How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is crucial for home security. If it becomes difficult to lock, it could be frustrating.
A stubborn lock can be caused by misalignment, or even wear and wear and tear. It may be possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these solutions aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open or close a door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication will aid in preventing your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on repair bills and extend the life of your door.
The first step is to clean the lock cylinder. To do this, use a spray bottle of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to distribute the oil. Avoid using solvents like household oil or other that can harm your locks. Spray a bit on the key.
After cleaning your lock cylinder it is time to lubricate. You can use a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants do, so it's a great choice for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays are able to withstand freezing temperatures and are resistant to water. However, they might require multiple coats to be efficient.
You can also use a de-icer spray that is specially designed for cold weather. It will remove the frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will allow you to unlock your lock, and then lock it more easily.
The climate will determine how often you need to belubricating locks. The location of your door can affect its performance. replacement glass for patio door that is near the ocean can expose the door to salty air, which could cause corrosion. It is recommended to regularly lubricate your locks at least two times every year, or more frequently when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save money on repairs, and ensure that it will continue to function in a good way for a long time.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock does not function properly, one or more of its components may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a defective patio door lock can prevent any further damage and ensure your doors are secure. 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 interior of the lock to see whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract in temperatures that are cold or hot and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause problems when closing or opening the door.
Then, check the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder could be difficult to open and could cause damage to the cam, latch springs or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you may be able of removing any obstruction using the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue continues, you might need to remove the cylinder to find the cause.
If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the body of the lock, you can loosen it by unscrewing an elongated screw within the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw lets you rotate the cylinder, and could even aid in restoring the alignment.
Look for the small tab that is movable with the key. It's usually at the end. This little clip, called a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding into the body of the lock. The 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 and is not aligned, you can fix it by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The knob or handle may then be pushed and withdrawn. Once you have restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and check its functioning. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's likely that another component such as the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn and will need to be replaced.
Lock the Screws
Over time, regular use, hot and cold weather dust, dirt and even dirt can wear down patio door locks. If not properly maintained these delicate components can get worn out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues are easily fixable by following a few easy maintenance steps.
You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that might be present, and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases because they may attract dust and debris, which can cause further problems.
If your patio door is equipped with an electronic foot lock for security be sure that the foot lock is aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the foot lock simply loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it up or down. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw.
When it comes to fixing the handle of a patio door the most frequent issue is misalignment of the strike plate and the latch. This can be caused by normal wear and tear, or the latch could be placed lower or higher than it should be.
Then, take out the old handle and locate the screws or bolts that are holding it in place. Keep on track of the bolts or screws since you'll need them to install the new handle. Then, take off 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. Reinstall the interior and external handles once the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they are aligned properly with the screws or bolts holding them in place.
After you've made any needed adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If the door is properly aligned, it will open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you're having difficulty 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 don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. Most homeowners can replace a lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors completely out and removing the existing lock on the interior of the door. Study the existing lock to determine the type of lock you'll require.
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 edge of the door's frame. Adjust it either horizontally or in the vertical direction to align it with latch hole. After you've adjusted the latch plate then tighten the screws and screw it in place.
When all the components of your patio door have been moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and catches the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does the lock will be able to latch onto the door. If it does, your patio door lock is working just as it should and is will provide you with the security and privacy you've come to appreciate from your home's doors.
Like other areas of your home the patio doors have to be properly aligned for them to function efficiently. Over time, heat and cold weather dirt and debris and other elements can cause hinges, door frame and locking mechanism to shift slightly. When these elements are misaligned it's like trying to fit a key in the wrong hole for a key: It just doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you can solve a problem that might have been thought to be impossible to fix. Give yourself a pat on the back for tackling the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We'll bet you won't have any issues opening or closing the door from now on. Good luck! We're here to help if you have any concerns or questions.
