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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is a vital element of home security. It can be a hassle if it isn't easy to lock.
A stubborn lock can be caused by misalignment or simply wear and wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position can aid in restoring its functionality. If these troubleshooting methods aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock can become hard to open and close over time because of dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can keep your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving your money on repair costs and allowing your door to enjoy its maximum lifespan.
In the beginning, you'll have to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray can of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to spread the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that could damage your locks. Make sure to spray a bit on the key itself.
After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it's time to lubricate. You can apply a silicone spray or a dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid lubricants. It's a great choice for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both moist and freezing temperatures, however it may require multiple coats to work effectively.
You can also use a de-icer spray specifically designed for cold weather. It will melt the frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will help you unlock your lock and then lock it more easily.
How often you should lubricate your locks will rely on the environment. The location of your door will affect its performance. A location near the coast could expose the door to salty air, which could cause corrosion. It is recommended to ensure that your locks are lubricated at least once each year, or more often in areas with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save money 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 correctly, it could indicate that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door will stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws, adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by looking at the exterior and interior of the lock to see if there are any signs of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract with warm or cold weather, and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause issues when closing or opening the door.
Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder may be difficult to open and could cause damage to the cam, latch springs or the lock pins. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can clear any obstructions by using a pair of tweezers and a lock. If the issue persists, you may need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it in order to identify the source of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the body of the lock then you can loosen it by removing a flat screw inside the cylinder faceplate. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may aid in restoring alignment.
Check the cylinder for a tiny tab that moves up and down using the key, generally towards the very end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the body of the lock. This tab can be moved back using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed, then reinserted.
If your lock cylinder is stuck, you may be able to restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt is in contact with the strike plate, and the handle or knob can be pushed in and withdrawn. After you have restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and test its performance. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's likely that a component, like the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn out and will need to be replaced.
Lock the Screws
Over time, the use of regular as well as cold and hot weather, dirt, and dust can wear down patio door locks. If not properly maintained, these delicate parts can wear out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock problems are easily fixed with a few simple steps.
You should first clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present, and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, 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. 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 you need to loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw.
The most frequent issue when it comes to repairing patio door handles is the misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by the wear and tear of everyday use, or it could simply be that the latch is set higher or lower than it ought to be.
Then, remove the handle from the old one and locate the screws or bolts that are holding it in place. Make sure to keep track of these since you will need them later when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and then slide the new one into the door on the inside of the door, ensuring that it is in alignment with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they are aligned correctly with the bolts or screws to secure them.
Close and lock the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should open and close without additional force. If you're having difficulty then you may need to move the strike plate or latch, or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and require to be replaced.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks still aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. Installing a new lock is a relatively simple home improvement project that most homeowners can tackle themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and removing the existing lock on the inside of the door. Review the lock to determine the type of lock you will need.
Before you install 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 then adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb in the door. After you've repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then fix it with screws.
When 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'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 the lock will be able to latch onto the door. If it does, your patio door lock is working exactly as it should, and is will provide you with the security and privacy you've come to expect from your home's doors.
Like other parts of your house should be aligned properly to work efficiently. Over time, temperatures cold, dirt and debris could cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. When these elements are misaligned it's like trying to fit a key into the wrong keyhole: It just doesn't work. By following these simple steps, you can solve a problem that might have been thought to be impossible to fix. Give yourself a pat on the back for taking on the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! sliding patio door repair 'll bet you won't have any trouble opening or closing the door from now on. Best of luck! We are here to assist should you require assistance or have questions.
