how to repair patio door lock to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A secure patio door is vital to ensure your home's security. When yours is difficult to lock, it can be a hassle.

A lock that is not working can be caused by misalignment, or even simple wear and tear. It is possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these solutions aren't working, you can replace both the mortise and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

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

The first step in the process is to clean the lock cylinder. Use WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to complete this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole and work the key in and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that can damage your locks. Also, make sure to spray a bit on the key itself as well.

When your lock's cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can apply a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid fluids. It's an excellent choice for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, however it may require several coats to work effectively.

You can also use de-icer spray that is designed for cold weather. It will melt frost and ice off the mechanism of your lock. A couple of sprays will help your lock unlock and then re-lock more easily.

how to repair patio door lock often you need to oil your locks will be contingent on environmental factors. The location of your door will impact its performance. A location near the coast could expose the door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. The most common rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks twice per year and more frequently when you live in an area with extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save money on repairs, and ensure that they continue to function in a good way for a long time.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should it could be because one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a broken lock on your patio door could stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. You can repair a patio door that is locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder.

Begin by inspecting the exterior and the interior of the lock to determine whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract during hot or cold weather and can shift slightly over time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanisms to stop aligning correctly and can cause issues when opening or closing the patio door.

Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder may be difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder does not fit easily, you can get rid of any obstructions using a pair tweezers and a lock. If the issue persists, you may have to remove the cylinder in order to locate the cause.

If the lock cylinder has not been secured to the body of the lock it can be removed by unscrewing the flat screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may aid in restoring alignment.

Examine the cylinder for a little tab that can move up and down with the key, typically towards the end. This small clip, also called a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. A standard key will move this tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and reinserted.

If your lock cylinder has become stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt contacts the strike plate. The knob or handle may then be pushed and pulled back. Once you've restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and test its functioning. If your patio door lock isn't working, it is likely that an additional component such as the latch spring or latch requires replacement.

Make sure you tighten the Screws

Patio door locks are susceptible to damage from regular use, extremes of temperature dust, dirt and. If they are not properly taken care of, these delicate parts can get worn out and cause your door to not lock properly. Thankfully, most lock problems can be fixed easily by following a few easy maintenance steps.

The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that might be present, and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases because they may attract dust and other debris which could cause more problems.

If your patio door comes with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require changing the screws that attach the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. To adjust the footlock you need to loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it up or down. Once the adjustment is complete you can tighten the screw.

When it comes time to Repair Patio door Lock the handle on a patio door the most frequent issue is misalignment between the strike plate and the latch. This can be caused by the wear and tear of everyday use or it could be that the latch is set higher or lower than it should be.

Start by removing the handle, then identify the screws or bolts which hold it in place. Keep track of the screws or bolts, since you'll need them to attach the new handle. Remove 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 interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle is installed then reinstall the interior and exterior handles to ensure that they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts that secure them.

Close and lock the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If the door is correctly aligned, it should open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you're having 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 locks still don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. Most homeowners can replace a lock themselves. Begin by sliding glass patio door repair the double glazed patio door repairs doors completely out and unscrewing your existing lock on the interior of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed into both the door and the jamb to get a sense for what kind of lock you'll have to purchase.

Before installing the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted on the outside of the door frame) and adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb in the door. After you've adjusted the strike plate, secure it in its place and tighten the screws.

Once all the components of your patio door are repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, check the latch to make sure that it fits and is able to catch the latch's hasp when your door is closed. If it does then your patio door lock is functioning just as it should and is will give you the security and privacy you've come expect from your home's doors.

patio door lock repairs doors, like other areas of your home, need to be properly aligned to function effectively. Over time, cold and hot weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause frames, hinges, and the locking mechanism to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to put keys into the wrong keyhole. It's not working. By following these easy steps, you can fix an issue that been thought to be impossible to fix. Give yourself a pat on the back for taking on the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We bet that you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Best of luck! We're here for you if there are any questions or concerns.