How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is a vital element of home security. It can be difficult when your door is difficult to lock.
In many instances, a locked that is not working is caused by an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position may help restore its function. If these methods 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 the door lock. A regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can stop your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repair bills and allowing your door to enjoy its full lifespan.
The first step is to clean your lock's cylinder. To do this, use spray cans of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and work the key through and out to spread the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that can damage your locks. Make sure to spray a little on the key itself as well.
After your lock cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can apply an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid oils. It's an excellent choice to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays are able to withstand freezing temperatures and are impervious to water. However, they might need multiple coats in order to be efficient.
You can also use a de-icer spray specifically made for cold weather. It will break up the frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will allow you to unlock your lock, and then unlock it with ease.
The environment will determine the frequency at which you should lubricate locks. A location near the coast exposes your door to salty air and cause corrosion. Temperature fluctuations can also affect the efficiency of your lock. It is recommended that you ensure that your locks are lubricated at least once 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 continues to function properly 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 parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a defective patio door lock can avoid any further damage and ensure your doors are safe. You can fix the patio door that is locked or locked by tightening loose screws, altering 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. Locks for patio doors can expand or contract in response to the weather, and they may even shift over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to not align properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the door.
Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder could be difficult to access, and could cause damage to the cam, latch springs, or the lock pins. If the cylinder does not fit easily, you can get rid of any obstructions by using a pair of tweezers and a lock. If the issue persists, you may need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to locate the root of the problem.
If the lock cylinder has not been secured to the lock body, it can be loosen by unscrewing the screw on the faceplate of cylinder. This screw lets you rotate the cylinder, and may even help restore alignment.
Look for a small tab that is movable with the key. It is usually at the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab", keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. The tab can be removed with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be taken out and then reinserted.
If your lock cylinder has become stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt is engaged with the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pulled and withdrawn. After you have restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and test its functionality. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's a sign that a component, like the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn out and will require replacement.
Lock the Screws
The locks on patio doors are susceptible to damage from regular use, extremes of temperature, dirt and dust. These delicate components can wear out if not maintained properly, causing your door to not lock properly. Thankfully, most lock problems are easily fixable by following a few easy maintenance steps.
It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that might be present. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases since they could attract dust and debris and cause additional problems.
If your patio door is equipped with an electronic footlock for security, make sure 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 you need to loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment is completed you can tighten the screw.
The most frequent issue in the repair of patio door handles is the misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by wear and tear or the latch may be positioned higher or below what it should be.
Then, take out the handle from the old one and find the bolts or screws holding it in the first place. Be sure to keep track of these since you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and place the new one into place on the interior of the door. Be sure that it is in alignment with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle is in place put back the interior and exterior handles and ensure that they are aligned with the bolts or screws that secure them.
Close and lock the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in alignment, the door will be able to open and close smoothly, without additional force. If you are still having issues it may be necessary to adjust the position of your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks still don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. Installing door specialists london www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is a fairly simple home improvement project that most homeowners can do themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors completely out and removing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock you'll need.
Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that secure the strike plate. This is the part of the lock that is positioned on the outside of the frame of the door. Adjust it horizontally or in a vertical direction to align it with holes for the latch. Once you have repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then screw it into place.
After all components have been repositioned or changed then assemble and secure the patio door as instructed by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process testing the latch. Make sure it is fitted correctly and is secured when the door is closed. If it does, then your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is able to provide the security and privacy that you have come to expect.
Like other parts of your home your patio doors also need to be properly aligned for them to function efficiently. Over time, temperatures, cold, dirt, and debris can cause hinges and door frame to shift. When these elements are misaligned, it's like trying to insert a key in the wrong hole for a key: It just doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you will be able to fix the issue that may have appeared to be unfixable. So give yourself an ovation for tackling this task and reclaiming your patio door's locked position! We bet that you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door once more. Best of luck! We're here for you if there are any questions or concerns.