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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is essential for home security. When yours becomes difficult to lock, it could be a nightmare.
A lock that is not working can be caused by misalignment or simply wear and wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position could help restore its function. If these methods of troubleshooting don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock can become hard to open and close due to dirt, dust and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine will keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repairs and allowing your door to reach its full lifespan.
patio door repair is to clean your lock's cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or another penetrating spray to do this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole and work the key into and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household oil or other solvents which could damage your locks. Spray a little on the key.
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 is long-lasting and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants do, which is why it's a great option for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, however it may require several coats to work effectively.
You can also use sprays to de-icer your lock, which is specifically made for cold weather and will loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will allow your lock unlock and then lock more easily.
How often you have to oil your locks will be contingent on the environment. A location with a coastline will expose your door to salty air and cause corrosion, and temperature changes can impact the performance of your lock. It is recommended that you ensure that your locks are lubricated at least two times each year, or more often when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save costs on repairs, and ensure that it will continue to function in a good way for a long time.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock doesn't work properly it could be because one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a damaged patio door lock can prevent further damage and ensure that your doors are secure. You can fix the patio door that is locked or locked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.
Begin by looking at the exterior and the interior of the lock to see if there are any signs of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract during hot or cold weather and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to not align properly and cause problems when opening or closing the door.
Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder could be difficult to open and could cause damage to the cam, latch springs or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you may be able to remove any obstruction using a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue persists, you may need to take out the cylinder in order to locate the source.
If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the body of the lock, you can loosen it by uncrewing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder faceplate. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may help to restore alignment.
Look for the small tab that moves along with the key. It is usually at the end. This tiny clip, also known as a "release Tab" will stop the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. A standard key can move this tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and reinserted.
If the lock cylinder has become stuck and is not aligned, you can fix it by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt contacts the strike plate. The knob or handle may then be pushed and pulled back. Reassemble the lock once you have restored alignment. Test it to see if it works. If the lock on your patio door isn't functioning properly, it is likely that another component like the latch spring or latch needs to be replaced.
Tighten the Screws
Over time, the use of regular as well as cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can cause damage to patio door locks. These delicate parts may wear out if not properly maintained, leading to your door to stop locking properly. Most lock issues can be repaired with a few easy 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 dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases as they can attract dust and other debris which could cause more issues.
Then, if your patio door is equipped with a foot lock that is secure, make sure the lock is 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. To adjust the footlock you need to loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw.
The most frequent issue in the repair of patio door handles is the misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by wear and tear, or the latch could be placed above or below where it is supposed to be.
Start by removing the handle, then identify the screws or bolts that hold it in place. Keep on track of the bolts or screws since you'll need them for the installation of the new handle. Next, remove the old spindle, then slide the new spindle into place on the side of the door, ensuring that it is aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Reinstall the interior and external handles once the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they are aligned properly with the bolts or screws to secure them.
Close and secure the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If the door is properly aligned, it will open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you're still having problems it may be necessary to reposition your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder.
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 moderately easy home improvement task that many homeowners can tackle by themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors completely out and unscrewing your existing lock from the inside of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into both the door and the jamb to determine the type of lock you'll have to purchase.
Before you install the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted on the outside of the door frame) and adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb of the door. After you've adjusted the latch plate then tighten the screws and screw it in place.
After all components have been repositioned or changed then assemble and secure the patio door as instructed by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process, test the latch. Make sure it is fitted correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is closed. If it does then your patio door lock is now working exactly as it should, and is able to provide the security and privacy you've come appreciate from your home's doors.
As with other parts of your home, your patio doors need to be aligned properly for them to work efficiently. Over time, temperature or cold, dirt and debris can cause the hinges and door frame to shift. When these elements are misaligned it's like trying to insert a key in the wrong hole for a key it won't work. You can fix an issue that appeared impossible by following these easy steps. Give yourself a pat on the back for taking on the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We bet that you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door again. Good luck! We're here to assist should you require assistance or have any questions.
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