How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is a vital element of home security. It can be difficult when it isn't easy to lock.
In most instances, a locked that is not working is caused by misalignment or simple wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position can aid in restoring its functionality. If these troubleshooting techniques don't work you can replace both the mortise and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open and close the door lock. A regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving your money on repair costs and allowing your door to enjoy its full potential.
To begin, you'll need to clean the lock's cylinder. Use WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to do this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole, and then rotate the key to spread the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents which could harm your locks, and make sure to spray a little on the key itself as well.
When your lock's cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid oils. It's a great option for lubricating locks. 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 specifically designed for cold weather. It will remove ice and frost on the mechanism of your lock. This will allow you to unlock your lock, and then lock it more easily.
How often you have to oil your locks will be contingent on the environment. The location of your door will impact its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose it to salty air, which could cause corrosion. It is recommended that you ensure that your locks are lubricated at least once a year or more often when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save money on repairs, and ensure that they continue to function properly for many years.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't operating properly, it could be that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door could help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. To fix a locked or non-locked patio door, tighten loose screws and adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting the exterior and the interior of the lock to see whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. Most 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 stop aligning properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the door.
Then, check the lock cylinder for obstructions within the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder could be difficult to open, and could cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you may be able to remove any obstructions with the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists you may need to take out the cylinder to determine the cause.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the lock body then you can loosen it by removing a flat screw inside the cylinder's faceplate. This screw lets you to rotate the cylinder and could even aid in restoring the alignment.
Look for a small tab that is movable with the key. It's usually located close to the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body. The tab can be moved back with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be taken out and then reinserted.
If the lock cylinder is stuck and is not aligned, you can fix it by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The knob or handle can then be pushed, and withdrawn. After you have restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and check its functioning. If look these up is still difficult to use, it's a sign that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring is worn or damaged and will need to be replaced.
Make sure you tighten the Screws
Over time, frequent use, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and can take their toll on patio door locks. These delicate parts may be damaged if not maintained properly, causing your door to stop locking properly. Most lock issues can be repaired with a few easy steps.
The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to clean any dust or dirt that may be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts functioning efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, they could attract dust and debris that can lead to further issues.
If your patio door is fitted with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. In most instances, this will require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the footlock, loosen the screw with a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw.
The most common problem when it comes to repairing patio door handles is the misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be due to everyday wear and tear, or it could simply be that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it ought to be.
Then, take out the handle from the old one and locate the screws or bolts holding it in place. Keep on track of the bolts or screws because you will need them for the installation of the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle, and then slide the new spindle into place on the inside of the door, making sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Once the new spindle is installed then reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior, making sure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.
After you've made any needed adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If everything is in alignment, the door will open and close smoothly without additional force. If you're still having trouble it could be necessary to reposition the latch or strike plate or the lock cylinder may be damaged and need to be replaced.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks are still not working, it may be time to replace the lock. Installing a new lock is a fairly simple home improvement task that many homeowners can complete themselves. Start by sliding the patio door all the way open and then removing the current lock from the inside of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock you will need.
Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that hold the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock mounted on the outside of the door's frame. Adjust it horizontally or in the vertical direction to align it with latch hole. After you've adjusted the strike plate, screw it back into its place and tighten the screws.
After all the parts of your patio door are repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch. Make sure it fits properly and catches the latch when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is working exactly as it should, and is able to provide the security and privacy you've come to appreciate from your home's doors.
Patio doors, like other areas of your home should be properly aligned to function efficiently. Over time, heat and cold weather dirt and debris and other elements can cause hinges, door frame, and locking mechanism to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. By following these easy steps, you can fix a problem that might have seemed unfixable. So, give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this project and reclaiming the door that was locked! We bet that you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door. Best of luck! We are here to assist should you require assistance or have questions.