How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is a crucial element of home security. If your door becomes difficult to lock, it could be frustrating.
A locked that isn't working properly could be caused by misalignment or even simple wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position may help restore its function. If these troubleshooting techniques fail, you may need to replace both the mortise as well as the 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 routine will keep your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving you money on repairs and allowing your door to reach its maximum lifespan.
To begin, you'll have to clean the lock's the cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or another penetrating spray to accomplish this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole, then work the key through and out to spread the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that could damage your locks, and make sure to spray a little on the key itself.
After cleaning your lock cylinder, it is time to lubricate. You can use a silicone spray or a dry lubricant, such as graphite powder. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid oils. It's a great option for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both humid and freezing temperatures, however it may require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also use a de-icer spray specially designed for cold weather and can remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. A few sprays of this will aid 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 affect its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose the door to salty air, which could cause corrosion. The general rule of thumb is to oil your locks twice per year or more often when you live in a region that has extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door continues to perform as it should for the years to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock does not perform as it should there's a chance that one or more of its components could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repair of a broken lock on your patio door will prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws and adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder.
Start by examining the exterior and inside of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract in temperatures that are cold or hot and can shift slightly over time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the patio door.
Next, examine the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or blocked cylinder is difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam, or latch springs. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can remove any obstructions with a pair of tweezers and a lock. If the problem persists then you'll need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it in order to identify the cause of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder is not been screwed to the lock body it can be removed by unscrewing the screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw will let you to rotate the cylinder and could even aid in restoring alignment.
Look over the cylinder for a little tab that can move up and down with the key, typically towards the very end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body. The tab can be removed using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then it can be inserted.
If the cylinder of your lock has become stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The handle or knob may then be pushed and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored the proper alignment. Check it out for its functionality. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's likely that another component such as the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn and may require replacement.
Make sure you tighten the Screws
Over time, regular use, hot and cold weather dust, dirt and even dirt can wear down patio door locks. These delicate parts may be damaged if not properly maintained, causing your door to stop locking properly. Thankfully, most lock problems can be easily fixed with a few simple maintenance steps.
You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth remove any dirt or dust that might be present, and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can help keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, they could draw dust and dirt that can lead to further problems.
If your patio door comes with an electronic footlock for security, 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 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 as required. After the adjustment is completed you can tighten the screw.
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 could be caused by normal wear and tear, or the latch could be placed lower or higher than it should 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 these since you will need them later when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle, and then slide the new one into place on the side of the door, making sure 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 patio door lock repair that they're properly aligned with the bolts or screws holding them in place.
After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If everything is in alignment, the door will open and close without any additional force. If you are still having issues you may have to reposition your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks are 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 on the inside of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock you'll need.
Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that hold the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock that is positioned on the edge of the door's frame. Adjust it either horizontally or in the vertical direction so that it is aligned with the latch hole. Once you have repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then screw it into place.
After all components have been repositioned or changed after which you can assemble and secure your patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done checking the latch. Make sure it is fitted correctly and is secured when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is ready to give you the security and privacy you've come to expect from.
As with other parts of your home, your patio doors need to be properly aligned for them to work efficiently. Over time, temperatures and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other elements can cause the hinges, door frame and locking mechanism to shift slightly. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to put keys into the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. It is possible to fix the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these simple steps. Do yourself a big pat on your back for tackling the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're betting you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door. Good luck! We're here for you if there are any questions or concerns.