How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is essential to ensure your home's security. If your door becomes difficult to lock, it can be a nightmare.
A stubborn lock can be the result of misalignment or even simple wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position could help restore its function. If these troubleshooting techniques aren't working, you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open or close a door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine will keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repairs and allowing your door to reach its full potential.
To begin, you will need to clean the lock's the cylinder. Use 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, and make sure you spray some on the key itself as well.
After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to grease. You can use a silicone spray or a dry lubricant, such as graphite powder. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid lubricants. It's an excellent choice for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, but might require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also use de-icer spray specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will melt the frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will enable you to unlock your lock and lock it more easily.
The environment will determine how often you should belubricating locks. A location with a coastline exposes your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. Temperature variations can affect the performance of your lock. It is recommended that you lubricate locks at least twice each year, or more often in areas with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save the cost of repairs and ensure that it continues to work properly for a long time.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock does not perform as it should there's a chance that one or more of its components could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a damaged patio door lock can prevent further damage and ensure that your doors are secure. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws, adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock to see whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. patio door repair for patio doors can expand or contract in response to the weather, and they might even shift with time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning correctly and cause problems when opening or closing the patio door.
Then, look over the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder can be difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the pins, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you might be able to remove any obstructions with a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue persists, you may need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to find the source of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the lock body then you can loosen it by uncrewing an elongated screw within the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw will allow you rotate the cylinder, and may even help restore alignment.
Examine the cylinder for a little tab that can move up and down with the key, usually towards the end. This small clip, sometimes called a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. This tab can be moved back with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed, then returned.
If your lock cylinder has become stuck and is not aligned, you can fix it by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The handle or knob may then be pushed and withdrawn. After you have restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and test it for functioning. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's a sign that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring is worn or damaged and will need to be replaced.
Tighten the Screws
The locks on patio doors are susceptible to damage from regular use, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. Unless properly cared for the delicate parts could get worn out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues are easily fixable with just a few simple maintenance steps.
The first thing you need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that may be present, and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, however they can attract dust and debris which can cause further issues.
Next, if your patio door is equipped with a security foot lock ensure that the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will only require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the foot lock simply loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it up or down. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw.
When it comes time to repair a patio door handle the most frequent issue is misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by normal wear and tear, or the latch may be positioned above or below where it is supposed to be.
Then, take out the old handle and locate the bolts or screws that are holding it in place. Keep on track of the bolts or screws because you will need them to attach the new handle. Then, remove the old spindle and place the new one on the interior of the door. Make sure that it is in alignment with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle is installed then reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior and ensure that they are in alignment with the bolts or screws that secure them.
After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should be able to open and close smoothly, without any additional force. If you're still having problems it may be necessary to adjust the position of your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks not working, it could be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can change a lock themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and removing the existing lock on the interior of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock you'll need.
Before you install the new latch, loosen the screws securing the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted on the outside of the door frame) and then adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb in the door. After you've repositioned your strike plate, screw it back into place and tighten the screws.
Once all the components of your patio door have been moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, check the latch to ensure that it is in place and fits the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does the lock will be able to latch onto the door. If it does, your patio door lock is now functioning exactly as it should, and is can give you the security and privacy you've come to appreciate from your home's doors.
Like other areas of your home should be aligned correctly to function efficiently. Over time, temperature, cold, dirt, and debris can cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. If these components are not aligned, it's like trying to fit keys into the wrong keyhole and it doesn't work. By following these easy steps, you can fix an issue that been thought to be impossible to fix. So, give yourself an ovation for tackling this challenge and regaining your patio door's locked position! We bet that you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door. Best of luck! We're here to assist in case you require any assistance or have questions.