The 10 Scariest Things About Repair Patio Door Lock
Author : McKenna Frazier | Published On : 12 May 2024
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door LockA safe patio door is an essential part of home security. If it becomes difficult to lock, it could be frustrating.
A lock that is not working can be the result of misalignment or simply wear and wear and tear. It may be possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these troubleshooting methods fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open or close the door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication could aid in preventing your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on repair costs and will extend the longevity of your door.
The first step in the process is to clean your lock cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray can of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to distribute the oil. Avoid using solvents like household oil or other, as they can damage your locks. Spray a bit on the key.
After cleaning your lock cylinder it is time to lubricate. You can use a silicone spray or a dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid lubricants. It's a great option for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand moist and cold temperatures, however they might require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also use a de-icer spray, which is specifically made for cold weather. It will break up frost and ice off the mechanism of your lock. A few sprays of this will aid your lock to unlock and then lock again easily.
How often you need to lubricate your locks will rely on environmental factors. A location near the coast will expose your door to salty air and cause corrosion, and temperature fluctuations can also influence the efficiency of your lock. The general rule of thumb is to oil your locks at least twice a year and more frequently if you live in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save costs on repairs, and ensure that they continue to work properly for a long time.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock doesn't work properly there's a chance that one or more of its components may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a damaged patio door lock can avoid further damage and ensure that your doors are safe. You can fix doors that are locked or unlocked 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. The patio door locks can expand or contract in response to the weather and could shift over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause problems when closing or opening the door.
Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. A corroded or blocked cylinder is difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you may be able of removing any obstructions using the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue persists, you might need to remove the cylinder to determine the cause.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the body of the lock, you can loosen it by unscrewing a flat screw inside the cylinder's faceplate. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could aid in restoring alignment.
Look for a small tab that is movable with the key. It's usually located at the end. This small clip, also known as a "release Tab" will stop the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. This tab can be moved back using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed, then returned.
If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you may be able to restore the proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt is in contact with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pushed into and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock still isn't working, it is likely that an additional component such as the latch or latch spring requires replacement.
Lock the Screws
Over time, regular use, hot and cold weather, dirt, and dust can cause damage to patio door locks. These delicate parts may wear out if not maintained properly, causing your door to stop locking properly. Fortunately, most lock issues are easily fixable by following a few easy maintenance steps.
It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to clean any dust or dirt that might be present. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, however they could attract dust and debris which can cause further problems.
Next, if your patio door is equipped with an electronic foot lock for security ensure that the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will only require changing the screws that attach the 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 gently pull it up or down. After the adjustment is completed you can tighten the screw.
When it comes to repairing the handle on a patio door the most frequent issue is misalignment of the strike plate and the latch. This could be caused by wear and tear, or the latch could be placed above or below where it should be.
Start by removing the handle, and then locate the screws or bolts that secure it. Make sure you keep track of these 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. Make sure that it is in alignment with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Install the exterior and interior handles once the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.
After you've made any needed adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it will open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you're still having trouble, you might need to adjust the latch or strike plate, or the lock cylinder may be damaged and must be replaced.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks still don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. Installing a new lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can do themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door open and removing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Study the existing lock to determine the type of lock that you'll need.
Before you install the new latch, loosen the screws securing the strike plate (the part of the lock that's set on the outside edge of the door frame) and adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the door jamb. After you've repositioned your strike plate, screw it into place and tighten the screws.
After all the parts of your patio door are moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process testing the latch. Make sure it fits correctly and is secured when the door is closed. If it does then your patio door lock is working as it should and can provide you with the security and privacy you've come to expect from your doors.
Patio doors, like other areas of your home should be aligned correctly to function effectively. Over time, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris, and other elements can cause frames, hinges, and locking mechanism to shift slightly. The wrongly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to put a key in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you can solve the issue that may have appeared to be unfixable. Do yourself a big pat on the back for taking on the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! patio door repairs won't have any trouble opening or closing the door from now on out. Good luck! We are here to help if you need any assistance or have any questions.
