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 can be a nightmare.
A stubborn lock can be caused by misalignment, or even wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position can help to restore its function. If these methods of troubleshooting don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock can become hard to open and close over time because of dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine will stop your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving you money on repair bills and helping your door reach its full lifespan.
To begin, you'll need to clean the lock's cylinder. To do this, use a spray bottle of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to distribute it. Avoid using household oils or other solvents which could harm your locks, and make sure you spray some on the key itself as well.
After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it's time to grease. You can apply a silicone spray or a dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid fluids. It's a great option for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays can endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are resistant to water. However, they might need multiple coats in order to be effective.
You can also use a de-icer spray, which is specifically made for cold weather and can loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will aid your lock to unlock and then re-lock more easily.
The climate will determine how often you should lubricate 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. It is recommended that you lubricate locks at least two times a year or more often when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save the cost of repairs and ensure that they continue to work properly for a long time.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't working correctly, it could indicate that one or more components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a damaged patio door lock will prevent further damage and ensure that your doors are safe. To fix a locked or non-locked patio door, tighten loose screws, adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by looking at the exterior and interior of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks can expand or contract with the weather, and might even shift with time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanisms to stop aligning properly and cause problems when opening or closing the door.
Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder might be difficult to open, and may cause damage to the latch springs, cam or the lock pins. If the cylinder does not fit easily, you can get rid of any obstructions using a pair tweezers and a picklock. If the issue continues, you might need to remove the cylinder to find the source.
If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock you can loosen it by removing an elongated screw within the cylinder faceplate. This screw will let you rotate the cylinder, and it could also help restore the proper alignment.
Check the cylinder for a little tab that moves up and down using the key, generally towards the end. This small clip, sometimes called a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. The tab can be moved back with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be taken out and then returned.
If the lock cylinder is stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt contacts the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pushed, and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's likely that a component, like the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn out and will require replacement.
Tighten the Screws
Locks for patio doors can be damaged by regular usage, extreme temperatures dust and dirt. Unless properly cared for the delicate parts could wear down and cause your door to not lock 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 get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases since they could attract dust and debris, which can cause further problems.
If your patio door comes with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the footlock simply loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down. Once the adjustment has been completed then tighten the screw.
The most common problem in the repair of patio door handles is the misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by everyday wear and tear, or it could simply be due to the fact that the latch is set higher or lower than it should be.
Start by removing the handle, and then locate the screws or bolts that hold it in place. Make sure you keep track of these since you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and place the new one into place on the inside of the door. Be sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle is installed, reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior, making sure that they are in alignment with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.
Close and lock the patio door once you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in alignment, the door should open and close smoothly without additional force. If you still have problems, you may need to move your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks are still not working, it might be time to replace the lock. The majority of homeowners can replace locks themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and then removing your existing lock on the interior of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock that you'll require.
Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that hold the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock that is mounted on the edge of the door's frame. Adjust it horizontally or in an upward direction so that it is aligned with the holes for the latch. After you've adjusted the strike plate, secure it in its place and tighten the screws.
After all the parts of your patio door have been moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process checking the latch. Make sure it is fitted correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is closed. If it does the lock will be able to latch onto the door. If it does, your patio door lock is now functioning exactly as it should, and is can give you the security and privacy you've come to expect from your home's doors.
Patio doors, like other areas of your home, need to be properly aligned to function efficiently. Over repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk , heat, cold, dirt, and debris can cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to put keys in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. You can fix the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these easy steps. Give yourself a pat on your back for tackling the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We're sure you won't have any more trouble opening or closing the door from here to the end. Best of luck! We're here if you have any questions or concerns.