12 Companies Are Leading The Way In Repair Patio Door Lock
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is vital to ensure your home's security. It can be a hassle if your door is difficult to lock.
In a lot of cases, a stubborn lock is caused by an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. It is possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these methods of troubleshooting fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock may become hard to open and close because of dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair costs and will extend the life of your door.
The first step is to clean your lock cylinder. To do this, use a spray bottle of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to distribute it. Do not use solvents like household oil or other that can harm your locks. Spray a little on the key.
After cleaning your lock cylinder, it's time to grease. You can apply an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants do, so it's an excellent choice for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, however it may require multiple coats to work effectively.
You can also use de-icer spray, which is specifically designed for cold weather. It will break up ice and frost on the mechanism of your lock. A couple of sprays will allow your lock to unlock and then lock more easily.
The environment will determine how often you should lubricate locks. The location of your door will impact its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose it to salty air, which can cause corrosion. The standard rule of thumb is to oil your locks at least twice a year or more often if you reside in an area with extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save the cost of repairs and ensure that it continues to work properly for a long time.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't functioning correctly, it could indicate that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a defective patio door lock can avoid further damage and ensure that your doors are safe. To fix a locked or non-locked patio door, you can tighten loose screws or adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract during hot or cold weather and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanisms to stop aligning correctly and cause problems when opening or closing the patio door.
Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder may be difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the pins, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder does not fit easily, you can clear any obstructions by using a pair of tweezers and a picklock. If the issue persists, you may have to remove the cylinder to determine the cause.
If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the lock body then you can loosen it by uncrewing the screw that is flat inside the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw will let you rotate the cylinder, and could even aid in restoring alignment.
Look for the small tab that is movable with the key. It is usually near the end. This small clip, sometimes called a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. A standard key can move this tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and reinserted.
If your lock's cylinder is stuck, you might be able to restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pushed into and pulled out. After you have restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and test its functioning. If the lock on your patio door isn't working It is likely that an additional component such as the latch spring or latch must be replaced.
Tighten the Screws
Over time, the use of regular temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can take their toll on patio door locks. Unless properly cared for, these delicate parts can wear out and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock problems are easily fixed with a few simple steps.
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 can help keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, however they can attract dust and debris which can cause further issues.
If your patio door is fitted with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will only require changing the screws that attach the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. To adjust the foot lock simply loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment is completed you can tighten the screw.
The most common problem in the repair of patio door handles is the misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be due to the wear and tear of everyday use, or it could simply be due to the fact that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it should be.
Begin by removing the old handle, and then locate the bolts or screws that secure it. Make sure you keep track of these as you will need them later when installing the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle and then slide the new one into the door on the inside of the door, making sure that it is in alignment with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Once the new spindle has been installed put back the handles on the exterior and interior, making sure that they are aligned with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.
Close and lock the patio door once you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in proper alignment, the door will open and close smoothly without additional force. If you are still having issues, you may need to move 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. Replacing a lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that most homeowners can complete by themselves. Start by sliding the patio door completely open and removing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into both the door and the door jamb to discern the kind of lock you'll need to purchase.
Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that hold the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock that is positioned on the edge of the frame of the door. Adjust it horizontally or in the vertical direction so that it is aligned with the latch hole. After you've repositioned the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it in place.
After all the parts of your patio door have been repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. When patio doors repairs done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and catches the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is installed correctly and is ready to give you the security and privacy you've come to anticipate from.
Patio doors, like other areas of your home, need to be aligned correctly to function effectively. 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 just doesn't work. You can fix a problem which seemed impossible by following these easy steps. Give yourself a pat on your back for tackling the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We'll bet you won't have any more trouble opening or closing the door from now to the end. Best of luck! We're here if you have any concerns or questions.