The-Most-Advanced-Guide-To-Repair-Patio-Door-Lock-b
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is vital to home security. If it becomes difficult to lock, it could be a nightmare.
In many instances, a locked that is not working is caused by misalignment or simple wear and tear. It may be possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating it. If patio door repairs don't work you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock may be difficult to open and close over time due to dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication could help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on repair bills and extend the lifespan of your door.
The first step in the process is to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, use spray cans of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then rotate the key to distribute the oil. Avoid using solvents like household oil or other which could damage your locks. Spray a little on the key.
When your lock's cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants like graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid oils. It's a great choice for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand moist and cold temperatures, however they might require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also use a de-icer spray, which is specifically made for cold weather. It will remove ice and frost on the mechanism of your lock. A few coats of this will allow your lock unlock and then re-lock more easily.
The climate will determine how often you need to belubricating locks. The location of your door will impact its performance. A coastal location can expose it to salty air which could cause corrosion. The general rule of thumb is to grease your locks twice per year and more frequently if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save costs on repairs, and ensure that they continue to function properly for a long time.
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 repair of a broken lock on your patio door will help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. You can repair doors that are locked or locked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract during warm or cold weather, and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning properly and cause problems when opening or closing the door.
Then, check the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder may be difficult to open, and could cause damage to the cam, latch springs or lock pins. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you may be able of removing any obstructions with a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue persists then you'll need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to find the cause of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the body of the lock then you can loosen it by unscrewing a flat screw inside the faceplate of the cylinder. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could aid in restoring alignment.
Look for an elongated tab that is movable with the key. It's usually located near 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 with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then it can be inserted.
If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you may be able to restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pulled in and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's likely that another component such as the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn and may require replacement.
Lock the Screws
Over time, frequent use, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and can cause damage to patio door locks. These delicate components can wear out if not properly maintained, causing your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues can be easily fixed with just a few simple maintenance steps.
The first thing you have to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust that might be found. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts functioning efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, however they can attract dust and debris which can cause further issues.
Next, if your patio door has a foot lock that is secure be sure that the foot lock is aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will only require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. Loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently move it up or down to adjust the foot lock as needed. Once the adjustment is done, tighten the screw securely.
When it comes to fixing the handle of a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment between the strike plate and latch. This could be caused by wear and tear or the latch could be placed lower or higher than it should be.
Start by removing the handle, and then locate the bolts or screws that secure it. Be sure to keep track of them as you will need them later when installing the new handle. Next, remove the old spindle, and then slide the new one into position on the side of the door, ensuring that it is in alignment with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Once the new spindle is in place, reinstall the interior and exterior handles to ensure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws that secure them.
After you've made any needed adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should open and close without any additional force. If you're still having trouble it could be necessary to adjust the latch or strike plate, or the lock cylinder could be damaged and need to be replaced.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks are not working, it may be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can change the lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio door completely open and unscrewing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Study the existing lock to determine the type of lock you will need.
Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that hold the strike plate. This is the part of the lock mounted on the outside of the frame of the door. Adjust it horizontally or in a vertical direction to align it with the holes for the latch. After you've adjusted the strike plate, screw it back into place and tighten the screws.
When all the components of your patio door are moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, check the latch to ensure that it fits and catches the latch's hasp when your door is closed. If it does, then your patio door lock is installed correctly and is now ready to provide the security and privacy you have come to expect.
As with other parts of your home the patio doors have to be aligned properly for them to work efficiently. Over time, temperatures and cold weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause the frames, hinges, and locking mechanism to shift. When these elements are misaligned it's like trying to fit a key into the wrong hole for a key it won't work. If you follow these steps, you can fix the issue that may have been thought to be impossible to fix. Do yourself a big pat on your back for tackling the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're betting you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door again. Good luck! We're here to help if you have any concerns or questions.
