How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is vital for home security. If your door becomes difficult to lock, it can be a hassle.
In most cases, a stubborn lock is caused by an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. It is possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these troubleshooting techniques don't work you can 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. A regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can stop your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repairs and allowing your door to enjoy its full lifespan.
To begin, you will have to clean the lock the cylinder. Use WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray do this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then turn the key to distribute it. Do not use solvents like household oil or other that can harm your locks. Spray a little on the key.
After your lock cylinder is clean and lubricated, it's time to apply. You can use dry lubricants like graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid lubricants. It's an excellent choice for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, but may require several coats to be effective.
You can also use de-icer spray specifically designed for cold weather. It will remove the frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will help you unlock your lock, and then relock it more easily.
The climate will determine how often you need to lubricate locks. A coastal location exposes your door to salty air and cause corrosion, and temperature variations can affect the performance of your lock. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is recommended to lubricate locks at least two times each year, or more often if your area has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door will perform as it should for the years to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock doesn't function properly, one or more of its parts could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a broken lock on your patio door will prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws, adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder.
Start by examining the exterior and interior of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio doors may expand or contract depending on the weather, and might even shift with time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause issues when closing or opening the door.
Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder may be difficult to open and can cause damage to the cam, latch springs or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you might be able of removing any obstructions 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 source of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the lock body then you can loosen it by unscrewing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder faceplate. This screw lets you to rotate the cylinder and may even help restore the alignment.
Examine the cylinder for a small tab that moves upwards and downwards with the key, typically towards the end. This tiny clip, also called a "release Tab" is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body in the entire way. The tab can be moved back using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be taken out and then returned.
If your lock cylinder is stuck, you may be able to restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt is in contact with the strike plate, and the knob or handle can be pulled in and withdrawn. Once you have restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and test its performance. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's a sign that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch is worn or damaged and will need to be replaced.
Lock the Screws
Locks for patio doors can be damaged by regular use, extremes of temperature dust, dirt and. Unless properly cared for these delicate components can get worn out and cause your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues are easily fixable with a few simple maintenance steps.
The first thing you have to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt that might be found. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases because they may attract dust and other debris, which can cause further issues.
If your patio door is fitted with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Remove the screw using the Robertson screwdriver and gently push it up or down to adjust the foot lock as needed. Once the adjustment is complete, tighten the screw securely.
The most common problem when it comes to fixing patio door handles is the misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by normal wear and tear or the latch may be positioned above or below where it should be.
Begin by removing the old handle, and then locate the screws or bolts which hold it in place. Be sure to keep track of these as you will require them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and slide the new one in place on the interior of the door. Be sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Install the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure that they're aligned correctly with the screws or bolts that hold them in place.
Close and secure the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If the door is correctly aligned, it should open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you're still having problems you may have to reposition your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks are still not working, it could be time to replace the lock. The majority of homeowners can replace a lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and then removing your existing lock on the interior of the door. Study the existing lock to determine the type of lock you'll need.
Before installing the new latch, loosen the 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 horizontally or in an upward direction so that it is aligned with the holes for the latch. After you've repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then fix it with screws.
Once all the components of your patio door are moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and is able to catch the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does then your patio door lock is now working exactly as it should, and is will give you the security and privacy you've come appreciate from your home's doors.
Patio doors, like other areas of your home, need to be properly aligned to function efficiently. Over time, temperatures, cold, dirt, and debris can cause the hinges and door frame to shift. If these components are not aligned it's similar to trying to insert a key into the wrong hole for a key it won't work. You can fix the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these simple steps. So go ahead and give yourself an ovation for tackling this project and regaining your patio door's lock position! We bet that you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door again. Best of luck! We are here to assist if you need any assistance or have questions.