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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is crucial to home security. It can be difficult when your door is difficult to lock.
A lock that is not working can be caused by misalignment or even wear and tear. It may be possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these methods 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 doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine will prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving you money on repairs and allowing your door to reach its maximum lifespan.
In the beginning, you'll need to clean the lock's cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to accomplish this. 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 that can harm your locks. Spray a small amount on the key.
After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it is time to lubricate. You can apply dry lubricants such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants, so it's an excellent choice for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays are able to be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are impervious to water. However, they might require several coats to be efficient.
You can also apply sprays to de-icer your lock, which is specifically made for cold weather and will remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will help you unlock your lock and lock it more easily.
How often you need to lubricate your locks will rely on the environment. A coastal location will expose your door to salty air and lead to corrosion, and temperature changes can affect how well your lock works. It is recommended that you ensure that your locks are lubricated at least twice a year or more often if your area has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save costs on repairs, and ensure that they continue to function in a good way for many years.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't operating properly, it could mean that one or more components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a faulty patio door lock will prevent further damage and ensure that your doors are safe. To repair a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws or adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder.
Start by checking the exterior and interior of the lock to determine whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract in warm or cold weather, and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause problems when opening or closing the door.
Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. A corroded or blocked cylinder may be difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam or latch springs. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you might be able to dislodge any obstructions with a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the issue continues then you'll need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it in order to identify the source 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's faceplate. This screw lets you to rotate the cylinder and it could also help restore alignment.
Look for the small tab that moves along with the key. It's usually at the end. This small clip, also known as 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 and then reinserted.
If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you might be able to restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pushed into and withdrawn. Once you've restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and check its performance. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's likely that a component, like the latch or latch spring is worn or damaged and will require replacement.
Lock the Screws
The locks on patio doors can be damaged by frequent use, extremes of temperature dust and dirt. These delicate parts can wear out if not properly maintained, leading to your door to not lock properly. Thankfully, most lock problems can be easily fixed with a few simple maintenance steps.
The first thing you need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, energy-efficient patio door of silicone-based lubricant can keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, however they can draw dust and dirt that can lead to further issues.
If your patio door comes with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. In most instances, this will require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. To adjust the footlock, loosen the screw with the help of a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down. Once the adjustment is complete you can 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 caused by wear and tear or the latch could be set higher or below what it should be.
Start by removing the old handle, then identify the screws or bolts that secure it. Make sure you keep track of these since you will require them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and place the new one on the interior of the door. Make sure that it is aligned properly with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts to secure them.
Once you've made any necessary adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If everything is in proper alignment, the door will open and close without any additional force. If you are still having issues, you may need to reposition your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks still do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. Most homeowners can replace locks themselves. Start by sliding the patio door open and then removing the current lock from the interior side of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock that you'll need.
Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that secure the strike plate. This is the part of the lock mounted on the edges of the frame of the door. Adjust it horizontally or in a vertical direction to align it with holes for the latch. After you've adjusted the latch plate then tighten the screws and screw it in place.
After all the parts of your patio door are moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to make sure that it fits and catches the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does, then your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is ready to give you the security and privacy you've come to expect from.
Patio doors, like other components of your home should be aligned correctly to function efficiently. Over time, temperature or cold, dirt and debris can cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. When these elements are misaligned it's like trying to insert a key into the wrong hole for a key: It just doesn't work. It is possible to fix a problem which seemed impossible by following these simple steps. You should pat yourself on the back for taking on the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're sure you won't have any more trouble opening or closing the door from here on. Best of luck! We are here to assist in case you require any assistance or have any questions.
