How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is an essential part of home security. It can be difficult when it isn't easy to lock.
In many instances, a locked that is not working is caused by an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. It is possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these methods of troubleshooting aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock can become hard to open and close due to dirt, dust and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair bills and extend the life of your door.
In the beginning, you'll have to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray bottle of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole, and then rotate the key to spread it. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that can damage your locks. Make sure to spray a bit on the key itself.
Once your lock cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can use a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid lubricants. It's a great choice to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both humid and cold temperatures, however they might require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also use sprays to de-icer your lock that is designed for cold weather and can remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will enable you to unlock your lock and lock it more easily.
How often you have to oil your locks will be contingent on environmental factors. The location of your door will affect its performance. A coastal location can expose it to salty air which can cause corrosion. It is recommended that you regularly lubricate your locks at least two times every year, or more frequently if your area has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save money on repairs, and ensure that it continues to function properly for many years.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock does not perform as it should it could be because one or more of its parts could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repair of a broken lock on your patio door will prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws, adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by looking at the exterior and the inside of the lock to see whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract with warm or cold weather, and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the door.
Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder can be difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam, or latch springs. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you may be able of removing any obstructions with the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue persists then you'll need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to locate the cause of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the lock body then you can loosen it by uncrewing the screw that is flat inside the faceplate of the cylinder. Loosening this screw will allow you to move the cylinder around and could help restore proper alignment.
Examine Repair My Windows And Doors for a tiny tab that can move up and down with the key, generally towards the very end. This little clip, called a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding into the body of the lock. A standard key can slide this tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and reinserted.
If the lock cylinder has become stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The knob or handle may then be pushed and withdrawn. After you have restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and check its functioning. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's a sign that a component, like the latch spring or latch is worn or damaged and may require replacement.
Tighten the Screws
Patio door locks can be damaged by frequent usage, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. If they are not properly taken care of the delicate parts could wear down and cause your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues can be easily fixed by following a few easy maintenance steps.
The first thing you have to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth get rid of any dust or dirt that might be present, and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases because they may attract dust and other debris, which can cause further problems.
If your patio door is equipped with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. In most cases this will require you to adjust the screws that secure your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Loosen the screw using the Robertson screwdriver, and gently move it up or down to adjust the foot lock if needed. Once the adjustment is complete then 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 could be caused by wear and tear or the latch could be set lower or higher than it should be.
Then, take off the handle from the old one and locate the screws or bolts that hold it in the first place. Keep in mind the bolts or screws, because you will need them for the installation of the new handle. Then, remove the old spindle and slide the new one in place on the inside of the door. Make sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle is installed put back the handles on the exterior and interior to ensure that they are aligned with the screws or bolts that hold them in place.
Once you've made any necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If everything is in alignment, the door will open and close smoothly without additional force. If you're still having problems, you may need to reposition your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. Replacing a lock is a fairly simple home improvement project that most homeowners can complete by themselves. Start by sliding the patio door all the way open and then removing the current 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 so that you can discern the kind of lock you'll have 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 edges of the door's frame. Adjust it either horizontally or in the vertical direction to align it with the latch hole. After you've repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then screw it into place.
After all the parts of your patio door have been repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to make sure that it is in place and fits the latch's hasp when your door is closed. If it does, then 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 your patio doors also need to be aligned properly for they to function effectively. Over time, temperatures cold, dirt and debris can cause frames and hinges to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to put a key in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. You can fix a problem which seemed impossible by following these easy steps. Give yourself a pat on your back for tackling the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We bet that you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door again. Best of luck! We are here to assist should you require assistance or have any questions.