How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is vital for home security. If your door is difficult to lock, it could be a nightmare. A stubborn lock can be caused by misalignment or even simple wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position can aid in restoring its functionality. If these troubleshooting techniques fail, you may need to replace both the mortise as well as the handle. Clean and Lubricate Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open or close doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication will aid in preventing your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair costs and will extend the longevity of your door. In the beginning, you'll need to clean the lock cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray accomplish this. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole, then work the key in and out to distribute the oil. Do not use solvents like household oil or other, as they can damage your locks. Spray a bit on the key. When your lock's cylinder is clean and lubricated, it's time to apply. You can use dry lubricants like graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants, so it's an excellent choice to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays can withstand freezing temperatures and are impervious to water. However, they may require multiple coats to be efficient. You can also apply sprays to de-icer your lock, which is specifically made for cold weather and will lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. A few coats of this will help your lock unlock and then re-lock more easily. The climate will determine how often you need to belubricating locks. The location of your door can affect its performance. A coastal location can expose the door to salty air, which could cause corrosion. It is recommended to regularly lubricate your locks at least twice each year, or more often if your area has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save money on repairs, and ensure that it continues to work properly for many years. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock does not work properly there's a chance that one or more of its parts could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a defective patio door lock can avoid any further damage and ensure your doors are secure. To fix a locked or non-locked patio door, you can tighten loose screws and adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder. Begin by looking at the exterior and interior of the lock to determine whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract during warm or cold weather, and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause problems when opening or closing the door. Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder can be difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can remove any obstructions by using a pair of tweezers and a lock. If the issue continues, you may need to take out the cylinder in order to locate the source. If the lock cylinder has not been secured to the lock body, it can be loosen by unscrewing the flat screw on the cylinder faceplate. This screw will allow you rotate the cylinder, and may even help restore the alignment. Look for a small tab that moves along with the key. It is usually close to the end. This small clip, sometimes known as a "release Tab" is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. This tab can be moved back by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be taken out and then returned. If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you may be able restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate, and the handle or knob can be pulled in and out. Once you've restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and test it for functioning. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's a sign that another component such as the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn out and will require replacement. Make sure you tighten the Screws Over time, regular use as well as cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can wear down patio door locks. If not properly maintained these delicate components can wear out and cause your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues are easily fixable with just a few simple maintenance steps. Clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that might be present. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, however they could attract dust and debris which could cause issues. If your patio door comes with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require you to adjust the screws that hold your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the foot lock, loosen the screw with a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry 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 latch and strike plate. This could be due to everyday wear and tear or it could be that the latch is set higher or lower than it ought to be. Then, take off the old handle and locate the screws or bolts that hold it in the place. Keep track of the bolts or screws because you will need them to attach the new handle. Remove the old spindle 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 installed then reinstall the handles for both exterior and interior to ensure that they are in alignment with the screws or bolts that secure them. Close and lock the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in alignment, the door should open and close smoothly without 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 aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. The majority of homeowners can replace a lock themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door open and then removing the current lock from the inside of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed into both the door and the jamb so that you can get a sense for what type of lock you'll need purchase. 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 edge of the door frame) and then adjust it either 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 into place. After all the components have been repositioned or changed after which you can assemble and secure your patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process testing the latch. Make sure it fits properly and catches the latch when the door is shut. If it does, your patio door lock is functioning as it should and able to provide you with the security and privacy you've come to appreciate from your home's doors. Like other areas of your home the patio doors have to be aligned properly for them to work efficiently. Over time, temperatures, cold, dirt, and debris can cause frames and hinges to shift. The wrongly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert keys in the wrong keyhole. Repair My Windows And Doors 's not working. By following these easy steps, you can fix a problem that might have appeared to be unfixable. So go ahead and give yourself an award for tackling this challenge and regaining your patio door's locked position! We bet that you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door. Good luck! We're here for you if there are any questions or concerns.
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