How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is crucial to home security. It can be a hassle if your door is difficult to lock.
In most instances, a lock that is difficult to open is due to misalignment or simple wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position could aid in restoring its functionality. If these troubleshooting methods don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open or close a door lock. Repair My Windows And Doors and lubrication will help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair costs and will extend the life of your door.
The first step in the process is to clean your lock's cylinder. To do this, use a spray can 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. Avoid using household oil or other solvents that can harm your locks. Spray a bit on the key.
After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to lubricate. You can use a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid oils. It's a great option to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both moist and freezing temperatures, however it might require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also apply de-icer spray that is made for cold weather. It will remove ice and frost on the mechanism of your lock. A few sprays of this will help 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 impact its performance. A location near the coast could expose it to salty air, which can cause corrosion. The standard rule of thumb is to grease your locks twice per year, or more frequently if you live in a region that has extreme 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 isn't working properly, it could mean that one or more of the 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. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws, adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by looking at the exterior and the inside of the lock to determine whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. Patio door locks can expand or contract with the weather, and might even shift with time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause problems when closing or opening the door.
Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder could be difficult to open, and can cause damage to the latch springs, cam or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you might be able of removing any obstructions with the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue persists, you may need to take out the cylinder in order to locate the root of the issue.
If the lock cylinder has not been screwed to the lock body and is loose, it can be loosened by unscrewing the flat screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to move the cylinder around and could help restore proper alignment.
Look for the small tab that moves along with the key. It's usually at the end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding into the body of the lock. This tab can be removed by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be taken out and then reinserted.
If your lock's cylinder is stuck, you might be able to restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pushed in and out. Once you've restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and test it for functioning. If the lock on your patio door isn't functioning properly, it is likely that an additional component such as the latch or latch spring must be replaced.
Make sure you tighten the Screws
Over time, frequent use, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and can wear down patio door locks. If they are not properly taken care of, these delicate parts can wear out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues can be easily fixed with a few simple maintenance steps.
Clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth clean any dirt or dust that may be present and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, however, as these can attract dust and debris which can cause further issues.
If your patio door has a foot lock that is secure, make sure the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the footlock, loosen the screw with the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw.
The most common problem when it comes to fixing patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be due to the wear and tear of everyday use or it could be that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it ought to be.
Then, remove the handle from the old one and locate the screws or bolts that hold it in the first place. Keep on track of the screws or bolts, since you'll need them to install the new handle. Remove the spindle that was in use and slide the new one in place on the interior of the door. Be sure that it is in alignment with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle has been installed, reinstall the interior and exterior handles, making sure that they are in alignment with the screws or bolts that hold them in place.
Close and lock the patio door once you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in alignment, the door will open and close smoothly without additional force. If you're still having trouble it could be necessary to adjust the latch or strike plate or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and need to be replaced.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. Installing a new lock is a fairly simple home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can tackle themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors completely out and removing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Study the existing lock to determine the type of lock that you'll need.
Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that secure the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock that is mounted on the edges of the frame of the door. Adjust it horizontally or in an upward direction so that it is aligned with the holes in the latch. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it into its place and tighten the screws.
Once all the components of your patio door have been moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is shut. If it does, then your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is able to provide the security and privacy you've come to expect from.
Patio doors, like other areas of your home, need to be aligned correctly to function effectively. Over time, heat or cold, dirt and debris could cause the frames and hinges to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to put a key in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. If you follow these steps, you can fix the issue that may have seemed unfixable. Do yourself a big pat on your back for tackling the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We'll bet you won't have any trouble opening or closing the door from now to the end. Good luck! We're here for you if there are any concerns or questions.
