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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is an essential part of home security. It can be frustrating when yours is difficult to lock.
A locked that isn't working properly could be the result of misalignment or even wear and tear. It may be possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating it. If these methods of troubleshooting don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open or close a door lock. A regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving you money on repairs and helping your door reach its maximum lifespan.
To begin, sliding patio door repair will have to clean the lock's the cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray complete this. Spray patio doors repairs near me of it into the keyhole and work the key in and out to distribute the oil. Do not use household oil or other solvents which could damage your locks. Spray a bit on the key.
Once your lock cylinder is clean and lubricated, it's time to apply. You can use dry lubricants such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants do, so it's a great option to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both moist and freezing temperatures, but may require several coats to work effectively.
You can also use de-icer spray, which is specifically designed for cold weather. It will melt the frost and ice from the lock mechanism. A few coats of this will allow your lock unlock and then lock again easily.
The environment will determine the frequency at which you should lubricate locks. The location of your door will affect its performance. A location near the coast could expose it to salty air which could cause corrosion. The standard rule of thumb is to oil your locks every two years, or more frequently when you live in a region that has extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save money on repairs, and ensure that it continues to work properly for a long time.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't operating properly, it could be that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a faulty patio door lock can prevent additional damage and ensure that your doors are safe. To repair a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws or 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 temperatures that are cold or hot and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause problems when closing or opening the door.
Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. A corroded or blocked cylinder is difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can clear any obstructions by using a pair of tweezers and a lock. If the issue persists then you'll need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it in order to identify the cause of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the lock body you can loosen it by unscrewing a flat screw inside the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw will let you to rotate the cylinder and could even aid in restoring the proper alignment.
Look over the cylinder for a small tab that moves upwards and downwards with the key, generally towards the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab", keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. The tab can be moved back using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be taken out and then it can be inserted.
If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you may be able to restore the proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt is in contact with the strike plate, and the knob or handle can be pushed in and pulled out. Once you have restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and test it for performance. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's a sign that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn and may require replacement.
Lock the Screws
The locks on patio doors are susceptible to damage from regular use, extreme temperatures dust, dirt and. These delicate parts can be damaged if not properly maintained, leading to your door to stop locking properly. Most lock issues can be repaired with a few easy steps.
The first thing you need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, they can draw dust and dirt that can lead to further issues.
If your patio door is equipped with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. In most cases this will only require you to adjust the screws that secure your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the foot lock you need to loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it up or down. After the adjustment is completed you can tighten the screw.
When it comes to repairing a patio door handle, the most common problem is misalignment between the strike plate and the latch. This could be caused by normal wear and tear, or the latch could be placed above or below where it should be.
Then, take out the handle that was previously used and locate the screws or bolts holding it in place. Make sure to keep track of these as you will require them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle, and then slide the new spindle into place on the inside of the door, ensuring that it is properly aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure that they are aligned properly with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.
Once you've made any necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should open and close smoothly without additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty, you might need to reposition the strike plate or latch, or the lock cylinder could be damaged and must be replaced.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks still not working, it may be time to replace the lock. Replacing a lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that most homeowners can complete by themselves. Start by sliding the patio door open and then removing the current lock from the interior side of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into both the door and the door jamb to determine the kind of lock you'll need purchase.
Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws securing the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted on the outside of the door frame) and adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the door jamb. After you've repositioned your strike plate, screw it back into its place and tighten the screws.
When all the components of your patio door are relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. Once you're finished checking the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is shut. If it does then your patio door lock is functioning exactly as it should, and is will give you the security and privacy you've come to appreciate from your home's doors.
Like other areas of your home, your patio doors need to be aligned properly for them to function efficiently. Over time, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris, and other elements can cause hinges, door frame, and locking mechanism to shift. If these components are not aligned, it's like trying to fit keys into the wrong keyhole and it doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you can solve an issue that appeared to be unfixable. So go ahead and give yourself an ovation for tackling this task and regaining your patio door's lock position! We bet that you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Best of luck! We're here to assist in case you require any assistance or have questions.
