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The Biggest Problem With Repair Patio Door Lock And How You Can Fix It
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock


A secure patio door is an essential part of 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. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position can aid in restoring its functionality. If these solutions fail, you may need to replace both the mortise and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open and close doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication will aid in preventing your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on repair bills and extend the lifespan of your door.

In the beginning, you'll need to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, you'll need spray cans of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole and then turn the key to distribute it. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that could damage your locks. Also, make sure you spray some on the key itself as well.

When your lock's cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can apply a silicone spray or dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants do, which is why it's an excellent choice for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays can withstand freezing temperatures and are resistant to water. However, they may need multiple coats in order to be effective.

You can also use de-icer spray that is designed 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 the frequency at which you should lubricate locks. A coastal location exposes your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. Temperature changes can affect how well your lock works. The standard rule of thumb is to grease your locks twice per year or more often when you live in a region that has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door will perform as it should for the years to come.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock doesn't work properly, one or more of its components could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door could prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. To repair a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws and adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.

Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract with warm or cold weather, and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning properly and can cause issues when opening or closing the door.

Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder is difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the pins, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you might be able to dislodge any obstructions using a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the problem persists then you'll need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it in order to identify the cause of the obstruction.

If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the body of the lock you can loosen it by removing an elongated screw within the cylinder faceplate. This screw will allow you rotate the cylinder, and it could also help restore the proper alignment.

Look for the small tab that moves with the key. It's usually located close to the end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the body of the lock. The tab can be removed with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then it can be inserted.

If patio door repairs of your lock 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 withdrawn. Reassemble the lock once you have restored proper alignment. Check it out for its functionality. If the lock on your patio door isn't working properly it's likely that another component like the latch or latch spring must be replaced.

Lock the Screws

The locks on patio doors can be damaged by regular use, extremes of temperature dust, dirt and. These delicate parts may be damaged if they are not maintained properly, causing your door to not lock properly. Most lock problems are easily fixed with a few simple steps.

The first thing you need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth remove any dirt or dust that may be present and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases since they could draw dust and dirt and cause additional problems.

Then, if patio doors repairs is equipped with a foot lock that is secure, 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 the patio door. To adjust the foot lock, loosen the screw with a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it up or down. Once the adjustment has been completed you can tighten the screw.

The most frequent issue in the repair of patio door handles is the misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be caused by normal wear and tear, or the latch may be positioned higher or below what it is supposed to be.

Then, remove the handle that was previously used and locate the screws or bolts that hold it in the place. Make sure to keep track of these as you will require them when installing the new handle. Remove the spindle that was in use and slide the new one on the inside of the door. Make sure it is properly aligned with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle is in place, reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior, making sure that they are aligned with the screws or bolts which hold them in place.

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

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks are not working, it may be time to replace the lock. Installing a new lock is a fairly simple home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can complete by themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door completely open and unscrewing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock that you'll require.

Before you install the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted on the outside of the door frame) and then adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the door jamb. After you've adjusted the latch plate then tighten the screws and fix it with screws.

After all the components have been repositioned or changed then assemble and secure the patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and is able to catch the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is functioning exactly as it should, and is will provide you with the security and privacy you've come expect from your home's doors.

Like other parts of your house must be aligned correctly to function effectively. Over time, temperature, cold, dirt, and debris can cause frames and hinges to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you can solve an issue that been thought to be impossible to fix. Do yourself a big pat on the back for tackling the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're betting you won't face any more trouble opening or closing the door from here on. Have fun! We're here to assist should you require assistance or have questions.

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