How To Solve Issues With Repair Patio Door Lock

How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is an essential part of home security. It can be a hassle if your door is difficult to lock.
In a lot of instances, a locked that is not working is the result of an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position may help restore its function. If these methods of troubleshooting aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock may become difficult to open and close because of dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine will prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving your money on repair costs and helping your door reach its full lifespan.
The first step is to clean your lock's the cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray bottle of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole, then work the key into and out to distribute the oil. Do not use household oil or other solvents that can harm your locks. Spray a little on the key.
After your lock cylinder is clean and lubricated, it's time to apply. You can use a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't attract dust as 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, but might require multiple coats to work effectively.
You can also apply de-icer spray, which is specifically made for cold weather. It will break up the frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will enable you to unlock your lock, and then lock it more easily.
The climate will determine the frequency at which you should belubricating locks. A coastal location will expose your door to salty air and lead to corrosion. Temperature variations can affect the performance of your lock. The general rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks at least twice a year or more often if you reside in a region that has extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door will perform as it should for the years to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could be that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a faulty lock on your patio door can stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. You can fix the patio door that is locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting the exterior and inside of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks may expand or contract depending on the weather, and they might even shift with time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanisms to stop aligning properly and cause problems when opening or closing the door.
Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. If sliding patio door repair is corroded or blocked, the cylinder might be difficult to open, and can cause damage to the cam, latch springs or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can remove any obstructions by using a pair of picklocks and tweezers. If the problem persists you may have to remove the cylinder in order to locate the source.
If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the lock body, you can loosen it by unscrewing a flat screw inside the cylinder's faceplate. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may help restore proper alignment.
Look for an elongated tab that is movable with the key. It's usually at the end. This small clip, sometimes known as a "release Tab" is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. The tab can be removed by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be taken out and then reinserted.
If your lock 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 in and out. Once you've restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and test it for performance. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's likely that another component such as the latch or latch spring is worn or damaged and will need to be replaced.
Tighten the Screws
Locks for patio doors can be damaged by frequent use, extreme temperatures dust, dirt and. These delicate parts may be damaged 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.
It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, however, as these can attract dust and debris that can lead to further issues.
If your patio door comes with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is aligned properly 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. To adjust the foot lock simply loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down. Once the adjustment is done you can tighten the screw.
When it comes to repairing the handle of a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by everyday wear and tear, or it could simply be due to the fact that the latch is placed higher or lower than it should be.
Begin by removing the old handle, and then locate the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Keep in mind the screws or bolts, as you will require them to attach the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle, then slide the new one into the door on the side of the door, making sure that it is in alignment with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Once the new spindle is installed put back the handles for both exterior and interior, making sure that they are in alignment with the screws or bolts that secure them.
After you've made any needed adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If everything is in proper alignment, the door will open and close without additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty, you might need to move the latch or strike plate or the lock cylinder could be damaged and must be replaced.
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 locks themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors completely out and unscrewing your existing lock on the interior of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed into both the door and the jamb so that you can determine the type of lock you'll need purchase.
Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws securing the strike plate (the part of the lock that's set on the outside of the door frame) and then adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the jamb in the door. After you've adjusted the strike plate, secure it in position and tighten the screws.
After all components are repositioned or modified after which you can assemble and secure your patio door according to the instructions of the manufacturer. When you're done, check the latch to ensure that it fits and catches the latch's hasp when your door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is working as it should and will provide you with the security and privacy you've come to expect from your home's doors.
Like other parts of your home your patio doors also need to be properly aligned for them to function efficiently. Over time, temperature cold, dirt and debris can cause the frames and hinges to shift. When these elements are misaligned, it's like trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole: It just doesn't work. It is possible to fix an issue that appeared impossible by following these simple steps. Do yourself a big pat on your back for tackling the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're sure you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door again. Good luck! We're here for you if there are any concerns or questions.