How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is vital to home security. If your door is difficult to lock, it can be a hassle.
A locked that isn't working properly could be the result of misalignment or simply wear and tear. It may be possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting it or lubricating it. 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 and close the door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repairs and helping your door reach its full potential.
In the beginning, you'll need to clean the lock's cylinder. To do this, you'll need spray cans of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then rotate the key to distribute the oil. Do not use household oil or other solvents, as they can damage your locks. Spray a little on the key.
After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it's time to lubricate. You can apply a silicone spray or dry lubricant, such as graphite powder. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid fluids. It's a great choice 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 sprays for de-icing, which is specifically made for cold weather and will loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. This will help you unlock your lock, and then lock it more easily.
How often you have to lubricate your locks will depend on the environmental conditions. A location with a coastline exposes your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. Temperature fluctuations can also affect the performance of your lock. The standard rule of thumb is to grease your locks twice per year, or more frequently if you reside in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save the cost of repairs and ensure that it continues to function in a good way for a long time.
double glazed patio door repairs
If your patio door lock isn't operating properly, it could mean that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a defective patio door lock can avoid additional damage and ensure that your doors are safe. You can repair the patio door that is locked or locked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting the exterior and the inside of the lock to determine whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio doors can expand or contract in response to the weather and might even shift with time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanisms to not align properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the patio door.
Next, examine the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder may be difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam or latch springs. If the cylinder does not fit easily, you can get rid of any obstructions by using a pair of tweezers and a picklock. If the issue continues then you'll need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to locate the root of the problem.
If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock you can loosen it by unscrewing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder's 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 can move up and down using the key, usually towards the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. 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 may be able restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pulled in 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 a sign that a component, like the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn out and will need to be replaced.
Lock the Screws
Patio door locks can be damaged by frequent usage, extreme temperatures dust, dirt and. These delicate parts can wear out if not maintained properly, causing your door to stop locking properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be easily fixed 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 may be present, and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts running efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases since they could attract dust and debris which could cause more problems.
If your patio door comes with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. To adjust the foot lock you need to loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it up or down. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the screw securely.
When it comes to repairing a patio door handle, the most common problem is misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by the wear and tear of everyday use or it could be that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it ought to be.
Start by removing the handle, then find the screws or bolts which hold it in place. Make sure you keep track of these since you will require them when installing the new handle. Next, remove the old spindle, and then slide the new spindle into place on the side of the door, ensuring that it is in alignment with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Install the exterior and interior handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they are aligned correctly with the bolts or screws holding them in place.
After you've made any needed adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it should be able to open and shut without needing any additional force. If you still have problems you may have to adjust the position of your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks still aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. Most homeowners can replace locks themselves. Start by sliding the patio door open and then removing the current lock from the inside of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into both the door and the jamb so that you can determine the type of lock you'll need to purchase.
Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that hold the strike plate. This is the part of the lock that is positioned on the edge of the door's frame. Adjust it either horizontally or in an upward direction to align it with holes for the latch. After you've repositioned your strike plate, screw it back into position and tighten the screws.
After all the components are repositioned or modified, assemble and secure the patio door as instructed by the manufacturer. Once you're finished checking the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is closed. If it does, then your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is able to provide the security and privacy that you've come to expect from.
Like other parts of your house must be aligned correctly to function efficiently. Over time, cold and hot weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause the hinges, door frame, and locking mechanism to shift slightly. If these components are not aligned it's like trying to fit keys into the wrong hole for a key: It just doesn't work. It is possible to fix an issue that appeared impossible by following these easy steps. Give yourself a pat on the back for tackling the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We bet that you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door. Best of luck! We're here to help if you have any questions or concerns.