10 Tell-Tale Signals You Should Know To Get A New Repair Patio Door Lock
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is essential for home security. When yours is difficult to lock, it could be a hassle.
In a lot of cases, a stubborn lock is caused by an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. It may be possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating it. If these troubleshooting methods fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open or close doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair costs and prolong the longevity of your door.
The first step in the process is to clean your lock cylinder. Use WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to accomplish this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then rotate the key to spread the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents which could harm your locks, and make sure to spray a bit on the key itself as well.
When your lock's cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants do, which is why it's a great option to lubricate locks that are sticky. 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 de-icer spray, which is specifically made for cold weather. It will break up the frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will help you unlock your lock and lock it more easily.
The climate will determine the frequency at which you should lubricate locks. A location near the coast will expose your door to salty air and cause corrosion. Temperature variations can impact the efficiency of your lock. The general rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks at least twice a year or more often if you live in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door will function properly for the years to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should it could be because one or more of its components may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a broken lock on your patio door will prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. You can repair doors that are locked or locked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting additional reading and interior of the lock for signs of damage or misalignment. Patio door locks can expand or contract in response to the weather and may even shift over time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause issues when closing or opening the door.
Next, examine the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder could be difficult to open, and can cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or the lock pins. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you may be able to remove any obstructions using a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue continues, you might need to remove the cylinder to determine the cause.
If the lock cylinder has not been screwed onto the lock body it can be removed by removing the screw on the cylinder faceplate. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may help restore proper alignment.
Check the cylinder for a small tab that moves up and down with the key, generally towards the end. This small clip, also called a "release Tab" will stop the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. A standard key will move this tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and then reinserted.
If the lock cylinder has become 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 can then be pulled and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Test it to see if it works. If the lock on your patio door isn't working properly it's likely that an additional component such as the latch or latch spring must be replaced.
Lock the Screws
The locks on patio doors can be damaged by frequent use, extremes of temperature dust and dirt. Unless properly cared for the delicate parts could wear down and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock issues can be fixed with a few simple steps.
You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that might be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases,, as these can attract dust and debris which can cause further issues.
Then, if your patio door is equipped with a foot lock that is secure be sure that the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will only require you to adjust the screws that secure your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the footlock you need to loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it up or down. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the screw securely.
When it comes to fixing the handle of a patio door, the most common problem involves misalignment between the strike plate and the latch. This can be caused by the wear and tear of everyday use or it could be due to the fact that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it should be.
Begin by removing the old handle, then identify the screws or bolts that hold it in place. Keep track of the screws or bolts, because you will need them to attach the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and place the new one into place on the interior of the door. Make sure it is in alignment with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Reinstall the interior and external handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure that they're properly aligned with the bolts or screws to secure them.
Once you've made any 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 be able to open and close smoothly, without 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 still not working, it might be time to replace the lock. The majority of homeowners can replace locks themselves. Start by sliding the patio door all the way open and unscrewing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock that you'll require.
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 edge of the door frame) and then adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the latch hole in the jamb of the door. After you've repositioned the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it into place.
After all the components have been moved or adjusted, assemble and secure the patio door as instructed 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 working as it should and can provide you with the security and privacy you've come expect from your home's doors.
Like other components of your home, need to be aligned correctly to function effectively. Over time, temperatures and cold weather dirt and debris and other elements can cause hinges, door frame, and locking mechanism to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. By following these easy steps, you can fix an issue that been thought to be impossible to fix. So give yourself an award for tackling this challenge and reclaiming your patio door's locked position! We're betting you won't face any more trouble opening or closing the door from now to the end. Good luck! We're here to help if you have any concerns or questions.