10 Facts About Repair Patio Door Lock That Can Instantly Put You In A Good Mood
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is vital to ensure your home's security. It can be difficult when yours is difficult to lock.
In a lot of instances, a locked that is not working is caused by misalignment or simple wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position can help restore its function. If these solutions aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock can become difficult to open and close due to dirt, dust and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication will aid in preventing your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair costs and will extend the life of your door.
In the beginning, you'll need to clean the lock cylinder. To do this, use a spray can of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole, then work the key into and out to distribute the oil. Do not use solvents like household oil or other, as they can damage your locks. Spray a bit on the key.
After cleaning your lock cylinder it is time to lubricate. You can apply a silicone spray or dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants, so 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 use de-icer spray, which is specifically made for cold weather. It will break up ice and frost on the lock mechanism. A few coats of this will allow your lock unlock and then lock again easily.
How often you have to oil your locks will be contingent on the environment. A location with a coastline exposes your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion, and temperature fluctuations can also impact how well your lock works. It is recommended that you lubricate locks at least once each year, or more often if your area has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door continues to function properly for the years to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should there's a chance that one or more of its parts may be 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, adjusting the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock for signs of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio doors can expand or contract with the weather, and they may even shift over time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanisms to not align properly and cause problems when opening or closing the patio door.
Then, look over the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder may be difficult to open, and can cause damage to the cam, latch springs or lock pins. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can remove any obstructions by using a pair of picklocks and tweezers. If the issue persists, you may have to remove the cylinder to determine the cause.
If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the body of the lock then you can loosen it by unscrewing an elongated screw within the cylinder faceplate. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may help restore proper alignment.
Examine the cylinder for a tiny tab that moves up and down with the key, usually towards the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding all the way into the body of the lock. 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 might be able to restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate, and the knob or handle can be pushed into and withdrawn. After you have restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and check its performance. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's likely that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn and will require replacement.
Lock the Screws
Over time, the use of regular temperatures, cold and hot weather, dirt, and dust can wear down patio door locks. These delicate components can wear out if not properly maintained, leading to your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues are easily fixable with a few simple maintenance steps.
You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to remove any dirt or dust that might be found. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, however they can attract dust and debris which can cause further problems.
Then, if your patio door has a foot lock that is secure be sure that the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most cases this will only require you to adjust the screws that hold your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Remove the screw using the Robertson screwdriver and gently push it up or down to adjust the foot lock as required. Once the adjustment is done you can tighten the screw.
The most frequent issue when it comes to fixing patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be due to everyday wear and tear or it could be due to the fact that the latch is set higher or lower than it should be.
Then, take out the handle that was previously used and locate the screws or bolts that are holding it in the place. Make sure you keep track of them as you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle and then slide the new spindle into the door on the inside of the door, ensuring that it is properly aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts holding them in place.
Close and lock the patio door once you have made any necessary adjustments. If the door is properly aligned, it should be able to open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you still have problems you may have 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 could be time to replace the lock. Installing a new lock is a relatively simple home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can tackle by themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors completely out and then removing your existing lock on the interior of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into the door and the jamb so that you can determine the kind of lock you'll have to purchase.
Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that secure the strike plate. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is the portion of the lock mounted on the outside of the door's frame. Adjust it horizontally or in a vertical direction to align it with latch hole. After you've repositioned the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it in place.
When all the components of your patio door have been repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. When you're done, check the latch to ensure that it fits and is able to catch the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is now functioning as it should and will provide you with the security and privacy you've come appreciate from your home's doors.
Like other parts of your house must be aligned properly to work efficiently. Over time, temperature, cold, dirt, and debris can cause the frames and hinges to shift. If these parts aren't aligned it's like trying to fit keys into the wrong hole for a key and it doesn't work. It is possible to fix an issue that appeared impossible by following these simple steps. So, give yourself an ovation for tackling this project and regaining 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're here for you if there are any questions or concerns.