10-Facts-About-Repair-Patio-Door-Lock-That-Will-Instantly-Put-You-In-The-Best-Mood-s
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is an essential part of home security. If your door is difficult to lock, it could be a nightmare.
A stubborn lock can be caused by misalignment, or even wear and wear and tear. It may be possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these methods of troubleshooting aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open and close the door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication could help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on repair costs and will extend the lifespan of your door.
In the beginning, you'll have 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 oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to spread it. Avoid using solvents like household oil or other which could damage your locks. Spray a little on the key.
After cleaning patio door repair near me to lubricate. You can apply dry lubricants such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid lubricants. It's a great option for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays are able to be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are resistant to water. However, they might require several coats to be efficient.
You can also use sprays to de-icer your lock, which is specifically made for cold weather and can loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. This will allow you to unlock your lock, and then unlock it with ease.
How often you have to oil your locks will be contingent on the environmental conditions. A location near the coast will expose your door to salty air and cause corrosion, and temperature changes can affect how well your lock works. It is recommended to lubricate locks at least twice every year, or more frequently when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door continues to perform as it should for the years to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock doesn't work properly, one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door could stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. You can repair a patio door that is locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting the exterior and inside of the lock for signs of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract with hot or cold weather and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause problems when closing or opening the door.
Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder could be difficult to open and may cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or the lock pins. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you might be able of removing any obstructions using the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists, you may need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it in order to identify the cause of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the body of the lock then you can loosen it by uncrewing the screw that is flat inside the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw lets you to rotate the cylinder and it could also help restore the proper alignment.
Check the cylinder for a small tab that moves up and down using the key, typically towards the very end. This small clip, sometimes known as a "release Tab" is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. A standard key can move this tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and then reinserted.
If your lock cylinder is stuck, you might be able to restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate, and the handle or knob can be pushed in and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly it's likely that an additional component such as the latch or latch spring needs to be replaced.
Tighten the Screws
The locks on patio doors are susceptible to damage from regular use, extremes of temperature dust, dirt and. If not properly maintained these delicate components can wear down and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock problems are easily repaired with a few easy steps.
The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth remove any dirt or dust that might be present, and dry the components 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 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. Most of the time, this will only require you to adjust the screws that secure your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the footlock simply loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it up or down. Once the adjustment has been completed, tighten the screw.
When it comes time to repair a patio door handle the most frequent issue involves misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This can be due to everyday wear and tear, or the latch may be positioned higher or below what it should be.
Begin by removing the old handle, then identify the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Make sure you keep track of these since you will need them later when installing the new handle. Remove the spindle that was in use and slide the new one into place on the interior of the door. Be sure that it is aligned properly with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle is in place, reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior and ensure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws which hold them in place.
After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If everything is in alignment, the door should open and close smoothly without additional force. If you're still having problems you may have to move your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. The replacement of a lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can do themselves. Start by sliding the patio door all the way open and unscrewing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed into both the door and jamb so that you can determine the type of lock you'll need purchase.
Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that hold the strike plate. This is the part of the lock mounted on the outside of the door's frame. Adjust it horizontally or in an upward direction so that it is aligned with the holes for the latch. Once you have repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then fix it with screws.
After all the components have been repositioned or changed then assemble and secure the patio door according to the instructions of the manufacturer. When you're done checking the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and is secured when the door is shut. If it does, your patio door lock is installed correctly and is now ready to provide the security and privacy you have come to expect.
As with other parts of your home, your patio doors need to be properly aligned for they to function effectively. Over time, temperature or cold, dirt and debris could cause the frames and hinges to shift. If these components are not aligned it's like trying to insert a key in the wrong hole for a key it won't work. You can fix an issue that appeared impossible by following these easy steps. Do yourself a big pat on the back for tackling 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 now on out. Have fun! We're here if you have any questions or concerns.
