How to repair patio Door lock a Bad Patio Door LockA safe patio door is crucial to home security. If your door becomes difficult to lock, it can be frustrating.
A stubborn lock can be the result of misalignment or even simple wear and wear and tear. It may be possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating it. If these troubleshooting methods aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open or close a door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine can keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving your money on repair costs and allowing your door to enjoy its full potential.
To begin, you'll have to clean the lock's cylinder. Use WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray accomplish this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then turn the key to distribute the oil. Do not use solvents like household oil or other, as they can damage your locks. Spray a little on the key.
Once your lock cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can use a silicone spray or a dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants, so it's an excellent choice for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, however it might require multiple coats to work effectively.
You can also use sprays to de-icer your lock that is made for cold weather and will lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. A few coats of this will help your lock to unlock and then re-lock more easily.
How often you have to oil your locks will be contingent on the environmental conditions. A location with a coastline exposes your door to salty air and cause corrosion, and temperature fluctuations can also influence the performance of your lock. The standard rule of thumb is to oil your locks twice per year and more frequently if you reside in a region that has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save costs on repairs, and ensure that they continue to function properly for a long time.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't operating properly, it could be that one or more components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repair of a broken lock on your patio door could prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. To repair a locked or unlocked patio door, 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 find signs of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract in hot or cold weather and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause problems when opening or closing the door.
Then, look over the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder may be difficult to access, and may cause damage to the cam, latch springs or lock pins. If the cylinder does not fit easily, you can clear any obstructions using a pair tweezers and a picklock. If the problem persists you may have to remove the cylinder to find the source.
If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock then you can loosen it by removing a flat screw inside the cylinder faceplate. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help to restore alignment.
Look for a small tab that moves with the key. It is usually close to the end. This tiny clip, also called a "release Tab" will stop the cylinder from sliding into the lock body in the entire way. A standard key can move this tab back to allow the cylinder to be released tilt and slide patio door repairs allow it to be removed and put back in.
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 handle or knob may then be pushed and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Check it out for its functionality. If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly it's likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring needs to be replaced.
Lock the Screws
Over time, the use of regular as well as cold and hot weather dust, dirt and even dirt can cause damage to repairing patio doors door locks. These delicate parts may wear out if not maintained properly, causing your door to stop locking properly. Fortunately, most lock issues are easily fixable with just a few simple maintenance steps.
You should first clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that may be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts functioning efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases because they may attract dust and other debris which could cause more problems.
If your patio door is equipped with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. To adjust the foot lock, loosen the screw with a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it up or down. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the screw securely.
The most common problem when it comes to fixing patio door handles is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This could be due to everyday wear and tear or it could be due to the fact that the latch is set higher or lower than it ought to be.
Start by removing the handle, then find the screws or bolts which hold it in place. Make sure to keep track of them as you will require them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the spindle that was in use and slide the new one in place on the inside of the door. Make sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle has been installed then reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior to ensure that they are aligned with the screws or bolts that hold them in place.
Close and secure the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If the door is correctly aligned, it will open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you're still having trouble, you might need to move the latch or strike plate or the lock cylinder may be damaged and must be replaced.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. The majority of homeowners can replace the lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio door open and unscrewing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock that you'll need.
Before you install 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 vertically or horizontally to align it with the latch hole in the jamb of the door. After you've adjusted the strike plate, screw it back into position and tighten the screws.
When all the components of your patio door have been relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, check the latch to ensure that it fits and catches the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does then your double glazed patio door repairs door lock is working as it should and will provide the security and privacy you've come to expect from your doors.
Like other parts of your home, your patio doors need to be aligned properly for them to function efficiently. Over time, heat and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other elements can cause the frames, hinges, and the locking mechanism to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to insert keys in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. If you follow these steps, you can fix an issue that appeared to be unfixable. So give yourself an award for tackling this project and regaining the door that was locked! We're sure you won't have any trouble opening or closing the door from here on. Have fun! We are here to assist if you need any assistance or have questions.