How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is a vital element of home security. If your door becomes difficult to lock, it could be a nightmare.
A locked that isn't working properly could be caused by misalignment, or simply wear and tear. It's possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these solutions fail, you may need to replace both the mortise as well as the handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open or close doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair costs and will extend the life of your door.
To begin, you will have to clean the lock cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to complete this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to spread the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils which could harm your locks. Make sure to spray a little on the key itself.
After cleaning your lock cylinder, it's time to grease. You can use a silicone spray or dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid oils. It's an excellent choice for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays can withstand freezing temperatures and are resistant to water. However, they might require several coats to be efficient.
You can also use a de-icer spray that is designed for colder weather and will loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. This will allow you to unlock your lock and lock it more easily.
How often you should lubricate your locks will depend on the environment. The location of your door can affect its performance. A coastal location can expose it to salty air which could cause corrosion. It is recommended that you regularly lubricate your locks at least twice a year or more often in areas with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door continues to perform as it should for long time to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should, one or more of its components could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a faulty patio door lock will prevent any further damage and ensure your doors are safe. You can repair the patio door that is locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.
Begin by looking at the exterior and the inside of the lock to determine if there are any signs of damage or misalignment. Patio door locks may expand or contract depending on the weather and could shift over time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning properly and can cause issues when opening or closing the door.
Then, check the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder might be difficult to access, and could cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can remove any obstructions using a pair tweezers and a lock. If the problem persists, you may need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to locate the cause of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the lock body you can loosen it by removing a flat screw inside the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw will let you to rotate the cylinder and may even help restore the alignment.
Look for the small tab that is movable with the key. It's usually at the end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding all the way into the body of the lock. This tab can be removed using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed, then reinserted.
If the lock cylinder has become stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt contacts the strike plate. The knob or handle can then be pushed, and withdrawn. Once you've restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and 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.
Lock the Screws
Over time, the use of regular temperatures, cold and hot weather, dirt, and dust can wear down patio door locks. Unless properly cared for these delicate components can wear out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Thankfully, most lock problems are easily fixable with just a few simple maintenance steps.
Clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to clean any dust or dirt that might be present. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases,, as these can attract dust and debris which can cause further problems.
If your patio door is equipped with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. In most instances, this will require changing the screws that attach the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. To adjust the foot lock you need to loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment is complete then tighten the screw.
When it comes to repairing the handle of a patio door the most frequent issue involves misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by normal wear and tear, or the latch may be positioned higher or below what it should be.
Then, take out the handle from the old one and find the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Keep in mind the screws or bolts, as you will require them to install the new handle. Remove the old spindle and place the new one in place on the interior of the door. Make sure it is aligned properly with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle has been installed then reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior and ensure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.
After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it should open and shut without needing any additional force. If you're still having trouble it could be necessary to adjust the strike plate or latch, or the lock cylinder may be damaged and need to be replaced.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks not working, it could be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can change a lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors completely out and then removing your existing lock on the interior of the door. Review the lock to determine the type of lock that you will need.
Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that hold the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock that is positioned on the outside of the frame of the door. Adjust it horizontally or in a vertical direction to align it with holes for the latch. After patio door improvement 've repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then fix it with screws.
After all the parts of your patio door are repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process checking the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is shut. If it does, your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is ready to provide the security and privacy that you have come to expect.
Patio doors, like other components of your home must be properly aligned to function efficiently. Over time, heat and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other factors can cause the hinges, door frame, and locking mechanism to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are like trying to put keys into the wrong keyhole. It's not working. It is possible to fix an issue that appeared impossible by following these simple steps. You should pat yourself on the back for taking on the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're sure you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door. Good luck! We are here to assist if you need any assistance or have any questions.