How to Repair Patio Door a Bad Patio Door Lock

A safe patio door is a vital element of home security. If it becomes difficult to lock, it can be a nightmare.

In many instances, a lock that is difficult to open is caused by an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. It may be possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these solutions fail, you may need to replace both the mortise as well as the handle.

Clean and Lubricate

A door lock can be 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 save you money in repair patio door lock costs and prolong the life of your door.

The first step in the process is to clean your lock's cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or another penetrating spray to do this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to spread the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that can damage your locks. Also, make sure you spray some on the key itself as well.

After cleaning your lock cylinder it is time to lubricate. You can apply a silicone spray or dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants, so it's a great choice for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays are able to be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are resistant to water. However, they might require multiple coats to be effective.

You can also apply a de-icer spray that is designed for cold weather and will lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will aid your lock unlock and then re-lock more easily.

How often you have to lubricate your locks will depend on the environment. A location near the coast exposes your door to salty air and lead to corrosion, and temperature changes can affect the efficiency of your lock. The general rule of thumb is to oil your locks every two years and more frequently if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save costs on repairs, and ensure that it will continue to work properly for a long time.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock isn't operating properly, it could mean that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a faulty patio door lock will prevent further damage and ensure that your doors are safe. You can repair a patio door that is locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder.

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

Then, check the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder may be difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you may be able to remove any obstruction using the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue persists it may be necessary to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to find the source of the obstruction.

If the lock cylinder hasn't been secured to the body of the lock and is loose, it can be loosened by removing the screw on the faceplate of cylinder. This screw will let you to rotate the cylinder and it could also help restore the proper alignment.

Look for an elongated tab that moves with the key. It's usually near the end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding glass patio doors repair all the way into the lock body. This tab can be removed using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then it can be inserted.

If your lock's cylinder is stuck, you might be able to restore the proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pushed into 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 is likely that an additional component such as the latch or latch spring requires replacement.

Make sure you tighten the Screws

Locks for local patio door repairs doors can be damaged by frequent use, extreme temperatures dust and dirt. If they are not properly taken care of these delicate components can wear down and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock problems are easily repaired with a few easy steps.

You should first clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that may be present and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases since they could attract dust and debris and cause additional problems.

If your patio door comes with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will require changing the screws that attach the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the footlock you need to loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment is complete then tighten the screw.

When it comes to fixing the handle of a patio door the most frequent issue involves misalignment between the latch tilt and slide patio door repairs near me strike plate. This can be caused by the wear and tear of everyday use or it could be that the latch is set higher or lower than it should be.

Then, take out the old handle and find the bolts or screws that hold it in the first place. Be sure to keep track of these since you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle, and 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. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they are aligned correctly with the screws or bolts holding them in place.

Close and lock the patio door once you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should open and close smoothly without any additional force. If you're still having problems, you may need to reposition your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder.

Replace the latch

If your patio door locks are still not working, it might be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can replace locks themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and unscrewing your existing lock on the interior of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock that you'll require.

Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that hold the strike plate. This is the part of the lock that is positioned on the edges of the door's frame. Adjust it either horizontally or in a vertical direction to align it with the holes in the latch. After you've repositioned the latch plate then tighten the screws and screw it into place.

After all components have been repositioned or changed, assemble and secure the patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to make sure that it fits and is able to catch the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is ready to give you the security and privacy you have come to expect.

Like other areas of your home your patio doors also need to be properly aligned for them to function efficiently. Over time, heat and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other factors can cause the frames, hinges, and locking mechanism to shift. If these components are not aligned, it's like trying to insert a key in the wrong hole for a key: It just doesn't work. By following these easy steps, you can solve a problem that might have been thought to be impossible to fix. So give yourself an ovation for tackling this task and reclaiming the door that was locked! We're sure you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door. Have fun! We're here if you have any questions or concerns.