Nine Things That Your Parent Taught 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. If your door is difficult to lock, it could be a hassle.

In most instances, a lock that is difficult to open is caused by misalignment or simple wear and tear. It is possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these troubleshooting techniques don't work you can replace both the mortise and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

A door lock may become difficult to open and close over time due to dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving you money on Repair Patio door bills and allowing your door to reach its maximum lifespan.

The first step in the process is to clean your lock's cylinder. To do this, use spray cans of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole, then work the key through and out to spread the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that can damage your locks. Also, make sure you spray some on the key itself as well.

After cleaning your lock cylinder, it's time to lubricate. You can apply an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant, such as graphite powder. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid lubricants. It's a great choice for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, but might require multiple coats to be effective.

You can also apply sprays to de-icer your lock specially made for cold weather and will loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. This will allow you to unlock your lock and then relock it more easily.

How often you have to lubricate your locks will depend on the environment. A location near the coast exposes your door to salty air and cause corrosion, and temperature changes can affect the efficiency of your lock. The general rule of thumb is to grease your locks twice per year, or more frequently if you live in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save costs on repairs, and ensure that they continue to function properly for a long time.

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 components may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a faulty patio door lock can prevent any further damage and ensure your doors are safe. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws and adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.

Start by examining the exterior and interior of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio doors can expand or contract with the weather and might even shift with time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning correctly and lead to problems with opening or closing the glass patio door repair door.

Then, look over the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder may be difficult to access, and could cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you might be able of removing any obstructions using a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists then you'll need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to locate the source of the obstruction.

If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the lock body, you can loosen it by unscrewing a flat screw inside the faceplate of the cylinder. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could aid in restoring alignment.

Look over the cylinder for a small tab that moves up and down with the key, typically towards the end. This little clip, called a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding patio doors repairs all the way into the body of the lock. This tab can be moved back using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then returned.

If your lock cylinder is stuck, you might be able to restore the 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 once you have restored proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If the lock on your patio door repairs near me door isn't working properly It is likely that another component like the latch or latch spring requires replacement.

Make sure you tighten the Screws

Over time, regular use as well as cold and hot weather, dirt, and dust can cause damage to patio door locks. Unless properly cared for, these delicate parts can wear out and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be repaired with a few easy steps.

You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that might be present, and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases since they could draw dust and dirt, which can cause further problems.

If your patio door comes with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most instances, this will require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the footlock simply loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down. Once the adjustment is done, tighten the screw securely.

The most common problem in the repair of patio door handles is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by normal wear and tear or the latch may be positioned lower or higher than it is supposed to be.

Then, remove the handle that was previously used and locate the bolts or screws that hold it in the place. Keep in mind the screws or bolts, as you will require them to attach the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle, and then slide the new spindle into position on the inside of the door, ensuring that it is properly aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Once the new spindle has been installed, reinstall the handles for both exterior and interior to ensure that they are aligned with the screws or bolts that secure them.

Close and lock the patio door once you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in alignment, the door should be able to open and close smoothly, without any additional force. If you are still having issues it may be necessary to adjust the position of your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder.

Replace the latch

If your patio door locks are still not working, it might be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can replace locks themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and then removing your existing lock on the inside of the door. Review the lock to determine the type of lock you'll need.

Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that hold 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 a vertical direction to align it with latch hole. After you've adjusted the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it into place.

When all the components of your patio door have been repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. Once you're finished testing the latch. Check to see if it fits properly and catches the latch when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is now working exactly as it should, and is will provide you with the security and privacy you've come to expect from your home's doors.

Like other parts of your home the patio doors have to be aligned properly for them to function efficiently. Over time, heat and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other factors can cause the hinges, door frame and the locking mechanism to shift. If these parts aren't aligned, it's like trying to insert a key in the wrong hole for a key: It just doesn't work. By following these simple steps, you can fix an issue that appeared to be unfixable. So, give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this challenge and reclaiming the door that was locked! We're sure you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door. Best of luck! We're here to help if you have any concerns or questions.