Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Repair Patio Door Lock
How to repair patio door a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is vital to ensure your home's security. It can be frustrating when it isn't easy to lock.
In a lot of instances, a lock that is difficult to open is caused by the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. It is possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these troubleshooting techniques don't work you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock may become difficult to open and close over time due to dirt, dust and grime. Regular cleaning tilt and slide patio door repairs lubrication will help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in Repair patio door bills and extend the lifespan of your door.
In the beginning, you'll need to clean the lock the cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to do this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole, then work the key through and out to spread the oil. Do not use solvents like household oil or other that can harm your locks. Spray a small amount on the key.
After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to grease. You can use a silicone spray or a dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants do, so it's a great option for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays can be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are impervious to water. However, they may need multiple coats in order to be effective.
You can also use a de-icer spray that is designed for colder weather and will lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. This will help you unlock your lock, and then unlock it with ease.
The environment will determine how often you need to lubricate locks. A coastal location will expose your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. Temperature fluctuations can also affect the performance of your lock. The most common rule of thumb is to oil your locks every two years, or more frequently when you live in a region that has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door will function as it should for many long time to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could be that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door can prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws, adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock for signs of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract in hot or cold weather and can shift slightly over time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanism to not align properly and cause problems when opening or closing the patio door.
Then, check the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder may be difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the pins, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can clear any obstructions by using a pair of tweezers and a lock. If the problem persists you might need to remove the cylinder to find the cause.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the lock body you can loosen it by removing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder faceplate. This screw lets you rotate the cylinder, and it could also help restore the alignment.
Examine the cylinder for a small tab that moves upwards and downwards with the key, typically towards the end. This tiny clip, also called a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. The tab can be removed using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be taken out and then it can be inserted.
If your lock cylinder has become stuck and is not aligned, you can fix it by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt is engaged with the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pulled and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock 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, frequent use temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can wear down patio door locks. These delicate components can be damaged if they are not properly maintained, causing your door to stop locking properly. Most lock problems are easily repaired with a few easy steps.
The first thing you need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to remove any dirt or dust that might be present. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, they can attract dust and debris that can lead to further problems.
If your patio door is equipped with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is aligned correctly 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. Unlock the screw with a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down to adjust the foot lock as needed. Once the adjustment is complete then tighten the screw.
When it comes to fixing the handle of a patio door the most frequent issue is misalignment between the strike plate and the latch. This can be caused by normal wear and tear or it could be due to the fact that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it ought to be.
Start by removing the handle, and then locate the screws or bolts that hold it in place. Be sure to keep track of these since you will need them later when installing the new handle. Then, take off the spindle that was in use and slide the new one into place on the interior of the door. Make sure it is aligned properly 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.
Close and lock the patio door once you have made any necessary adjustments. If the door is correctly aligned, it should open and shut without needing any additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty, you might need to move the latch or strike plate, or the lock cylinder could be damaged and require to be replaced.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door glass repair door locks not working, it could be time to replace the lock. Installing a new lock is a relatively simple home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can complete by themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door all the way open and unscrewing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Study the existing lock to determine the type of lock that 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 door's frame. Adjust it either horizontally or in an upward direction to align it with the holes for the latch. Once you have repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then fix it with screws.
When all the components of your patio door have been repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and catches the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is installed correctly and is ready to provide the security and privacy you have come to expect.
Patio doors, like other parts of your house should be aligned properly to work efficiently. Over time, temperature, cold, dirt, and debris could cause the frames and hinges to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are like trying to put keys into the wrong keyhole. It's not working. It is possible to fix the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these simple steps. So give yourself an award for tackling this project and reclaiming your patio door's locked position! We're betting you won't face any trouble opening or closing the door from now to the end. Good luck! We're here to assist should you require assistance or have questions.
