The 10 Most Scariest Things About Repair Patio Door Lock
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is a vital element of home security. If your door becomes difficult to lock, it could be frustrating.
A locked that isn't working properly could be caused by misalignment or simply wear and wear and tear. It's possible to restore the lock's function 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, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open and close doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair costs and prolong the life of your door.
The first step is to clean your lock's the cylinder. To do this, use a spray can of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and work the key into and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils which could harm your locks. Make sure you spray some on the key itself as well.
After cleaning your lock cylinder, it is time to lubricate. You can apply a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants do, so it's a great option to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays can be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are impervious to water. However, they might require several coats to be effective.
You can also use de-icer spray that is made for cold weather. It will melt ice and frost on the mechanism of your lock. This will help you unlock your lock and then relock it more easily.
How often you should lubricate your locks will rely on environmental factors. A location with a coastline will expose your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. Temperature variations can influence the performance of your lock. The most common rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks every two years, or more frequently when you live in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save costs on repairs, and ensure that it continues to work properly for a long time.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock doesn't work properly it could be because one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repair of a broken lock on your patio door will stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. You can repair the patio door that is locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder.
Start by checking the exterior and the interior of the lock to determine if there are any signs of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract during hot or cold weather and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanisms to not align properly and cause problems when opening or closing the patio door.
Next, examine the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder may be difficult to open and can cause damage to the latch springs, cam or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you might be able of removing any obstructions with a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the problem persists you might need to remove the cylinder to determine the source.
If the lock cylinder is not been screwed to the body of the lock it can be removed by unscrewing the screw on the cylinder faceplate. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to move the cylinder around and could aid in restoring alignment.
Look for an elongated tab that is movable with the key. It's usually near the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding into the body of the lock. A standard key can move the tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and put back in.
If your lock's cylinder is stuck, you might be able to restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt is in contact with the strike plate, and the knob or handle can be pushed in and withdrawn. Once you have restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and check its performance. If your patio door lock isn't working properly It is likely that an additional component such as the latch spring or latch requires replacement.
Lock the Screws
Locks for patio doors can be damaged by regular usage, extreme temperatures dust, dirt and. Repair My Windows And Doors can be damaged if not maintained properly, causing your door to stop locking properly. Thankfully, most lock problems can be easily fixed with just a few simple maintenance steps.
You should first clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that may be present, and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts functioning efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, however they can attract dust and debris which could cause issues.
Then, if your patio door is equipped with an electronic foot lock for security be sure that the foot lock is 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 your patio door. To adjust the foot lock simply loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down. After the adjustment is completed you can tighten the screw.
When it comes time to repair the handle of a patio door, the most common problem involves misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by everyday wear and tear or it could be due to the fact that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it ought to be.
Then, take off the handle that was previously used and locate the screws or bolts that hold it in the place. Keep track of the bolts or screws as you will require them for the installation of the new handle. Then, 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 exterior and interior handle. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they're aligned properly with the screws or bolts that 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 properly aligned, it will open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you're still having problems you may have to move your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks still not working, it may be time to replace the lock. The replacement of a lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that most homeowners can complete by themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door all the way open and removing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed to the door and jamb to determine the type of lock you'll need purchase.
Before you install the new latch, loosen the screws securing the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside edge of the door frame) and adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the hole in the jamb of the door. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it back into its place and tighten the screws.
When all the components of your patio door have been repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and catches the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is installed correctly and is now ready to provide the security and privacy you have come to expect.
Like other areas of your home should be properly aligned to function effectively. Over time, heat, cold, dirt, and debris can cause hinges and the frame of the door to shift. If these components are not aligned it's like trying to fit keys into the wrong keyhole: It just doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you can solve an issue that seemed unfixable. So give yourself an ovation for tackling this project and regaining your patio door's lock position! We bet that you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door. Best of luck! We're here if you have any questions or concerns.