How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is an essential part of home security. When yours is difficult to lock, it can be a nightmare.
A stubborn lock can be caused by misalignment or simply wear and tear. It's possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting or lubricating it. If these methods fail, you may need to replace both the mortise as well as the handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock can become hard to open and close over time because of dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on repair bills and extend the lifespan of your door.
To begin, you'll have to clean the lock the cylinder. Use WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to complete this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to distribute it. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that could damage your locks. Also, make sure to spray a little on the key itself as well.
After your lock cylinder is clean and lubricated, it's time to apply. You can apply an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant, such as graphite powder. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid fluids. It's a great option to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, however it may require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also use a de-icer spray specifically designed for cold weather. It will remove frost and ice off the mechanism of your lock. A few sprays of this will help your lock unlock and then re-lock more easily.
The environment will determine the frequency at which you should lubricate locks. A location with a coastline will expose your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. Temperature variations can affect how well your lock works. The general rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks at least twice a year and more frequently when you live in a region that has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save money on repairs, and ensure that they continue to function in a good way for a long time.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't operating properly, it could mean that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a faulty lock on your patio door can help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. You can fix doors that are locked or locked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.
Begin by looking at the exterior and interior of the lock for signs of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract during warm or cold weather, and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause issues when closing or opening the door.
Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder could be difficult to access, and can cause damage to the latch springs, cam or the lock pins. If the cylinder does not fit easily, you can remove any obstructions using a pair picklocks and tweezers. If the problem persists you might need to remove the cylinder to determine the cause.
If the lock cylinder has not been secured to the lock body it can be removed by removing the screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. Loosening upvc patio door repairs RepairMyWindowsAndDoors will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help restore proper alignment.
Look for a small tab that moves along with the key. It's usually near the end. This small clip, sometimes called a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. This tab can be moved back using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then reinserted.
If your lock cylinder is stuck, you might be able to restore the proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pushed into and withdrawn. Once you have restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and check its functionality. If your patio door lock isn't working, it is likely that another component like the latch spring or latch needs to be replaced.
Lock the Screws
Over time, the use of regular, hot and cold weather dust, dirt and even dirt can take their toll on patio door locks. Unless properly cared for these delicate components can wear out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues can be fixed easily with just a few simple maintenance steps.
The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that might be present, and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, they could draw dust and dirt that can lead to further issues.
If your patio door is fitted with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will only require you to adjust the screws that secure your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the foot lock, loosen the screw with the help of a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down. Once the adjustment is complete, tighten the screw securely.
When it comes time to repair the handle on a patio door the most frequent issue is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. 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 ought to be.
Begin by removing the handle, then find the bolts or screws that secure it. Keep in mind the bolts or screws because you will need them to install the new handle. Then, remove the old spindle and slide the new one in place on the inside of the door. Make sure it is aligned properly with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Reinstall the interior and external handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they are aligned properly with the screws or bolts holding them in place.
Close and secure the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should open and close without additional force. If you're still having trouble then you may need to adjust 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 do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. Installing a new lock is a relatively simple home improvement task that many homeowners can tackle themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and unscrewing your existing lock on the inside of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed to the door and the jamb so that you can determine the type of lock you'll need purchase.
Before installing 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 adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the jamb in the door. Once you have repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then screw it in place.
When all the components of your patio door have been relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to make sure that it fits and is able to catch the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does, then your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is able to give you the security and privacy you've come to anticipate from.
Like other areas of your home your patio doors also need to be properly aligned in order for they to function effectively. Over time, temperature or cold, dirt and debris can cause the frames and hinges to shift. When these elements are misaligned it's similar to trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole and it doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you can fix the issue that may have appeared to be unfixable. So give yourself an award for tackling this project and reclaiming your patio door's lock position! We'll bet you won't have any issues opening or closing the door from here on out. Good luck! We're here for you if there are any concerns or questions.