Do Not Believe In These "Trends" About Repair Patio Door Lock

How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A safe patio door is an essential part of home security. If it becomes difficult to lock, it could be a hassle.

A lock that is not working can be caused by misalignment or even wear and wear and tear. It is possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these solutions aren't working, you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle.

Clean and Lubricate

A door lock can become difficult to open and close because of dust, dirt and grime. A regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving you money on repair bills and helping your door reach its full potential.

In  sliding glass door replacement , you'll have to clean the lock cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray can of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole, then work the key into and out to distribute the oil. Do not use household oil or other solvents that can harm your locks. Spray a bit on the key.

When your lock's cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. 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 fluids. It's an excellent choice to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays can endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are impervious to water. However, they may require multiple coats to be effective.

You can also apply de-icer spray, which is specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will remove ice and frost on the mechanism of your lock. A few coats of this will allow your lock to unlock and then re-lock more easily.

The environment will determine how often you need to belubricating locks. The location of your door can affect its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose the door to salty air, which could cause corrosion. The general rule of thumb is to grease your locks twice per year and more frequently 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 continues to function as it should for many years to come.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could mean that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a faulty lock on your patio door can help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. You can repair a patio door that is locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.

Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock to see whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract in hot or cold weather and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause issues when opening or closing the door.

Then, look over the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder may be difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder does not fit easily, you can clear any obstructions by using a pair of tweezers and a picklock. If the issue persists it may be necessary to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to find the cause of the obstruction.

If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the body of the lock then you can loosen it by uncrewing an elongated screw within the faceplate of the cylinder. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to move the cylinder around and could aid in restoring alignment.

Look over the cylinder for a little tab that can move up and down with the key, generally towards the very end. This tiny clip, also called a "release Tab" will stop the cylinder from sliding into the lock body in the entire way. A standard key will slide this tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and then reinserted.

If the cylinder of your lock is stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt is engaged with the strike plate. The knob or handle may then be pushed and pulled back. Reassemble the lock after you have restored proper alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's a sign that a component, like the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn out and will require replacement.

Lock the Screws

Over time, frequent use, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and 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 with a few simple maintenance steps.

The first thing you have to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases as they can draw dust and dirt which could cause more problems.

If your patio door is equipped with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the foot lock you need to loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it up or down. After the adjustment has been completed you can tighten the screw.

The most frequent issue when it comes to fixing patio door handles is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by everyday wear and tear, or it could simply be due to the fact that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it should be.

Then, take out the handle that was previously used and locate the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Be sure to keep track of these since you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle, and then slide the new spindle into the door on the inside of the door, making sure that it is aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Once the new spindle is in place then reinstall the interior and exterior handles to ensure that they are aligned with the screws or bolts which hold them in place.

After you've made the necessary 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're still having trouble it could be necessary to reposition the latch or strike plate or the lock cylinder may be damaged and require to be replaced.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks still don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. The majority of homeowners can replace the lock themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and removing the existing lock on the inside of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into the door and jamb to discern the type of lock you'll need to purchase.

Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that secure the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock that is positioned on the edge of the frame of the door. Adjust it either horizontally or in an upward direction to align it with the holes in the latch. Once you have repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then fix it with screws.

When all the components of your patio door have been relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. Once you're finished checking the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and is secured when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is now functioning exactly as it should, and is will give you the security and privacy you've come expect from your doors.

Like other areas of your home, your patio doors need to be aligned properly for they to function effectively. Over time, heat and cold weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause frames, hinges, and locking mechanism to shift. If these components are not aligned it's similar to trying to fit keys into the wrong keyhole and it doesn't work. You can solve a problem which seemed impossible by following these simple steps. You should pat yourself on your back for tackling the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We bet that you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door once more. Have fun! We're here if you have any questions or concerns.