How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A safe patio door is crucial to home security. If it is difficult to lock, it could be a nightmare.

In a lot of instances, a lock that is difficult to open is the result of an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position could help to restore its function. If these troubleshooting methods aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

A door lock may become hard to open and close over time due to dust, dirt and grime. A regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving you money on repair bills and helping your door reach its full potential.

To begin, you'll need to clean the lock's cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to do this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then turn the key to spread it. Avoid using household solvents or other oils which could harm your locks, and make sure to spray a bit on the key itself as well.

After your lock cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can use an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants, so it's a great option for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both humid and freezing temperatures, but might require multiple coats to be effective.

You can also use de-icer spray, which is specifically made for cold weather. It will remove the frost and ice from the lock mechanism. A few sprays of this will allow your lock to unlock and then re-lock more easily.

How often you need to lubricate your locks will depend on the environment. A coastal location will expose your door to salty air and lead to corrosion. Temperature changes can impact the performance of your lock. It is recommended that you ensure that your locks are lubricated at least two times a year or more often when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure your patio glass repair near me door will function as it should for many the years to come.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock isn't functioning correctly, it could indicate that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a defective patio door lock can prevent further damage and ensure that your doors are secure. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws, adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder.

Begin by looking at the exterior and the inside of the lock to see whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio doors can expand or contract with the weather and might even shift with time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause problems when closing or opening the door.

Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder is difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam or latch springs. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can get rid of any obstructions by using a pair of tweezers and a picklock. If the problem persists, you may need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to locate the cause of the obstruction.

If the lock cylinder is not been screwed onto the lock body and is loose, it can be loosened by unscrewing the screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw will let you to rotate the cylinder and could even aid in restoring the proper alignment.

Look for the small tab that moves along with the key. It's usually at the end. This tiny clip, also known as a "release Tab" is what stops the cylinder from sliding glass patio door repair into the lock body in the entire way. The tab can be removed with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be taken out and then returned.

If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you might be able to restore the proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate, and local Patio door repairs the handle or knob can be pushed in and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock once you have restored the proper alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's a sign that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn out and may require replacement.

Tighten the Screws

Locks for patio doors can be damaged by frequent use, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. If not properly maintained, these delicate parts can wear down and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock problems are easily repaired with a few easy steps.

Clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that may be present and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts running smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants with oil bases as they can draw dust and dirt and cause additional problems.

If your patio door is fitted with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases this will require you to adjust the screws that secure your foot lock to the frame of the patio door repair company door. To adjust the footlock simply loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down. Once the adjustment has been completed you can tighten the screw.

The most frequent issue when it comes to repairing local patio door Repairs door handles is the misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This could be due to normal wear and tear, or it could simply be due to the fact that the latch is set higher or lower than it ought to be.

Then, remove the handle from the old one and find the bolts or screws that are holding it in the first place. Make sure you keep track of these as you will require them when installing the new handle. Then, remove the old spindle and slide the new one into place on the interior of the door. Make sure it is aligned properly with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle has been installed then reinstall the interior and exterior handles, making sure that they are aligned with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.

After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If everything is in alignment, the door will open and close without any additional force. If you are still having issues you may have to adjust the position of 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. Most homeowners can change a lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio door completely open and then removing the current lock from the interior side of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed to the door and the door jamb so that you can discern the kind of lock you'll need to purchase.

Before installing the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's set on the outside edge of the door frame) and then adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb in the door. After you've repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then fix it with screws.

Once all the components of your patio door have been relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to make sure that it fits and catches the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does, then your patio door lock is installed correctly and is now ready to provide the security and privacy you've come to anticipate from.

Patio doors, like other components of your home must be aligned properly to work efficiently. Over time, temperature or cold, dirt and debris can cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. If these components are not aligned it's like trying to insert a key in the wrong hole for a key and it doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you will be able to fix the issue that may have appeared to be unfixable. So go ahead and give yourself an award for tackling this project and reclaiming your patio door's locked position! We bet that you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Good luck! We're here for you if there are any questions or concerns.