issue.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed to the body of the lock it can be removed by unscrewing the flat screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw will let you to rotate the cylinder and may even help restore the proper alignment.
Look for patio door repair that moves with the key. It's usually located at the end. This small clip, also called a "release Tab" will stop the cylinder from sliding into the lock body in the entire way. The tab can be removed with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be taken out and then reinserted.
If the cylinder of your lock has become 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. Once you have restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and check its functionality. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's likely that a component, like the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn out and may require replacement.
Make sure you tighten the Screws
Over time, the use of regular, hot and cold weather, dirt, and dust can cause damage to patio door locks. These delicate components can wear out if not properly maintained, leading to your door to stop locking properly. Thankfully, most lock problems can be fixed easily with just a few simple maintenance steps.
The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dust or dirt that might be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts running smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, they can attract dust and debris which can cause further issues.
If your patio door is fitted with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require changing the screws that attach the foot lock to the patio door frame. Loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently move it upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock as needed. Once the adjustment is complete, tighten the screw securely.
When it comes to fixing a patio door handle, the most common problem is misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This could be due to normal wear and tear, or it could simply be that the latch is set higher or lower than it should be.
Begin by removing the handle, then identify the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Keep track of the bolts or screws, since you'll need them to attach the new handle. Then, remove the spindle that was in use and slide the new one into place on the interior of the door. Make sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle is in place, reinstall the interior and exterior handles to ensure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws which hold them in place.
After you've made the necessary 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 without any additional force. If you're still having problems you may have to move your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks are not working, it might be time to replace the lock. Installing a new lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can do themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and unscrewing your 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 jamb to get a sense for what type of lock you'll need purchase.
Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that secure the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock that is mounted on the edges of the door's frame. Adjust it either horizontally or in an upward direction to align it with latch hole. After you've repositioned your strike plate, screw it into position and tighten the screws.
When all the components of your patio door have been moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. When you're done, check the latch to make sure that it fits and catches the latch's hasp when your door is closed. If it does, then your patio door lock is installed correctly and is ready to provide the security and privacy you've come to expect from.
Like other areas of your home, your patio doors need to be aligned properly for them to work efficiently. Over time, temperature or cold, dirt and debris could cause the frames and hinges to shift. If these components are not aligned it's similar to trying to fit a key into the wrong hole for a key it won't work. By following these simple steps, you can fix a problem that might have seemed unfixable. So give yourself an ovation for tackling this project and regaining your patio door's lock position! We bet that you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door again. Good luck! We're here to help if you have any questions or concerns.
