9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Repair Patio Door Lock
How to repair patio door lock a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is essential to ensure your home's security. If your door becomes difficult to lock, it could be a nightmare.
A locked that isn't working properly could be the result of misalignment or even wear and tear. It is possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these methods of troubleshooting don't work, you can replace the mortise lock 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 help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on Repair Patio Door Lock costs and prolong the life of your door.
To begin, you'll have to clean the lock's the cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray bottle of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. Spray a small amount into the keyhole and work the key through and out to spread the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that could damage your locks, and make sure to spray a bit on the key itself as well.
After your lock cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can apply a silicone spray or a dry lubricant, such as graphite powder. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants, so it's a great option for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both humid and freezing temperatures, but may require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also use a de-icer spray, which is specifically made for cold weather. It will remove the frost and ice from the mechanism of your lock. This will help you unlock your lock, and then unlock it with ease.
The environment will determine the frequency at which you should lubricate locks. A location near the coast will expose your door to salty air and cause corrosion. Temperature variations can impact the efficiency of your lock. It is recommended that you regularly lubricate your locks at least two times every year, or more frequently when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save money on repairs, and ensure that it will continue to function properly for a long time.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock does not function properly, one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a damaged patio door lock can avoid any further damage and ensure your doors are secure. You can fix a patio door that is locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.
Start by checking the exterior and the inside of the lock to determine if there are any signs of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks can expand or contract with the weather and could shift over time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanism to not align properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the patio door.
Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder could be difficult to open and can cause damage to the cam, latch springs or lock pins. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you may be able to remove any obstructions with a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue continues then you'll need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it in order to identify the root of the problem.
If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the lock body then you can loosen it by removing an elongated screw within the cylinder's faceplate. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to move the cylinder around and could help restore proper alignment.
Examine the cylinder for a small tab that can move up and down using the key, typically towards the end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding into the body of the lock. A standard key will move this tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and reinserted.
If the cylinder of your lock is stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pushed, and withdrawn. Once you've restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and test it for performance. If your patio door lock still isn't working properly, it is likely that an additional component such as the latch or latch spring needs to be replaced.
Tighten the Screws
Over time, regular use as well as cold and hot weather, dirt, and dust can take their toll on patio door locks. These delicate components can be damaged if not properly maintained, causing your door to stop locking properly. Thankfully, most lock problems can be fixed easily by following a few easy maintenance steps.
The first thing you have to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that might be present. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases as they can attract dust and debris which could cause more issues.
If your patio door lock repairs near me door is fitted with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is aligned correctly 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. Remove the screw using the Robertson screwdriver, and gently pry up or down to adjust the foot lock if needed. Once the adjustment is complete you can tighten the screw.
When it comes to repairing the handle on a patio door, the most common problem involves misalignment between the strike plate and the latch. This can be caused by the wear and tear of everyday use, or it could simply be that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it should be.
Start by removing the handle, then find the screws or bolts which hold it in place. Keep on track of the bolts or screws, as you will require them to attach the new handle. Then, remove the spindle that was in use and slide the new one in place on the interior of the door. Be sure that it is aligned properly with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Reinstall the interior and external handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure that they are aligned correctly with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.
Once you've made any necessary adjustments to your patio door handle repair near me door, be sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it should be able to open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you are still having issues, you may need to adjust the position of your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks not working, it may be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can change locks themselves. Start by sliding the patio door completely open and then removing the current lock from the interior side of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock you will need.
Before installing the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted on the outside edge of the door frame) and then adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the door jamb. After you've repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then fix it with screws.
After all components have been repositioned or changed then assemble and secure the patio door as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done checking the latch. Check to see if it fits properly and catches the latch when the door is closed. If it does then your patio door lock is now working exactly as it should, and is can give you the security and privacy you've come appreciate from your home's doors.
Like other areas of your home your patio doors also need to be aligned properly for they to function effectively. Over time, heat, cold, dirt, and debris can cause the frames and hinges to shift. When these elements are misaligned it's similar to trying to insert a key in the wrong hole for a key it won't work. You can solve an issue that appeared impossible by following these easy steps. So give yourself an ovation for tackling this challenge and regaining your patio door's lock position! We're betting you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door lock repair near me door. Best of luck! We're here to help if you have any concerns or questions.
