How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A safe patio door is vital for home security. It can be a hassle if your door is difficult to lock.

A stubborn lock can be the result of misalignment or even simple wear and wear and tear. It may be possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these solutions aren't working, you can replace both the mortise and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

A door lock can be difficult to open and close over time due to dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine will keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repair patio door track repair door; sources, bills and allowing your door to enjoy its full potential.

In the beginning, you'll need to clean the lock's cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray can of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to spread the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that could damage your locks, and 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 silicone spray or a dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants, so it's a great option to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays can endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are resistant to water. However, they might require several coats to be efficient.

You can also use a de-icer spray that is specially designed for cold weather. It will remove ice and frost on the mechanism of your lock. A couple of sprays will allow your lock unlock and then lock more easily.

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

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock doesn't function properly there's a chance that one or more of its components may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a faulty lock on your patio door could prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. You can fix a patio door that is locked or locked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder.

Begin by looking at the exterior and interior of the lock for signs of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract during hot or cold weather and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause issues when opening or closing the door.

Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder is difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam, or latch springs. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can remove any obstructions by using a pair of tweezers and a picklock. If the problem persists you may need to take out the cylinder to determine the source.

If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock then you can loosen it by unscrewing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder's faceplate. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could aid in restoring alignment.

Check the cylinder for a tiny tab that moves upwards and downwards with the key, generally towards the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding patio door repair near me all the way into the body of the lock. The tab can be removed with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be taken out and then returned.

If your lock cylinder is stuck, you might be able to restore the proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate, and the knob or handle can be pushed in and out. Reassemble the lock once you have restored alignment. Check it out for its functionality. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's likely that another component such as the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn and will need to be replaced.

Tighten the Screws

Over time, the use of regular, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and can wear down patio door locks. Unless properly cared for, these delicate parts can wear down and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock issues can be fixed with a few simple steps.

Clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust that might be found. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases because they may attract dust and debris which could cause more issues.

Then, if your patio door is equipped with a security foot lock, make sure the foot lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require you to adjust the screws that secure your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the footlock you need to loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment is completed you can tighten the screw.

The most common problem when it comes to fixing patio door handles is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This could be caused by normal wear and tear or the latch may be positioned lower or higher than it is supposed to be.

Then, remove the old handle and locate the bolts or screws holding it in the place. Be sure to keep track of them as you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle, and then slide the new spindle into position on the side of the door, making sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts to secure them.

Once you've made any necessary adjustments to your patio repair near me door, make sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If the door is properly aligned, it should be able to open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you still have problems you may have to reposition your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. The replacement of a lock is a moderately easy home improvement task that many homeowners can tackle by themselves. Start by sliding the patio door handle repair near me doors all the way out and then removing your existing lock on the interior of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed into both the door and jamb to get a sense for what type of lock you'll have to purchase.

Before you install the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's set on the outside of the door frame) and then adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the jamb of the door. After you've adjusted the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it in place.

Once all the components of your patio door have been moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to ensure that it is in place and fits the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does, then your patio door lock is installed correctly and is now ready to give you the security and privacy you've come to expect from.

Like other parts of your house should be aligned correctly to function efficiently. Over time, temperatures or cold, dirt and debris could cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. The wrongly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert a key in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. By following these easy steps, you can fix a problem that might have been thought to be impossible to fix. So, give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this task and regaining the door that was locked! 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 questions.