How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is crucial to home security. It can be frustrating when your door is difficult to lock.
In many instances, a locked that is not working is due to misalignment or simple wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position could help to restore its function. If these troubleshooting methods aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock can become difficult to open and close because of dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine will prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repairs and allowing your door to reach its full lifespan.
In the beginning, you'll need to clean the lock's the cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to do this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to distribute the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents which could harm your locks. Also, make sure you spray some on the key itself.
When your lock's cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can apply a silicone spray or a dry lubricant, such as graphite powder. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants do, so it's an excellent choice to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, however it may require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also apply sprays for de-icing that is designed for colder weather and will lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. This will allow you to unlock your lock and then relock it more easily.
The climate will determine how often you need to belubricating locks. The location of your door will affect its performance. A location near the coast could expose it to salty air which could cause corrosion. The most common rule of thumb is to oil your locks at least twice a year and more frequently when you live in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save the cost of repairs and ensure that they continue to function properly for many years.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock doesn't work properly, one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door will stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. You can repair the patio door that is locked or locked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting the exterior and the interior of the lock to see if there are any signs of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract during hot or cold weather and can shift slightly over time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning properly and cause problems when opening or closing the door.
Next, examine the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder is difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can clear any obstructions with a pair of tweezers and a lock. If the issue persists, you may have to remove the cylinder in order to locate the cause.
If the lock cylinder is not been screwed onto the lock body it can be removed by removing the screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. Loosening this screw will allow you to move the cylinder around and could help restore proper alignment.
Look for the small tab that moves along with the key. It's usually at the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding into the lock body. This tab can be removed by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be taken out and then returned.
If your lock's cylinder is stuck, you may be able restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt is in contact with the strike plate, and the knob or handle can be pushed into and out. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Test it to see if it works. 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 may require replacement.
Lock the Screws
The locks on patio doors can be damaged by frequent use, extremes of temperature dust, dirt and. These delicate parts may be damaged if they are not properly maintained, causing your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be fixed with a few simple steps.
The first thing you need to do is 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, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, however, as these can draw dust and dirt which can cause further problems.
If your patio door is equipped with a security foot lock ensure that the foot lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. Unlock upvc patio door repairs near me with the Robertson screwdriver and gently push it up or down to adjust the foot lock as required. 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 the latch. This can be caused by everyday wear and tear or it could be that the latch is placed higher or lower than it ought to be.
Then, take out the old handle and find the bolts or screws that hold it in the place. Make sure you keep track of them as you will require them when installing the new handle. Remove the old spindle and place the new one into place on the interior of the door. Be sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle is installed put back the interior and exterior handles to ensure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws that secure them.
Close and lock the patio door once you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in proper alignment, the door will open and close smoothly without any additional force. If you're having difficulty it could be necessary to reposition the latch or strike plate, or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and need to be replaced.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks still aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. Replacing a lock is a relatively simple home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can do themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors completely out and unscrewing your existing lock on the inside of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed into both the door and the door jamb so that you can determine the kind of lock you'll need to purchase.
Before you install the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted on the outside of the door frame) and then adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb in the door. After you've adjusted the strike plate, screw it into place and tighten the screws.
After all the components have been repositioned or changed after which you can assemble and secure your patio door as instructed by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process checking the latch. Make sure it fits correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is shut. If it does the lock will be able to latch onto the door. If it does, your patio door lock is working just as it should and is can provide the security and privacy you've come appreciate from your home's doors.
Patio doors, like other components of your home, need to be aligned correctly to function efficiently. Over time, heat, cold, dirt, and debris could cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. When these elements are misaligned, it's like trying to fit keys into the wrong hole for a key it won't work. If you follow these steps, you will be able to fix a problem that might have seemed unfixable. So give yourself an award for tackling this task and regaining your patio door's lock position! We'll bet you won't have any issues opening or closing the door from here on. Best of luck! We're here to assist in case you require any assistance or have questions.