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 locked that is not working is the result of the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. It may be possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating it. If these solutions fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock can be difficult to open and close over time due to dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine can stop your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving you money on repair bills and allowing your door to reach its maximum lifespan.
To begin, you'll have to clean the lock's the cylinder. To do this, use a spray can of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and work the key in and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that can damage your locks, and make sure you spray some on the key itself as well.
After cleaning your lock cylinder it is time to lubricate. You can apply a dry lubricant 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 choice for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays can endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are resistant to water. However, replacement patio door glass might need multiple coats in order to be efficient.
You can also use a de-icer spray that is made for cold weather. It will remove ice and frost on the lock mechanism. This will allow you to unlock your lock, and then lock it more easily.
How often you need to lubricate your locks will rely on the environmental conditions. A coastal location exposes your door to salty air and lead to corrosion, and temperature fluctuations can also affect the efficiency of your lock. It is recommended that you lubricate locks at least two times each year, or more often in areas with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door will function as it should for many years to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't functioning 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 any further damage and ensure your doors are safe. You can repair a patio door that is locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.
Begin by looking at the exterior and the interior of the lock to determine whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract with temperatures that are cold or hot and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanisms to stop aligning properly and can cause issues when opening or closing the door.
Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. A damaged or corroded lock 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 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 source.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed onto the body of the lock and is loose, it can be loosened by unscrewing the flat screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to move the cylinder around and could help restore proper alignment.
Look for an elongated tab that moves with the key. It is usually at the end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. The tab can be removed using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed, then it can be inserted.
If your 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 the proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If the lock on your patio door isn't working It is likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring must be replaced.
Lock the Screws
Patio door locks can be damaged by regular use, extreme temperatures dust, dirt and. These delicate components can be damaged if they are not properly maintained, causing your door to not lock properly. Most lock problems are easily fixed with a few simple steps.
The first thing you have to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that might be present, and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases since they could attract dust and other debris and cause additional issues.
Next, if your patio door has a foot lock that is secure, make sure the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases this will require you to adjust the screws that secure your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Remove the screw using the Robertson screwdriver, and then gently pry upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock if needed. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the screw.
When it comes time to repair the handle of a patio door the most frequent issue involves misalignment between the strike plate and latch. This could be caused by normal wear and tear or the latch could be set higher or below what it should be.
Then, take off the old handle and locate the screws or bolts that are holding it in the place. Make sure to keep track of these as you will need them when installing the new handle. Remove the old spindle and slide the new one in place on the interior of the door. Make sure that it is aligned properly with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles once the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they are aligned correctly with the bolts or screws holding them in place.
After you've made any needed 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're still having problems it may be necessary to reposition your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. The majority of homeowners can replace a lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and removing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed into the door and the door jamb so that you can get a sense for what kind of lock you'll need purchase.
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 adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the jamb in the door. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, secure it in place and tighten the screws.
After all the parts of your patio door have been repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. Once you're finished testing the latch. Make sure it fits correctly and is secured when the door is shut. If it does, your patio door lock is now working as it should and can provide the security and privacy you've come to expect from your home's doors.
Like other components of your home should be properly aligned to function efficiently. Over time, temperatures and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other elements can cause the hinges, door frame, and locking mechanism to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert a key in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. You can solve a problem which seemed impossible by following these easy steps. So, give yourself an award for tackling this project and reclaiming the door that was locked! We're sure you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Good luck! We are here to assist if you need any assistance or have questions.