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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is essential to ensure your home's security. If your door becomes difficult to lock, it could be a hassle.
In many instances, a locked that is not working is the result of an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. It is possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting or lubricating the lock. 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 and close the door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair costs and will extend the lifespan of your door.
To begin, you will have to clean the lock's cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray can of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and then move the key in and out to distribute the oil. Do not use solvents like household oil or other which could damage your locks. Spray a small amount on the key.
After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it's time to lubricate. You can use a silicone spray or dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid lubricants. It's an excellent choice to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays can endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are impervious to water. However, they might need multiple coats in order to be efficient.
You can also use de-icer spray, which is specifically designed for cold weather. It will remove the frost and ice from the mechanism of your lock. A few coats of this will allow your lock unlock and then lock again easily.
The climate will determine how often you should lubricate locks. A location near the coast will expose your door to salty air and lead to corrosion. Temperature variations can influence the performance of your lock. It is recommended to ensure that your locks are lubricated 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 that your patio door continues to perform as it should for years to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't working correctly, it could indicate that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a defective patio door lock will prevent any further damage and ensure your doors are secure. You can repair doors that are 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 during warm or cold weather, and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanisms to not align properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the patio door.
Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. A corroded or blocked cylinder can be difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam, or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you might be able to remove any obstructions with the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists it may be necessary to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to locate the cause of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder is not been screwed onto the body of the lock it can be removed by unscrewing the flat screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to move the cylinder around and could help to restore alignment.
Look for an elongated tab that is movable with the key. It's usually at the end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. This tab can be moved back using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be taken out and then returned.
If the cylinder of your lock has become stuck and is not aligned, you can fix it by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt is engaged with the strike plate. The knob or handle may then be pushed and pulled back. Once you have restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and test it for performance. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's likely that another component such as the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn out and will require replacement.
Make sure you tighten the Screws
Over time, frequent use temperatures, cold and hot weather, dirt, and dust can take their toll on patio door locks. If not properly maintained the delicate parts could wear out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock issues can be repaired with a few easy steps.
Clean the lock mechanism. Use patio doors repairs near me to get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases as they can draw dust and dirt, which can cause further problems.
If your patio door comes with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will only require you to adjust the screws that attach your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the footlock simply loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment is done you can tighten the screw.
When it comes time to repair a patio door handle, the most common problem is misalignment between the strike plate and the latch. This can be caused by the wear and tear of everyday use, or it could simply be due to the fact that the latch is set higher or lower than it ought to be.
Begin by removing the old handle, then identify the screws or bolts that hold it in place. Keep on track of the bolts or screws because you will need them to attach the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle and then slide the new one into place on the side of the door, ensuring that it is properly aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Install the exterior and interior handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure they are aligned correctly with the bolts or screws that hold 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 be able to open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you're still having problems you may have to adjust the position of your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks still do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. Installing a new lock is a moderately easy home improvement task that many homeowners can complete by themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and unscrewing your existing lock on the inside of the door. Study the existing lock to determine the type of lock that you will need.
Before installing the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted on the outside of the door frame) and adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb of the door. After you've repositioned the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it into place.
When all the components of your patio door have been 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 is able to catch the latch's hasp when your door is closed. If it does the lock will be able to latch onto the door. If it does, your patio door lock is functioning exactly as it should, and is will provide the security and privacy you've come to appreciate from your home's doors.
Like other areas of your home should be aligned correctly to function efficiently. Over time, heat and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other elements can cause hinges, door frame, and locking mechanism to shift slightly. When these elements are misaligned it's similar to trying to insert a key in the wrong keyhole and it doesn't work. You can fix an issue that appeared impossible by following these simple steps. So, give yourself an award for tackling this task and reclaiming your patio door's lock position! We're sure you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door. Best of luck! We're here to assist should you require assistance or have questions.
