How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is essential for home security. When yours is difficult to lock, it can be frustrating.
In many instances, a lock that is difficult to open is due to misalignment or simple wear and tear. glass door repair cost may be possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these solutions don't work you can replace both the mortise and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock can become hard to open and close over time because of dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication can 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.
The first step in the process is to clean your lock cylinder. To do this, you'll need spray cans of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then rotate the key to distribute the oil. Do not use solvents like household oil or other 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 an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant, such as graphite powder. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants do, so it's a great choice to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays are able to endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are impervious to water. However, they may require several coats to be effective.
You can also use a de-icer spray specially designed for colder weather and will loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. This will allow you to unlock your lock and relock it more easily.
How often you need to oil your locks will be contingent on the environmental conditions. The location of your door will affect its performance. A location near the coast could expose it to salty air which can cause corrosion. It is recommended that you lubricate locks at least twice a year or more often in areas with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door will perform as it should for the years to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't functioning correctly, it could indicate that one or more components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a defective patio door lock can prevent further damage and ensure that your doors are secure. You can fix doors that are 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 find signs of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract in hot or cold weather and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanisms to stop aligning correctly and lead to problems with opening or closing the patio door.
Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. A corroded or blocked cylinder is difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder does not fit easily, you can remove any obstructions by using a pair of tweezers and a lock. If the issue persists it may be necessary to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to find the root of the problem.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed onto the body of the lock, it can be loosen by unscrewing the screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. Loosening this screw will allow you to move the cylinder around and could aid in restoring alignment.
Examine the cylinder for a small tab that moves upwards and downwards with the key, usually towards the very end. This small clip, sometimes called a "release Tab" will stop the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. This tab can be removed with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then returned.
If your lock cylinder is stuck, you may be able restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pushed into and out. Once you have restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and test it for functioning. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn out and will need to be replaced.
Tighten the Screws
Over time, frequent use, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and can take their toll on patio door locks. If not properly maintained these delicate components can wear out and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be fixed with a few simple steps.
Clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases,, as these can draw dust and dirt that can lead to further problems.
Next, if your patio door is equipped with a foot lock that is secure, make sure the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will require you to adjust the screws that hold your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Remove the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently move it upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock if needed. Once the adjustment has been completed, tighten the screw.
When it comes to repairing a patio door handle, the most common problem is misalignment between the strike plate and the latch. 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, remove the handle that was previously used and find the bolts or screws that are holding it in the place. Make sure to keep track of these as you will require them when installing the new handle. Remove the old spindle and place the new one in place on the interior of the door. Make sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle has been installed, reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior and ensure that they are aligned with the bolts or screws that secure them.
Close and lock the patio door once you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should open and close smoothly without any additional force. If you're having difficulty then you may need to reposition the strike plate or latch or the lock cylinder may be damaged and must be replaced.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks not working, it may be time to replace the lock. The majority of homeowners can replace the lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors completely out and unscrewing your existing lock on the inside of the door. Study the existing lock to determine the type of lock that 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 mounted on the edge of the frame of the door. Adjust it either horizontally or in an upward direction to align it with the holes for the latch. After you've repositioned the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it in place.
After all the components have been repositioned or changed then assemble and secure the patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, check the latch to ensure that it fits and catches the latch 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 functioning as it should and able to provide you with the security and privacy you've come to expect from your home's doors.
Patio doors, like other components of your home should be aligned correctly to function efficiently. Over time, temperature or cold, dirt and debris could cause the hinges and door frame to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to put keys in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you can solve an issue that appeared to be unfixable. So go ahead and give yourself an ovation for tackling this task and regaining your patio door's locked position! We're sure you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door once more. Good luck! We are here to help in case you require any assistance or have any questions.