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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is crucial to ensure your home's security. It can be difficult when yours is difficult to lock.
A lock that is not working can be caused by misalignment or even simple wear and tear. It's possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating it. If these solutions fail, you may need to replace both the mortise 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 routine will stop your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving you money on repair bills and allowing your door to reach its full lifespan.
The first step in the process is to clean the lock cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray accomplish this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then rotate the key to spread the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents which could harm your locks, and make sure to spray a bit on the key itself.
After your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can use a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid oils. It's a great option for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, however it may require several coats to be effective.
You can also use sprays to de-icer your lock, which is specifically made for colder weather and will lift frost and ice off 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 environmental conditions. The location of your door will impact its performance. A location near the coast could expose it to salty air which could cause corrosion. It is recommended that you regularly lubricate your locks at least twice each year, or more often when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save costs 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 doesn't perform as it should it could be because one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a faulty patio door lock can avoid further damage and ensure that your doors are secure. To repair a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws, adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by looking at the exterior and interior of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Patio door locks may expand or contract depending on the weather, and might even shift with time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanisms to stop aligning properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the door.
Then, look over the lock cylinder for obstructions within the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder could be difficult to open, and can cause damage to the latch springs, cam or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can remove any obstructions using a pair tweezers and a lock. If the problem persists then you'll need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to locate the cause of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock you can loosen it by unscrewing the screw that is flat inside 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 close to the end. This little clip, called a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body. A standard key will move this tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and put back in.
If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you might be able restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt is in contact with the strike plate, and the knob or handle can be pulled in and withdrawn. Once you've restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and test it for functionality. If the lock on your patio door isn't working properly, it is likely that another component like the latch or latch spring must be replaced.
Tighten the Screws
Over time, regular use temperatures, cold and hot weather, dirt, and dust can cause damage to patio door locks. These delicate parts may be damaged if not maintained properly, causing your door to not lock properly. Most lock problems are easily repaired with a few easy steps.
Clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that may be present, and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases,, as these can attract dust and debris which can cause further problems.
If your patio door is equipped with a foot lock that is secure, make sure the foot lock is properly aligned 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. Unlock the screw with a Robertson screwdriver, and gently move it upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock if needed. After the adjustment has been completed you can tighten the screw.
When it comes to fixing the handle on a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This could be caused by normal wear and tear or the latch may be positioned above or below where it is supposed to be.
Then, take out the handle from the old one and locate the bolts or screws holding it in the place. Be sure to keep track of them as you will require them when installing the new handle. Remove the old spindle and slide the new one in place on the interior of the door. Make sure it is in alignment with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Reinstall the interior and external handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws to secure them.
Close and lock patio doors repairs near me after you have made any adjustments that are required. If the door is properly aligned, it should be able to open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you're still having trouble then you may need to reposition the strike plate or latch, or the lock cylinder could be damaged and need to be replaced.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks still do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. Most homeowners can change locks themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door open and then removing the current lock from the inside of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed to the door and the door jamb so that you can determine the type of lock you'll have to purchase.
Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that secure the strike plate. This is the part of the lock that is positioned on the outside of the frame of the door. Adjust it either horizontally or in a vertical direction to align it with holes in the latch. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it back into its place and tighten the screws.
After all the components have been moved or adjusted then assemble and secure the patio door as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to ensure that it is in place and fits the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is now working as it should and will give you the security and privacy you've come to expect from your home's doors.
Patio doors, like other components of your home, need to be aligned correctly to function efficiently. Over time, temperatures, cold, dirt, and debris can cause hinges and the frame of the door to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert a key in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. It is possible to fix an issue that appeared impossible by following these simple steps. Give yourself a pat on your back for tackling the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We bet that 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.
