9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Repair Patio Door Lock

How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A secure patio door is a vital element of home security. When yours is difficult to lock, it can be frustrating.

In most instances, a locked that is not working is the result of the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position could help restore its function. If these methods of troubleshooting 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 dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication could aid in preventing your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on Repair Patio door Lock bills and extend the lifespan of your door.

In the beginning, you'll need to clean the lock's cylinder. Use WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to do this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole and then turn the key to distribute it. Avoid using household oils or other solvents which could harm your locks, and make sure you spray some on the key itself as well.

After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to grease. You can apply dry lubricants such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants do, so it's a great option for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both humid and freezing temperatures, but might require multiple coats to be effective.

You can also use a de-icer spray, which is specifically made for cold weather. It will remove ice and frost on the mechanism of your lock. A few sprays of this will aid your lock to unlock and then lock more easily.

The climate will determine how often you need to lubricate locks. The location of your door can affect its performance. A coastal location can expose it to salty air which can cause corrosion. The most common rule of thumb is to oil your locks twice per year or more often when you live in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door continues to function as it should for many the years to come.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock does not work properly, one or more of its components could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely 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, you can tighten loose screws, adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder.

Start by checking 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 movement could cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause problems when closing or opening the door.

Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder may be difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you may be able to dislodge any obstructions with the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue continues, you may need to take out the cylinder to determine the cause.

If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the lock body then you can loosen it by removing a flat screw inside the cylinder's faceplate. Unscrewing this screw 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 small clip, also called a "release Tab" is what stops the cylinder from sliding patio door repair into the lock body all the way. A standard key will move the tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and reinserted.

If your lock's cylinder is stuck, you might be able restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pushed in and out. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock isn't working It is likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring needs to be replaced.

Tighten the Screws

Over time, the use of regular temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can take their toll on patio door locks. Unless properly cared for these delicate components can get worn out and cause your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues can be easily fixed with a few simple maintenance steps.

You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth clean any dirt or dust that may be present, and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases,, as these can draw dust and dirt which can cause further issues.

If your patio door is equipped with a foot lock that is secure be sure that the foot lock is 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 wood patio door repair door. To adjust the foot lock simply loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it up or down. Once the adjustment is done then tighten the screw.

When it comes to fixing the handle of a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment of the strike plate and the latch. This could be due to everyday wear and tear or it could be that the latch is set higher or lower than it should be.

Start by removing the old handle, and then locate the screws or bolts which hold it in place. Keep in mind the bolts or screws since you'll need them for the installation of the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle, then slide the new one into place on the side of the door, making sure that it is in alignment with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Once the new spindle is installed put back the handles on the exterior and interior, making sure that they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts that hold them in place.

Close and lock the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If the door is correctly aligned, it will open and shut without needing any additional force. If you're still having trouble it could be necessary to adjust the latch or strike plate, or the lock cylinder may be damaged and need to be replaced.

Replace the latch

If your patio door locks do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. Most homeowners can change a lock themselves. Begin by sliding patio door repair near me the patio door repair company doors all the way out and removing the existing lock on the interior of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock you'll need.

Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that secure the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock that is mounted on the outside of the door's frame. Adjust it horizontally or in the vertical direction to align it with latch hole. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, secure it in its place and tighten the screws.

When all the components of your patio door have been moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. Once you're finished checking the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and is secured when the door is shut. 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 expect from your home's doors.

Like other parts of your home your patio doors also need to be properly aligned in order for them to work efficiently. Over time, heat and cold weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause frames, hinges, and locking mechanism to shift. If these parts aren't aligned it's similar to trying to fit keys into the wrong keyhole: It just doesn't work. It is possible to fix a problem which seemed impossible by following these simple steps. So give yourself an award for tackling this challenge and reclaiming the door that was locked! We bet that you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door. Best of luck! We're here for you if there are any questions or concerns.