How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is an essential part of home security. If it becomes difficult to lock, it could be frustrating. A locked that isn't working properly could be the result of misalignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating additional reading , or adjusting its position can help restore its function. If these solutions fail, you may need to replace both the mortise as well as the handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock may be difficult to open and close because of dust, dirt and grime. A regular cleaning and lubrication routine will prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repair bills and helping your door reach its maximum lifespan. To begin, you will have to clean the lock's cylinder. Use WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray complete this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to spread it. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that can damage your locks. Also, make sure to spray a bit on the key itself as well. After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it's time to lubricate. You can apply dry lubricants such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid oils. It's a great choice for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both humid and freezing temperatures, however it may require several coats to be effective. You can also use sprays for de-icing, which is specifically designed for cold weather and can lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will help your lock to unlock and then re-lock more easily. How often you need to lubricate your locks will depend on the environmental conditions. The location of your door will impact its performance. A location near the coast could expose the door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. The most common rule of thumb is to grease your locks twice per year and more frequently when you live in an area with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save costs on repairs, and ensure that it continues to function in a good way for many years. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't operating properly, it could mean that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a damaged patio door lock can avoid any further damage and ensure your doors are secure. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws, adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder. Begin by looking at the exterior and interior of the lock to see whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract in temperatures that are cold or hot and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanisms to stop aligning properly and cause problems when opening or closing the door. Then, look over the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. 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 is difficult to insert, you may be able of removing any obstruction using a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the issue persists it may be necessary to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to find the root of the problem. If the lock cylinder has not been screwed onto the body of the lock, it can be loosen by unscrewing the flat screw on the faceplate of cylinder. This screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and it could also help restore the alignment. Look over the cylinder for a tiny tab that moves up and down using the key, generally towards 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 will move this tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and put back in. If the lock cylinder has become stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt is engaged with the strike plate. The knob or handle can then be pulled and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's a sign that another component such as the latch or latch spring is worn or damaged and will require replacement. Make sure you tighten the Screws Over time, regular use as well as cold and hot weather dust, dirt and even dirt can take their toll on patio door locks. These delicate parts may wear out if not properly maintained, leading to your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be easily fixed with a few simple maintenance steps. The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that might be found. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will 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 problems. If your patio door comes with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will only require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the foot lock simply loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment has been completed you can tighten the screw. When it comes to repairing the handle on a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be due to everyday wear and tear, or the latch may be positioned above or below where it should be. Then, take off the handle from the old one and locate the bolts or screws that hold it in the first place. Make sure to keep track of these as you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, remove the old spindle and place the new one in place on the inside of the door. Make sure it is properly aligned with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Reinstall the interior and external handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws to secure them. After you've made any needed adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it will open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you still have problems it may be necessary to move your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the latch If your patio door locks aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. Replacing a lock is a relatively simple home improvement task that many homeowners can complete themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door all the way open and unscrewing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Study the existing lock to determine the type of lock you'll need. Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that secure the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock that is positioned on the edges of the frame of the door. Adjust it horizontally or in an upward direction so that it is aligned with the holes for the latch. Once you have repositioned the latch plate then tighten the screws and screw it in place. Once all the components of your patio door have been repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. When you're done testing the latch. Make sure it is fitted correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is shut. If it does, your patio door lock is installed correctly and is ready to provide the security and privacy you have come to expect. Like other parts of your home, your patio doors need to be properly aligned for them to work efficiently. Over time, temperatures and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other elements can cause the frames, hinges, and the locking mechanism to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to insert keys in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. By following these easy steps, you can fix the issue that may have appeared to be unfixable. Give yourself a pat on the back for tackling the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We bet that you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door again. Good luck! We're here if you have any questions or concerns.
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