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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is crucial to ensure your home's security. If your door is difficult to lock, it can be a nightmare.
In a lot of cases, a stubborn lock is due to the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position may help restore its function. If these methods fail, you may need to replace both the mortise as well as the handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock can become difficult to open and close due to dirt, dust and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine will keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving you money on repairs and allowing your door to enjoy its full lifespan.
To begin, you'll have to clean the lock's the cylinder. Use WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray complete this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to spread the oil. Avoid using household oil or other solvents which could damage your locks. Spray a little on the key.
After cleaning your lock cylinder, it's time to lubricate. You can apply dry lubricants like graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid oils. It's an excellent choice for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays can be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are resistant to water. However, they might require several coats to be effective.
You can also apply de-icer spray, which is specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will melt ice and frost on the lock mechanism. A few sprays of this will allow your lock to unlock and then re-lock more easily.
How often you need to oil your locks will be contingent on the environmental conditions. A location near the coast exposes your door to salty air and cause corrosion, and temperature fluctuations can also affect how well your lock works. The general rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks at least twice a year and more frequently if you live in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door will function properly for long time to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't working properly, it could be that one or more components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door could prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. You can fix doors that are locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting the exterior and the interior of the lock to determine whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. Patio door locks can expand or contract with the weather and may even shift over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning properly and cause problems when opening or closing the door.
Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder may be difficult to access, and may cause damage to the cam, latch springs, or lock pins. If the cylinder does not fit easily, you can clear any obstructions using a pair tweezers and a picklock. If the problem persists you may need to take out the cylinder to determine the source.
If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the lock body then you can loosen it by removing a flat screw inside the faceplate of the cylinder. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may aid in restoring alignment.
Look for an elongated tab that moves along with the key. It's usually located close to the end. This small clip, sometimes called a "release Tab" will stop the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. A standard key can slide this tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and reinserted.
If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you might be able to restore the proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate, and the knob or handle can be pulled in and withdrawn. Once you have restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and check its functionality. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's likely that a component, like the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn and may require replacement.
Make sure you tighten the Screws
Locks for patio doors are susceptible to damage from regular usage, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. If not properly maintained these delicate components can wear out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Thankfully, most lock problems are easily fixable by following a few easy maintenance steps.
The first thing you have to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that might be present. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, they could attract dust and debris which could cause issues.
Next, if your patio door is equipped with a security foot lock, make sure the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most instances, this will require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the foot lock, loosen the screw with a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment is done, tighten the screw securely.
The most frequent issue when it comes to repairing patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be caused by normal wear and tear or the latch may be positioned above or below where it should be.
Then, take off the handle that was previously used and locate the screws or bolts that are holding it in the place. Keep on track of the screws or bolts, as you will require them for the installation of the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and then slide the new one into place on the inside of the door, ensuring that it is properly aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Once the new spindle has been installed then reinstall the interior and exterior handles to ensure that they are aligned with the bolts or screws which hold them in place.
Close and lock the patio door once you have made any adjustments that are required. If the door is properly aligned, it will open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you're still having trouble, you might need to adjust 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 are not working, it could be time to replace the lock. The replacement of a lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that most homeowners can do by themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors completely out and removing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed to the door and jamb to discern the type of lock you'll need purchase.
Before installing the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's set on the outside of the door frame) and adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the latch hole in the door jamb. After you've adjusted the strike plate, screw it into place and tighten the screws.
After patio door repair are repositioned or modified after which you can assemble and secure your patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, check the latch to ensure that it fits and is able to catch the latch's hasp when your door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is installed correctly and is now ready to provide the security and privacy that you've come to expect from.
Patio doors, like other components of your home should be aligned properly to work effectively. Over time, temperatures and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other factors can cause the hinges, door frame, and locking mechanism to shift slightly. The wrongly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to put keys in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. You can fix a problem which seemed impossible by following these easy steps. Do yourself a big pat on your back for tackling the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're sure you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door again. Good luck! We're here for you if there are any questions or concerns.
