9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Repair Patio Door Lock
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is crucial to ensure your home's security. When yours is difficult to lock, it could be frustrating.
In a lot of cases, a stubborn lock is caused by an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position can help to restore its function. If these troubleshooting methods don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open or close the door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine can prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on Repair Patio Door Lock bills and allowing your door to enjoy its full lifespan.
The first step is to clean the lock cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to complete this. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and work the key into and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents which could harm your locks. Also, make sure to spray a bit on the key itself.
When your lock's cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can use an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant, such as graphite powder. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid fluids. It's a great choice for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both humid and freezing temperatures, however it may require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also use a de-icer spray that is specially designed for cold weather. It will remove ice and frost on the lock mechanism. This will enable you to unlock your lock and then lock it more easily.
The climate will determine how often you should belubricating locks. The location of your door can affect its performance. A location near the coast could expose the door to salty air, which could cause corrosion. It is recommended that you ensure that your locks are lubricated at least twice a year or more often if your area has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save money on repairs, and ensure that it continues to function properly for a long time.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio screen door repair door lock isn't functioning properly, it could mean that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repair of a faulty lock on your patio door could stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. You can fix a patio door that is locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder.
Begin by looking at the exterior and inside of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. Patio door locks can expand or contract with the weather, and could shift over time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanisms to stop aligning properly and can cause issues when opening or closing the patio door.
Then, look over the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder might be difficult to access, and could cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or lock pins. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you may be able to dislodge any obstructions using a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the problem persists you might need to remove the cylinder to determine the source.
If the lock cylinder has not been screwed to the lock body it can be removed by unscrewing the screw on the cylinder faceplate. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may help to restore alignment.
Examine the cylinder for a small tab that moves up and down using the key, typically towards the end. This little clip, called a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding patio door repair into the body of the lock. A standard key can move the tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and put back in.
If your lock cylinder is stuck, you may be able to restore the proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate, and the knob or handle can be pushed into and out. Once you've restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and check its performance. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's likely that a component, like the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn out and will need to be replaced.
Make sure you tighten the Screws
The locks on patio doors are susceptible to damage from regular use, extremes of temperature dust and dirt. Unless properly cared for these delicate components can get worn out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock problems are easily fixed with a few simple steps.
It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present, and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases,, as these can attract dust and debris which can cause further problems.
Next, if your patio door is equipped with an electronic foot lock for security, make sure the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will require changing the screws that attach the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. Unlock the screw with a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently move it up or down to adjust the foot lock as needed. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw.
The most frequent issue in the repair of patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by the wear and tear of everyday use or it could be due to the fact that the latch is set higher or lower than it ought to be.
Begin by removing the old handle, then find the screws or bolts that hold it in place. Make sure you keep track of these as you will need them later when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and slide the new one into place on the inside of the door. Be sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure that they are aligned correctly with the screws or bolts to secure them.
Once you've made any necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If everything is in alignment, the door will be able to open and close smoothly, without additional force. If you're having difficulty then you may need to adjust the latch or strike plate, or the lock cylinder could be damaged and need to be replaced.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. Most homeowners can change a lock themselves. Begin by sliding patio doors repairs the patio door all the way open and then removing the current lock from the inside of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed to the door and the door jamb to get a sense for what kind of lock you'll need purchase.
Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that hold the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock that is positioned on the edges of the frame of the door. Adjust it horizontally or in a vertical direction to align it with the latch hole. Once you have repositioned the latch plate then tighten the screws and screw it in place.
Once all the components of your sliding patio door lock repair door are repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to make sure that it is in place and fits 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 able to provide you with the security and privacy you've come expect from your doors.
Like other parts of your house must be properly aligned to function efficiently. Over time, temperature, cold, dirt, and debris can cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. If these components are not aligned, it's like trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole: It just doesn't work. By following these easy steps, you can fix the issue that may have appeared to be unfixable. Give yourself a pat on the back for tackling the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We'll bet you won't have any issues opening or closing the door from here to the end. Have fun! We are here to help in case you require any assistance or have any questions.
