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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A secure patio door is vital to home security. If it becomes difficult to lock, it could be frustrating.

In most cases, a stubborn lock is the result of an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating mouse click the up coming article , or adjusting its position can help restore its function. If these troubleshooting methods fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

A door lock may become difficult to open and close over time due to dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on repair bills and extend the lifespan of your door.

To begin, you will need to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray can of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to spread it. Avoid using household solvents or other oils which could harm your locks. Also, make sure you spray some on the key itself as well.

Once your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can apply an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants do, which is why it's a great option to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays can be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are resistant to water. However, they may need multiple coats in order to be efficient.

You can also apply sprays for de-icing specially designed for colder weather and will loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will allow your lock unlock and then re-lock more easily.

The environment will determine the frequency at which you should lubricate locks. A coastal location will expose your door to salty air and cause corrosion. Temperature fluctuations can also influence the efficiency of your lock. The standard rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks every two years and more frequently if you reside in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door continues to function as it should for many long time to come.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock isn't operating correctly, it could indicate that one or more components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a damaged patio door lock can avoid further damage and ensure that your doors are secure. You can fix the patio door that is locked or locked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder.

Begin by looking at the exterior and interior of the lock for signs of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio doors can expand or contract with the weather, and they may even shift over time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause issues when closing or opening the door.

Then, look over the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder can be difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder does not fit easily, you can get rid of any obstructions using a pair picklocks and tweezers. If the issue continues, you may need to take out the cylinder in order to locate the root of the issue.

If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock then you can loosen it by uncrewing a flat screw inside the cylinder's faceplate. This screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may even help restore the alignment.

Examine the cylinder for a small tab that moves up and down using the key, usually towards the end. This small clip, sometimes called a "release Tab" is what stops 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 and then it can be inserted.

If the 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 knob or handle can then be pushed, and pulled back. After you have restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and test its functioning. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's likely that another component such as the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn out and may require replacement.





Lock the Screws

The locks on patio doors are susceptible to damage from regular use, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. These delicate parts can be damaged if not maintained properly, causing your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues can be easily fixed with a few simple maintenance steps.

Clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt that may be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts running smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, they could attract dust and debris which can cause further problems.

Then, if your patio door has a security foot lock, make sure the foot lock is aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of instances, this will require changing the screws that attach the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. To adjust the footlock you need to loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment is completed you can tighten the screw.

The most frequent issue when it comes to fixing patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be caused by wear and tear or the latch could be placed above or below where it is supposed to be.

Then, take out the old handle and locate the screws or bolts that hold it in place. Keep on track of the bolts or screws since you'll need them to install the new handle. Next, remove the old spindle, then slide the new one into position on the side of the door, making sure that it is in alignment with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Once the new spindle is in place put back the handles on the exterior and interior and ensure that they are aligned with the screws or bolts 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 proper alignment, the door should open and close smoothly without additional force. If you're still having trouble 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 tackle by themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and unscrewing your existing lock from the inside of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock that you will need.

Before you install the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside of the door frame) and then adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the door jamb. After you've repositioned the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it in place.

Once all the components of your patio door are moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process testing the latch. Make sure it fits correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is now ready to give you the security and privacy you have come to expect.

Like other parts of your home your patio doors also need to be properly aligned in order for they to function effectively. Over time, temperature, cold, dirt, and debris can cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to insert a key in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. By following these easy steps, you will be able to fix an issue that seemed unfixable. So go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this task and reclaiming your patio door's locked position! We'll bet you won't have any more trouble opening or closing the door from now to the end. Good luck! We're here if you have any concerns or questions.