Sage Advice About Repair Patio Door Lock From A Five-Year-Old
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is essential to ensure your home's security. It can be frustrating when it isn't easy to lock.
In a lot of instances, a lock that is difficult to open is the result of the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. It's possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these solutions fail, you may need to replace both the mortise and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock may become hard to open and close due to dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on repair costs and prolong the life of your door.
To begin, you'll have to clean the lock's the cylinder. To do this, you'll need spray cans of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to spread the oil. Do not use solvents like household oil or other which could damage your locks. Spray a bit on the key.
Once your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants like graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid oils. It's an excellent choice for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both moist and freezing temperatures, but may require multiple coats to work effectively.
You can also apply de-icer spray that is made for cold weather. It will melt frost and ice off the mechanism of your lock. This will allow you to unlock your lock, and then unlock it with ease.
The climate will determine how often you need to lubricate locks. A location near the coast exposes your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. Temperature fluctuations can also affect the efficiency of your lock. It is recommended to ensure that your locks are lubricated at least once a year or more often in areas with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door will 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 may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repair of a faulty lock on your patio door will help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws or adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace 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 with warm or cold weather, and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning properly and cause problems when opening or closing the patio door.
Next, examine the lock cylinder for obstructions within the keyway hole. A corroded or blocked cylinder may be difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder does not fit easily, you can remove any obstructions using a pair tweezers and a picklock. If the problem persists it may be necessary to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to locate the source of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the lock body then you can loosen it by removing the screw that is flat inside the faceplate of the cylinder. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may help restore proper alignment.
Check the cylinder for a tiny tab that can move upwards and downwards with the key, generally towards the very end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the body of the lock. This tab can be moved back using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed, then reinserted.
If your lock cylinder is stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt is engaged with the strike plate. The knob or handle may then be pushed and withdrawn. Once you've restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and test it for functioning. If your patio door lock still isn't functioning properly It is likely that another component like the latch or latch spring must be replaced.
Tighten the Screws
Over time, frequent use, hot and cold weather dust, dirt and even dirt can wear down patio door locks. These delicate components can wear out if not properly maintained, leading to your door to stop locking properly. Most lock problems are easily repaired with a few easy steps.
sliding patio door repairs near me should first clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that might be present, and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases,, as these can attract dust and debris that can lead to further issues.
Next, if your patio door has an electronic foot lock for security, make sure the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will require you to adjust the screws that secure your 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 then tighten the screw.
When it comes to fixing the handle on a patio door the most frequent issue is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be due to everyday wear and tear or the latch could be set higher or below what it is supposed to be.
Begin by removing the handle, then identify the bolts or screws that secure it. Keep on track of the bolts or screws, since you'll need them for the installation of the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle, then slide the new spindle into the door on the inside of the door, making sure that it is in alignment with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Once the new spindle is in place put back the interior and exterior handles to ensure that they are in alignment with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.
After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If everything is in proper alignment, the door will open and close without additional force. If you are still having issues it may be necessary to move your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks still don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. Most homeowners can replace a lock themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors completely out and unscrewing your existing lock from the inside of the door. Study the existing lock to determine the type of lock you'll require.
Before you install the new latch remove the screws that hold 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 door jamb. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it into position and tighten the screws.
When all the components of your patio door have been relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to make sure that it fits and is able to catch the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is able to give you the security and privacy you've come to expect from.
Like other areas of your home, your patio doors need to be aligned properly for them to work efficiently. Over time, temperatures cold, dirt and debris could cause the hinges and door frame to shift. When these elements are misaligned, it's like trying to fit a key in the wrong hole for a key it won't work. If you follow these steps, you can solve a problem that might have been thought to be impossible to fix. Do yourself a big pat on your back for tackling the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We're betting you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door. Best of luck! We are here to help should you require assistance or have any questions.