10 Tell-Tale Warning Signs You Should Know To Get A New Repair Patio Door Lock
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is crucial for home security. It can be a hassle if yours is difficult to lock.
A stubborn lock can be caused by misalignment, or even simple wear and wear and tear. It may be possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these troubleshooting techniques aren't working, you can replace both the mortise and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open and close doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication could help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair costs and will extend the life of your door.
The first step in the process is to clean the lock cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to complete this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole and work the key in and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household oil or other solvents which could damage your locks. Spray a small amount on the key.
After your lock cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid lubricants. It's an excellent choice for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both humid and freezing temperatures, but may require several coats to be effective.
You can also use a de-icer spray specifically designed for cold weather. It will break up the frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will help you unlock your lock and then unlock it with ease.
How often you have to lubricate your locks will rely on the environmental conditions. The location of your door can affect its performance. A coastal location can expose the door to salty air, which could cause corrosion. The general rule of thumb is to grease your locks every two years, or more frequently when you live in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door will perform as it should for years to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock doesn't work properly there's a chance that one or more of its components may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a faulty patio door lock can prevent any further damage and ensure your doors are safe. To fix a locked or non-locked patio door, tighten loose screws, adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting the exterior and inside of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract in warm or cold weather, and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to not align properly and can cause issues when opening or closing 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 the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you might be able of removing any obstruction using the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists then you'll need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to find the source of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock you can loosen it by uncrewing the screw that is flat inside the faceplate of the cylinder. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may aid in restoring alignment.
Look over the cylinder for a little tab that can move up and down with the key, generally towards the very end. This small clip, also known as a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. A standard key will move the tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and reinserted.
If your lock cylinder is stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The knob or handle can then be pushed, and pulled back. After you have restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and check its performance. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's a sign that another component such as the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn and will need to be replaced.
Tighten the Screws
The locks on patio doors are susceptible to damage from regular use, extreme temperatures dust and dirt. Unless properly cared for, these delicate parts can wear down and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock issues can be repaired with a few easy steps.
The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that might be found. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases,, as these can draw dust and dirt that can lead to further problems.
If your patio door is fitted 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 adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the foot lock you need to loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment has been completed you can tighten the screw.
When it comes time to repair a patio door handle, the most common problem is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This could be due to everyday wear and tear or the latch may be positioned lower or higher than it should be.
Start by removing the old handle, then find the screws or bolts that hold it in place. Be sure to keep track of them as you will need them when installing the new handle. Remove the old spindle and place the new one on the inside of the door. Make sure it is aligned properly with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure that they are aligned properly with the bolts or screws to secure them.
Once you've made any necessary adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it should be able to open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you still have problems it may be necessary to adjust the position of your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks not working, it could be time to replace the lock. patio door repairs can change a lock themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and then removing your existing lock from the inside of the door. Review the lock to determine the type of lock that you will need.
Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that secure the strike plate. This is the part of the lock that is mounted on the outside of the door's frame. Adjust it horizontally or in the vertical direction so that it is aligned with the latch hole. Once you have repositioned the latch plate then tighten the screws and screw it in place.
Once all the components of your patio door have been moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process checking the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and is secured when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is installed correctly and is ready to provide the security and privacy that you've come to anticipate from.
Like other parts of your house must be properly aligned to function efficiently. Over time, temperatures or cold, dirt and debris can cause hinges and the frame of the door to shift. If these parts aren't aligned it's similar to trying to fit a key into the wrong hole for a key and it doesn't work. You can solve a problem which seemed impossible by following these easy steps. So go ahead and give yourself an ovation for tackling this project and regaining your patio door's locked position! We're betting you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door. Best of luck! We are here to assist in case you require any assistance or have any questions.