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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is vital to home security. When yours becomes difficult to lock, it could be frustrating.
A locked that isn't working properly could be caused by misalignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position could help to restore its function. If these methods of troubleshooting don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock can become difficult to open and close over time due to dirt, dust and grime. 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.
The first step in the process is to clean your lock's the cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to complete this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to spread the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that could damage your locks, and make sure to spray a little on the key itself.
After cleaning your lock cylinder, it's time to grease. You can use a silicone spray or a dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants do, so it's an excellent choice for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays are able to withstand freezing temperatures and are resistant to water. However, they might need multiple coats in order to be effective.
You can also apply sprays for de-icing specially designed for cold weather and will remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will allow you to unlock your lock, and then relock it more easily.
How often you need to lubricate your locks will depend on the environmental conditions. A location near the coast exposes your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion, and temperature fluctuations can also affect the performance of your lock. It is recommended that you regularly lubricate your locks at least twice each year, or more often if your area has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save money on repairs, and ensure that it continues to function in a good way for a long time.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't working properly, it could mean that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a faulty lock on your patio door could stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. You can fix a patio door that is locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder.
Start by examining the exterior and interior of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks may expand or contract depending on the weather and might even shift with time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause problems when closing or opening the door.
Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder could be difficult to open, and could cause damage to the cam, latch springs, or lock pins. If patio doors repairs near me isn't simple to insert, you might be able of removing any obstructions with a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists, you may need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to locate the source of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the lock body then you can loosen it by unscrewing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder's faceplate. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may help restore proper alignment.
Look over the cylinder for a small tab that moves up and down using the key, usually towards the end. patio door repair , also called a "release Tab" will stop the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. A standard key can slide this tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and reinserted.
If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you might be able to restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pushed in and out. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's likely that a component, like the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn out and will need to be replaced.
Tighten the Screws
Over time, frequent use temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can cause damage to patio door locks. If they are not properly taken care of these delicate components can get worn out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be fixed easily with just a few simple maintenance steps.
The first thing you have 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 then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases because they may draw dust and dirt which could cause more problems.
If your patio door is equipped with a security footlock, 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 attach your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the footlock simply loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment is complete you can tighten the screw.
The most common problem when it comes to fixing patio door handles is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be due to everyday wear and tear or the latch may be positioned higher or below what it should be.
Begin by removing the handle, and then locate the screws or bolts that secure it. Keep on track of the screws or bolts, since you'll need them to install the new handle. Then, take off the spindle that was in use and slide the new one in place on the interior of the door. Be sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle has been installed then reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior 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, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it will open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you are still having issues 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 not working, it could be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can replace locks themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and removing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed into the door and the door jamb so that you can get a sense for what kind of lock you'll need to purchase.
Before installing the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's set on the outside of the door frame) and adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the jamb of the door. After you've adjusted the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then fix it with screws.
After all components are repositioned or modified after which you can assemble and secure your patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process testing the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and is secured 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 now working as it should and can provide you with the security and privacy you've come expect from your doors.
Patio doors, like other components of your home should be aligned properly to work efficiently. Over time, heat cold, dirt and debris can cause hinges and the frame of the door to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to put keys into the wrong keyhole. It's not working. By following these easy steps, you can fix a problem that might have seemed unfixable. You should pat yourself on the back for taking on the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We bet that you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Have fun! We're here to help if you have any questions or concerns.
