The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Repair Patio Door Lock
How to repair patio door lock a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is a vital element of home security. If it becomes difficult to lock, it can be frustrating.
In most instances, a locked that is not working is the result of misalignment or simple 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 difficult to open and close because of dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair Patio door costs and prolong the longevity of your door.
To begin, you'll have to clean the lock's cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to do this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to spread the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that can damage your locks, and make sure to spray a bit on the key itself as well.
After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it is time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants like graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid lubricants. It's a great option for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays can be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are impervious to water. However, they may need multiple coats in order to be efficient.
You can also apply de-icer spray, which is specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will remove ice and frost on the mechanism of your lock. A few coats of this will allow your lock to unlock and then re-lock more easily.
How often you should oil your locks will be contingent on the environmental conditions. The location of your door will affect its performance. A coastal location can expose it to salty air, which could cause corrosion. It is recommended to ensure that your locks are lubricated at least once every year, or more frequently when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door will perform as it should for years to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock does not function properly it could be because one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a faulty lock on your patio door can help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws and adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting the exterior and inside of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract with warm or cold weather, and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanisms to not align properly and can cause issues when opening or closing the door.
Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. A corroded or blocked cylinder can be difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you might be able to remove any obstructions with a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the issue continues, you may have to remove the cylinder in order to locate the cause.
If the lock cylinder has not been secured to the lock body and is loose, it can be loosened by removing the screw on the cylinder faceplate. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may help restore proper alignment.
Look over the cylinder for a small tab that moves up and down using the key, generally towards the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab", keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. This tab can be removed with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then it can be inserted.
If the cylinder of your lock has become 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. Once you've restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and test its functionality. If the lock on your patio door isn't working, it is likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring needs to be replaced.
Make sure you tighten the Screws
Locks for patio door lock repairs near me doors are susceptible to damage from regular usage, extreme temperatures dust, dirt and. These delicate parts may be damaged if they are not properly maintained, causing your door to stop locking properly. Most lock problems are easily repaired with a few easy steps.
Clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases since they could attract dust and other debris which could cause more problems.
If your patio door comes with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will require you to adjust the screws that hold your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the footlock, loosen the screw with the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment has been completed you can tighten the screw.
The most common problem when it comes to repairing patio door handles is the misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This could be due to everyday wear and tear or the latch could be set above or below where it is supposed to be.
Begin by removing the handle, and then locate the screws or bolts that secure it. Make sure you keep track of these since you will require them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle, then slide the new one into place on the side of the door, making sure that it is aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Once the new spindle has been installed, reinstall the interior and exterior handles to ensure that they are in alignment with the screws or bolts that hold them in place.
Once you've made any necessary adjustments to your patio doors repairs near me door, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If everything is in alignment, the door will open and close without additional force. If you're still having trouble it could be necessary to move the strike plate or latch or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and need to be replaced.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks not working, it could be time to replace the lock. The majority of homeowners can replace the lock themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors completely out and removing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Review the lock to determine the type of lock that you will need.
Before you install the new latch, loosen the screws securing the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted on the outside of the door frame) and then adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the hole in the jamb in the door. After you've repositioned the latch plate then tighten the screws and screw it in place.
After all the components have been repositioned or changed then assemble and secure the patio door as instructed by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process testing the latch. Make sure it is fitted correctly and is secured when the door is shut. If it does, your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is ready to give you the security and privacy you've come to expect from.
Like other parts of your home your patio doors also need to be properly aligned for they to function effectively. Over time, temperature cold, dirt and debris could cause the hinges and door frame to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you can fix an issue that been thought to be impossible to fix. You should pat yourself on the back for tackling the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We're betting you won't face any more trouble opening or closing the door from now on. Best of luck! We're here if you have any concerns or questions.
