How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is an essential part of home security. It can be difficult when your door is difficult to lock.
In a lot of instances, a locked that is not working is due to the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position can help to restore its function. If these solutions don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open or close doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication will aid in preventing your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on repair costs and will extend the lifespan of your door.
In the beginning, you'll have to clean the lock cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray complete this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole and work the key into and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that could damage your locks. Also, make sure to spray a little on the key itself.
Once 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 like graphite powder. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid lubricants. It's a great choice for lubricating locks. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk are water-resistant and can withstand both moist and freezing temperatures, but may require multiple coats to work effectively.
You can also use a de-icer spray specially designed for cold weather and will lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. This will enable you to unlock your lock, and then relock it more easily.
The climate will determine the frequency at which you should 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 general rule of thumb is to grease your locks at least twice a year or more often when you live in an area with extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door will perform as it should for years to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should, one or more of its components could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a defective patio door lock will prevent additional damage and ensure that your doors are secure. You can repair the patio door that is locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting the exterior and the inside of the lock to determine whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract in temperatures that are cold or hot and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause issues when closing or opening the door.
Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder can be difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you may be able of removing any obstruction using a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists it may be necessary to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to locate the root of the problem.
If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the lock body, you can loosen it by uncrewing an elongated screw within the cylinder faceplate. Loosening this screw will allow you to move the cylinder around and could help to restore alignment.
Examine the cylinder for a small tab that moves up and down with the key, typically towards the end. This small clip, sometimes called a "release Tab" will stop the cylinder from sliding into the lock body in the entire way. The tab can be removed by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be removed and then returned.
If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you may 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 into and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored the proper 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 out and may require replacement.
Tighten the Screws
Locks for patio doors are susceptible to damage from regular use, extremes of temperature dust, dirt and. Unless properly cared for, these delicate parts can wear out and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock problems are easily solved with just a few steps.
The first thing you need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts functioning efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants with oil bases because they may attract dust and debris which could cause more issues.
Then, if your patio door is equipped with an electronic foot lock for security be sure that the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will require changing the screws that attach the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the footlock simply loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it up or down. After the adjustment is completed you can tighten the screw.
When it comes to repairing a patio door handle, the most common problem involves misalignment between the strike plate and the latch. This can be caused by normal wear and tear, or it could simply be that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it should be.
Begin by removing the handle, then identify the screws or bolts which hold it in place. Keep track of the bolts or screws since you'll need them for the installation of the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and place the new one on the interior of the door. Make sure that it is aligned properly with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle is installed then reinstall the handles for both exterior and interior and ensure that they are in alignment with the screws or bolts that secure them.
Close and secure the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in alignment, the door will be able to open and close smoothly, without any additional force. If you're still having problems it may be necessary to adjust the position of your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks 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 complete by themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and removing the existing lock on the interior of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed to the door and the door jamb so that you can determine the type of lock you'll need purchase.
Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that hold the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock mounted on the outside of the door's frame. Adjust it either horizontally or in a vertical direction to align it with latch hole. After you've repositioned your strike plate, secure it in its place and tighten the screws.
After all components have been repositioned or changed after which you can assemble and secure your patio door according to the instructions of the manufacturer. After 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 is installed correctly and is able to give you the security and privacy you've come to expect from.
As with other parts of your home the patio doors have to be properly aligned in order for they to function effectively. Over time, temperatures, cold, dirt, and debris could cause the hinges and door frame to shift. If these parts aren't aligned, it's like trying to fit a key in the wrong hole for a key and it doesn't work. It is possible to fix a problem which seemed impossible by following these simple steps. Do yourself a big pat on your back for tackling the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We bet that you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door. Good luck! We are here to assist should you require assistance or have any questions.