How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A safe patio door is a crucial element of home security. It can be difficult when your door is difficult to lock.

In most instances, a locked that is not working is caused by the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. It's possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these troubleshooting techniques fail, you may need to replace both the mortise as well as the handle.

Clean and Lubricate

Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open and close a door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair bills and extend the longevity of your door.

The first step is to clean the lock cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray bottle of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. Spray a small amount into the keyhole, then work the key through and out to spread the oil. Avoid using household oil or other solvents that can harm your locks. Spray a small amount on the key.

After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to lubricate. You can apply dry lubricants like graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid oils. It's an excellent choice for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays are able to endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are impervious to water. However, they might need multiple coats in order to be efficient.

You can also apply sprays for de-icing that is designed for colder weather and will remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will allow your lock to unlock and then lock more easily.

The climate will determine how often you should lubricate locks. A location near the coast exposes your door to salty air and lead to corrosion, and temperature fluctuations can also impact how well your lock works. It is recommended to lubricate locks at least twice each year, or more often if your area has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save costs on repairs, and ensure that it continues to function properly for many years.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock isn't working properly, it could be that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair patio door lock (source web page) of a damaged patio door lock can avoid any further damage and ensure your doors are secure. You can fix doors that are locked or locked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder.

Begin by looking at the exterior and the inside of the lock to determine if there are any signs of damage or misalignment. Patio door locks can expand or contract with the weather, and they could shift over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause issues when opening or closing the door.

Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder might be difficult to access, and can cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can get rid of any obstructions using a pair tweezers and a picklock. If the issue continues, you may need to take out the cylinder in order to locate the root of the issue.

If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the lock body, you can loosen it by uncrewing a flat screw inside the faceplate of the cylinder. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help restore proper alignment.

Look for the small tab that moves with the key. It's usually at the end. This little clip, called a "release tab", keeps the cylinder from sliding into the lock body. This tab can be moved back by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be removed, then reinserted.

If your lock's cylinder is stuck, you may be able to restore the proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate, and the handle or knob can be pushed in and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock once you have restored the proper alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock repairs door lock still isn't working properly it's likely that an additional component such as the latch spring or latch requires replacement.

Tighten the Screws

Over time, the use of regular, hot and cold weather, dirt, and dust can take their toll on patio door locks. Unless properly cared for these delicate components can wear down and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock problems are easily repaired with a few easy steps.

The first thing you have to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that might be present, and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases because they may attract dust and debris which could cause more problems.

If your patio door comes with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require you to adjust the screws that hold your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the footlock simply loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment has been completed then tighten the screw.

When it comes time to repair the handle on a patio door the most frequent issue is misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This could be caused by wear and tear or the latch could be set above or below where it is supposed to be.

Then, take off the old handle and find the bolts or screws that are holding it in place. Keep in mind the bolts or screws, since you'll need them for the installation of the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and place the new one on the interior of the door. Make sure that it is in alignment with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws to secure them.

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 properly aligned, it will open and shut without needing any additional force. If you still have problems, you may need to reposition your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks are not working, it might be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can replace locks themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door all the way open and removing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed to the door and the jamb to get a sense for what kind of lock you'll need to purchase.

Before you install the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside edge of the door frame) and then adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb of the door. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it into its place and tighten the screws.

After all components have been repositioned or changed, assemble and secure the patio door repair company door according to the instructions of the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and catches the latch's hasp when your door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is installed correctly and is able to provide the security and privacy that you've come to anticipate from.

Like other parts of your house should be aligned properly to work effectively. Over time, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris, and other factors can cause the hinges, door frame, and the locking mechanism to shift. The wrongly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole. It's not working. It is possible to fix a problem which seemed impossible by following these easy steps. Do yourself a big pat on the back for tackling the job and reclaiming your patio door repairs near me door's closed position! We'll bet you won't have any trouble opening or closing the door from now to the end. Best of luck! We're here to help if you have any questions or concerns.