Notes

This Week's Top Stories Concerning Repair Patio Door Lock
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A secure patio door is crucial to ensure your home's security. It can be difficult when your door is difficult to lock.

In most instances, a lock that is difficult to open is the result of the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position could help to restore its function. If these troubleshooting techniques aren't working, you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle.

Clean and Lubricate

Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open or close doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can keep your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving your money on repair costs and allowing your door to enjoy its full potential.

To begin, you'll have to clean the lock cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or another penetrating spray to complete this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to spread the oil. Do not use household oil or other solvents that can harm your locks. Spray a bit on the key.

After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to grease. You can use a silicone spray or dry lubricant such as graphite powder. patio door repair is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid oils. It's a great choice to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays can endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are resistant to water. However, they may require multiple coats to be effective.

You can also apply sprays to de-icer your lock that is designed for colder weather and will remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will help you unlock your lock and then lock it more easily.

The environment will determine how often you should lubricate locks. A coastal location exposes your door to salty air and cause corrosion, and temperature changes can affect the performance of your lock. It is recommended to regularly lubricate your locks at least twice a year or more often when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door will perform as it should for years 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 inspections and timely repairs of a broken lock on your patio door can prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. You can fix doors that are locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.

Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks may expand or contract depending on the weather and could shift over time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause problems when opening or closing the door.

Next, examine the lock cylinder for obstructions within the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder might be difficult to open, and may cause damage to the latch springs, cam or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you might be able of removing any obstructions with a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists you may have to remove the cylinder to find the cause.

If the lock cylinder has not been screwed onto the lock body it can be removed by unscrewing the screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may even help restore the proper alignment.

Look for a small tab that moves along with the key. It's usually at the end. This small clip, also known as a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. This tab can be removed using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed, then it can be inserted.

If your lock cylinder is stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The knob or handle can then be pulled and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock once you have restored alignment. Check it out for its functionality. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's likely that a component, like the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn and will require replacement.

Lock the Screws

Over time, the use of regular temperatures, cold and hot weather, dirt, and dust can cause damage to patio door locks. If not properly maintained these delicate components can get worn out and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock problems are easily solved with just a few steps.


Clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that may be present. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases since they could attract dust and debris and cause additional problems.

If your patio door is equipped with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will require you to adjust the screws that secure your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the foot lock you need to loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment is completed you can tighten the screw.

When it comes to repairing the handle of a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This can be due to everyday wear and tear or the latch may be positioned above or below where it should be.

Then, remove the handle that was previously used and find the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Make sure you keep track of them as you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, remove the spindle that was in use and slide the new one into place on the interior of the door. Be sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Install the exterior and interior handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they are aligned properly with the bolts or screws to secure them.

Close and lock the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in proper alignment, the door will open and close without additional force. If you're having difficulty then you may need to move the strike plate or latch or the lock cylinder may be damaged and require to be replaced.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks are still not working, it may be time to replace the lock. Installing a new lock is a moderately easy home improvement task that many homeowners can tackle themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door completely open and then removing the current lock from the inside of the door. Review the lock to determine the type of lock that you will need.

Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws securing the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside of the door frame) and then adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the jamb in the door. After you've repositioned the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it into place.

After all the parts of your patio door have been relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is able to provide the security and privacy that you've come to expect from.

As with other parts of your home the patio doors have to be properly aligned in order for them to work efficiently. Over time, heat, cold, dirt, and debris can cause the frames and hinges to shift. When these elements are misaligned it's like trying to fit a key in the wrong keyhole: It just doesn't work. You can solve the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these simple steps. Give yourself a pat on the back for taking on the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're sure you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door. Best of luck! We are here to help in case you require any assistance or have questions.

Homepage: https://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/PageRedirect.aspx?redirectedurl=https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-london/