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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is essential to ensure your home's security. It can be frustrating when your door is difficult to lock.
A lock that is not working can be caused by misalignment, or even wear and wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position could aid in restoring its functionality. If these solutions don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open or close doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication can aid in preventing your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on repair costs and prolong the longevity of your door.
To begin, you will need to clean the lock cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray can of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole, then work the key into and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that could damage your locks. Also, make sure you spray some on the key itself as well.
When your lock's cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants do, so it's a great option for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand moist and cold temperatures, however they may require several coats to be effective.
You can also use sprays to de-icer your lock specially designed for cold weather and can loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. This will enable you to unlock your lock, and then lock it more easily.
How often you have to oil your locks will be contingent on the environmental conditions. A coastal location will expose your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion, and temperature changes can influence the efficiency of your lock. It is recommended to ensure that your locks are lubricated at least two times every year, or more frequently in areas with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating patio door repairs near me can save money on repairs, and ensure that they 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 inspections and timely repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door will stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws, adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by looking at the exterior and interior of the lock to see if there are any signs of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract with hot or cold weather and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause problems when opening or closing the door.
Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. A corroded or blocked cylinder may be difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder does not fit easily, you can remove any obstructions using a pair picklocks and tweezers. If the problem persists then you'll need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to locate the cause of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock, you can loosen it by removing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder faceplate. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may help to restore alignment.
Look over the cylinder for a small tab that moves upwards and downwards with the key, typically towards the very end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body. This tab can be removed using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then reinserted.
If your lock's cylinder is stuck, you may be able to restore the proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt is in contact with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pushed into and withdrawn. Once sliding patio door repair 've restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and check its performance. If your patio door lock still isn't working properly, it is likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring requires replacement.
Lock the Screws
Locks for patio doors can be damaged by regular usage, extreme temperatures dust and dirt. If they are not properly taken care of, these delicate parts can get worn out and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock problems are easily fixed with a few simple steps.
The first thing you have to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that might be present, and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases since they could attract dust and other debris which could cause more problems.
Then, if your patio door is equipped with an electronic foot lock for security ensure that the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down to adjust the foot lock as required. After the adjustment has been completed you can tighten the screw.
When it comes to fixing the handle of a patio door, the most common problem involves misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This can be due to everyday wear and tear, or the latch could be set lower or higher than it is supposed to be.
Then, remove the old handle and locate the screws or bolts holding it in place. Keep track of the bolts or screws, because you will need them to install the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and slide the new one into place on the inside of the door. Make sure 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, making sure that they are in alignment 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 the door is correctly aligned, it should open and shut without needing any additional force. If you're still having trouble, you might need to adjust the strike plate or latch or the lock cylinder may be damaged and need to be replaced.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks are not working, it could be time to replace the lock. The replacement of a lock is a relatively simple home improvement project that most homeowners can do by themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door completely open and removing the existing lock from 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 discern the kind of lock you'll need to purchase.
Before installing the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside edge of the door frame) and then adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the latch hole in the jamb in the door. After you've adjusted the strike plate, secure it in its place and tighten the screws.
After all components are repositioned or modified then assemble and secure the patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process, test the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and is secured when the door is shut. If it does then your patio door lock is now working exactly as it should, and is able to give you the security and privacy you've come to expect from your home's doors.
Like other parts of your home, your patio doors need to be properly aligned for them to work efficiently. Over time, temperatures and cold weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause the hinges, door frame, and locking mechanism to shift slightly. Misaligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. You can solve the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these easy steps. So give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this challenge and reclaiming the door that was locked! We're sure you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Best of luck! We're here if you have any concerns or questions.
