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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is a crucial element of home security. If your door is difficult to lock, it can be a hassle.
In a lot of instances, a lock that is difficult to open is due to an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position may help to restore its function. If these troubleshooting techniques don't work you can replace both the mortise and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open and close doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine can stop your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving you money on repair bills and helping your door reach its full potential.
To begin, you'll need to clean the lock cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or another penetrating spray to complete this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to distribute it. Do not use household oil or other solvents that can harm your locks. Spray a bit on the key.
Once your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can apply a silicone spray or dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants do, so it's a great choice to lubricate locks that are sticky. 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 apply a de-icer spray, which is specifically made for colder weather and will lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. A few coats of this will allow your lock unlock and then lock again easily.
The climate will determine the frequency at which you should lubricate locks. The location of your door can affect its performance. A location near the coast could expose it to salty air, which could cause corrosion. It is recommended that you regularly lubricate your locks at least twice every year, or more frequently in areas with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door continues to function as it should for many long time to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock does not perform as it should, one or more of its components could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a broken lock on your patio door will stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws and adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by looking at the exterior and inside of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract in hot or cold weather and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause issues when opening or closing the door.
Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder may be difficult to access, and can cause damage to the cam, latch springs, or the lock pins. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can remove any obstructions with a pair of tweezers and a lock. If the issue continues then you'll need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to find the source of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed onto the body of the lock, it can be loosen by unscrewing the screw on the cylinder faceplate. This screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could even aid in restoring the alignment.
Check the cylinder for a tiny tab that can move up and down with the key, usually towards the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding all the way into the body of the lock. A standard key will move the tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and reinserted.
If the cylinder of your lock is stuck and is not aligned, you can fix it by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt is engaged with the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pushed, and withdrawn. Once you've restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and test its functioning. If patio door repair near me is difficult to use, it's a sign that another component such as the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn and will require replacement.
Make sure you tighten the Screws
Over time, the use of regular temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can cause damage to patio door locks. These delicate parts may wear out if not maintained properly, causing your door to stop locking properly. Thankfully, most lock problems are easily fixable by following a few easy maintenance steps.
It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dust or dirt that might be present. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases as they can attract dust and other debris and cause additional problems.
If your patio door comes with a security footlock, ensure 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 frame of the patio door. Remove the screw using the Robertson screwdriver and gently move it up or down to adjust the foot lock as needed. Once the adjustment is done, tighten the screw securely.
The most common problem when it comes to fixing patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be due to everyday wear and tear or the latch may be positioned higher or below what it should be.
Then, take out the handle that was previously used and locate the screws or bolts that are holding it in the first place. Make sure you keep track of them as you will require them when installing the new handle. Remove the old spindle and slide the new one into place on the interior of the door. Make sure that it is in alignment with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure that they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts holding them in place.
After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, be 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 problems it may be necessary to move your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks still don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. The replacement of a lock is a relatively simple home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can tackle by themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and removing the existing lock on the interior of the door. Review the lock to determine the type of lock that you will need.
Before installing the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's set on the outside edge of the door frame) and then adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the hole in the jamb in the door. After you've adjusted the strike plate, screw it back into place and tighten the screws.
After all the components have been repositioned or changed, assemble and secure the patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. Once you're finished, test 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 is installed correctly and is now ready to give you the security and privacy you've come to expect from.
Like other parts of your house should be properly aligned to function effectively. Over time, heat cold, dirt and debris can cause frames and hinges to shift. When these elements are misaligned, it's like trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole and it doesn't work. By following these simple steps, you can fix an issue that appeared to be unfixable. Do yourself a big pat on the back for taking on the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're sure you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door once more. Have fun! We're here if you have any concerns or questions.
