How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is essential for home security. It can be difficult when yours is difficult to lock.
In most instances, a lock that is difficult to open is due to the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. It is possible to restore 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
A door lock may become difficult to open and close due to dirt, dust and grime. A regular cleaning and lubrication routine can stop your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving your money on repair costs and allowing your door to enjoy its full lifespan.
To begin, you'll need to clean the lock's the cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray do this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key 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.
After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to grease. You can use dry lubricants such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants, so it's a great option for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both moist and cold temperatures, however they may require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also use de-icer spray, which is specifically made for cold weather. It will remove frost and ice off the mechanism of your lock. This will allow you to unlock your lock and relock it more easily.
The environment will determine how often you should lubricate locks. The location of your door will impact its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose it to salty air which can cause corrosion. It is recommended that you regularly lubricate your locks at least twice a year or more often if your area 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 does not perform as it should, one or more of its components could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a faulty patio door lock can prevent further damage and ensure that your doors are secure. You can fix a patio door that is locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder.
Start by checking the exterior and the interior of the lock to determine whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract in warm or cold weather, and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause issues when closing or opening the door.
Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder may be difficult to open, and can cause damage to the cam, latch springs or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you might be able to dislodge any obstructions with a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue continues, you may need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it in order to identify the root of the problem.
If the lock cylinder has not been screwed to the body of the lock it can be removed by unscrewing the flat screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and it could also help restore the alignment.
Look for an elongated tab that is movable with the key. It's usually at the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab", keeps the cylinder from sliding into the lock body. A standard key can move this tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and reinserted.
If your lock cylinder is stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt is engaged with the strike plate. The knob or handle may then be pushed and pulled back. Once you've restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and test its functionality. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's a sign that another component such as the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn and will require replacement.
Make sure you tighten the Screws
Patio door locks can be damaged by regular use, extreme temperatures dust, dirt and. These delicate parts may wear out if not properly maintained, causing your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues are easily fixable by following a few easy maintenance steps.
It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dust or dirt that might be found. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can help keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases because they may draw dust and dirt and cause additional issues.
Then, if your patio door is equipped with a foot lock that is secure ensure that the foot lock is aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will only require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the footlock, loosen the screw with the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment has been completed, tighten the screw.
The most frequent issue when it comes to repairing patio door handles is the misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be due to everyday wear and tear or the latch could be set lower or higher than it should be.
Begin by removing the old handle, then find the screws or bolts that secure it. Make sure you keep track of these as you will need them later when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle, then slide the new spindle into place on the side of the door, ensuring that it is properly aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Install the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure they are aligned correctly with the screws or bolts holding 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 the door is correctly aligned, it should be able to open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you're having difficulty, you might need to reposition the latch or strike plate, or the lock cylinder could be damaged and must be replaced.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks still don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. The replacement of a lock is a relatively simple home improvement task that many homeowners can do by themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors completely out and then removing your existing lock on the interior of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock you will need.
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 edge of the door frame) and adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the door jamb. Once you have repositioned the latch plate, tighten the screws and 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 ensure that it fits and catches the latch's hasp when your door is closed. If it does the lock will be able to latch onto the door. If visit does, your patio door lock is now working just as it should and is can provide the security and privacy you've come to appreciate from your home's doors.
As with other parts of your home the patio doors have to be properly aligned for they to function effectively. Over time, temperature cold, dirt and debris could cause the frames and hinges to shift. If these components are not aligned it's similar to trying to insert a key in the wrong keyhole and it doesn't work. By following these easy steps, you will be able to fix the issue that may have seemed unfixable. Do yourself a big pat on your back for tackling 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. Best of luck! We're here if you have any concerns or questions.