How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is crucial to home security. It can be a hassle if yours is difficult to lock.
In a lot of cases, a stubborn lock is the result of misalignment or simple wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position may help restore its function. If these methods fail, you may need to replace both the mortise and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock can be difficult to open and close due to dirt, dust and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine will keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving your money on repair costs and allowing your door to reach its full potential.
The first step is to clean your lock's the cylinder. Use WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to complete this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then turn the key to distribute it. Avoid using household oil or other solvents, as they can damage your locks. Spray a small amount on the key.
After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to grease. You can apply a silicone spray or a dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants do, which is why it's a great choice to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both humid and cold temperatures, however they might require multiple coats to work effectively.
You can also apply sprays to de-icer your lock that is made for cold weather and can remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will aid your lock unlock and then lock more easily.
The environment will determine how often you need to belubricating locks. The location of your door can affect its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose the door to salty air, which could cause corrosion. The general rule of thumb is to oil your locks at least twice a year or more often when you live in an area with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door continues to function properly for the years to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock does not function properly there's a chance that one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door can stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws and adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by looking at the exterior and the interior of the lock to see whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks can expand or contract with the weather, and they may even shift over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanisms to stop aligning correctly and cause problems when opening or closing the patio door.
Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder may be difficult to open, and can cause damage to the latch springs, cam or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you may be able to dislodge any obstructions using a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists you may have to remove the cylinder to determine the cause.
If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the lock body then you can loosen it by unscrewing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder faceplate. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to move the cylinder around and could help restore proper alignment.
Look for an elongated tab that is movable with the key. It's usually located near the end. This tiny clip, also known as a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body in the entire way. The tab can be removed with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then returned.
If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you may be able restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pulled in and pulled out. Reassemble the lock after you have restored the proper alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn out and may require replacement.
Make sure you tighten the Screws
Over time, frequent use, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and can cause damage to patio door locks. If not properly maintained the delicate parts could wear out and cause your door to not lock properly. Thankfully, most lock problems are easily fixable with a few simple maintenance steps.
Clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that might be present. Then dry tilt and slide patio doors problems Repair My Windows And Doors . After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts functioning efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases since they could attract dust and debris which could cause more problems.
If your patio door comes with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is aligned correctly 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. Remove the screw using the Robertson screwdriver, and gently move it up or down to adjust the foot lock if needed. After the adjustment has been completed you can tighten the screw.
The most common problem when it comes to fixing patio door handles is the misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This could be caused by wear and tear, or the latch could be placed lower or higher than it is supposed to be.
Then, take out the handle that was previously used and find the bolts or screws holding it in the first place. Be sure to keep track of them as you will require them when installing the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle and then slide the new spindle into place on the inside of the door, making sure that it is in alignment with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Once the new spindle is installed put back the handles for both exterior and interior, making sure that they are aligned with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.
Close and secure the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in proper alignment, the door will open and close without additional force. If you're still having problems you may have to reposition your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. The majority of homeowners can replace a lock themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and removing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into both the door and the jamb to get a sense for what type of lock you'll need to purchase.
Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that hold the strike plate. This is the part of the lock mounted on the edge of the door's frame. Adjust it horizontally or in the vertical direction to align it with the latch hole. After you've adjusted the latch plate then tighten the screws and screw it in place.
After all the components have been moved or adjusted, assemble and secure the patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to ensure that it is in place and fits the latch's hasp when your door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is able to give you the security and privacy that you've come to anticipate from.
Patio doors, like other components of your home should be aligned properly to work effectively. Over time, heat and cold weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause hinges, door frame and locking mechanism to shift slightly. When these elements are misaligned it's like trying to fit a key in the wrong hole for a key it won't work. It is possible to fix an issue that appeared impossible by following these easy steps. So, give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this task 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 on out. Have fun! We're here to help if you have any concerns or questions.