How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is crucial for home security. When yours is difficult to lock, it could be frustrating.
In many instances, a lock that is difficult to open is due to the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. It is possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these solutions don't work you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock can become hard to open and close due to dirt, dust and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine will stop your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving you money on repairs and allowing your door to reach its maximum lifespan.
In the beginning, you'll need to clean the lock's the cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray bottle of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and then move the key in and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that can damage your locks. Also, make sure to spray a little on the key itself.
After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it's time to grease. You can apply dry lubricants such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants do, which is why it's a great choice for lubricating locks that stick. 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 that is designed for cold weather and will remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will help you unlock your lock and then lock it more easily.
How often you have to lubricate your locks will rely on the environmental conditions. The location of your door will impact its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose it to salty air which can cause corrosion. The standard rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks at least twice a year, or more frequently when you live in a region that has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save costs on repairs, and ensure that it will continue to function in a good way for a long time.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't operating correctly, it could indicate that one or more components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a faulty lock on your patio door will help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. You can repair the patio door that is locked or locked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting the exterior and the interior of the lock to determine whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract in hot or cold weather and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanisms to stop aligning correctly and can cause issues when opening or closing the door.
Next, examine the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder may be difficult to access, and may cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or lock pins. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you might be able of removing any obstruction using a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the problem persists you may need to take out the cylinder to find the cause.
If the lock cylinder is not been screwed to the body of the lock it can be removed by unscrewing the screw on the faceplate of cylinder. This screw will allow you rotate the cylinder, and could even aid in restoring the alignment.
Look for an elongated tab that moves with the key. It's usually near the end. This tiny clip, also known as a "release Tab" will stop the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. This tab can be removed by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be removed and then it can be inserted.
If the lock cylinder has become stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pushed, and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's a sign that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn out and will require replacement.
Make sure you tighten the Screws
Locks for patio doors can be damaged by regular usage, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. These delicate components can be damaged if not properly maintained, causing your door to stop locking properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be easily fixed with a few simple maintenance steps.
You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that might be present, and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases because they may attract dust and debris, which can cause further issues.
Next, if your patio door has an electronic foot lock for security ensure that the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the footlock simply loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down. Once the adjustment is complete, tighten the screw securely.
When it comes to repairing the handle of a patio door the most frequent issue is misalignment of the strike plate and the latch. This can be caused by normal wear and tear, or it could simply be due to the fact that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it ought to be.
Begin by removing the handle, then identify the bolts or screws that secure it. Make sure to keep track of them as you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and slide the new one in place on the inside of the door. Make sure that it is in alignment with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle is installed, reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior and ensure that they are aligned with the screws or bolts that secure them.
Close and lock the patio door once you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in proper alignment, the door will be able to open and close smoothly, without additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty then you may need to reposition the strike plate or latch or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and require to be replaced.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks still not working, it may be time to replace the lock. The replacement of a lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can tackle themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door open and unscrewing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Review the lock to determine the type of lock you'll need.
Before you install the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside edge of the door frame) and then adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb in the door. Once sliding glass patio door repair have repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then fix it with screws.
When all the components of your patio door are moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them according to the instructions given 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 now functioning as it should and can give you the security and privacy you've come to expect from your home's doors.
Patio doors, like other areas of your home should be properly aligned to function efficiently. Over time, cold and hot weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause hinges, door frame, and locking mechanism to shift slightly. If these parts aren't aligned, it's like trying to fit keys into the wrong hole for a key it won't work. If you follow these steps, you will be able to fix the issue that may have been thought to be impossible to fix. So, give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this challenge and regaining your patio door's lock position! We're betting you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door again. Best of luck! We are here to assist if you need any assistance or have any questions.