How to repair Patio Door a Bad Patio Door Lock

A safe patio sliding door repair door is essential to home security. If your door becomes difficult to lock, it can be frustrating.

In many instances, a locked that is not working is caused by an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position can aid in restoring its functionality. If these methods of troubleshooting aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

Over time, dust, dirt 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 you money on repairs and allowing your door to reach its maximum lifespan.

In the beginning, you'll need to clean the lock's cylinder. Use WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray accomplish this. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and then move the key into and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that could damage your locks. Also, make sure to spray a little on the key itself.

When your lock's cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can apply dry lubricants like graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid fluids. It's a great option for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both moist and freezing temperatures, however it may require multiple coats to be effective.

You can also use de-icer spray that is designed for cold weather. It will break up ice and frost on the lock mechanism. A few sprays of this will allow your lock unlock and then lock more easily.

How often you should lubricate your locks will rely on the environment. The location of your door will affect its performance. A coastal location can expose the door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. It is recommended to lubricate locks at least once every year, or more frequently if your area has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door will perform as it should for long time to come.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock does not work properly it could be because one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a broken lock on your patio door will stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. To repair a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws, adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder.

Begin by looking at the exterior and interior of the lock to see whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract during temperatures that are cold or hot and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause issues when closing or opening the door.

Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder might be difficult to access, and could cause damage to the cam, latch springs or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can get rid of any obstructions with a pair of picklocks and tweezers. If the issue persists, you may need to take out the cylinder to find the cause.

If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock then you can loosen it by unscrewing a flat screw inside the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw will allow you rotate the cylinder, and could even aid in restoring the proper alignment.

Look for the small tab that moves along with the key. It is usually at the end. This small clip, sometimes known as a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. The tab can be removed using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed, then returned.

If your lock cylinder has become stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt contacts the strike plate. The knob or handle can then be pulled and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored the proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's a sign that another component such as the latch spring or latch is worn or damaged and will require replacement.

Make sure you tighten the Screws

Patio door locks can be damaged by regular use, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. If they are not properly taken care of these delicate components can wear down and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be fixed easily by following a few easy maintenance steps.

You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that might be found. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts functioning smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants with oil bases as they can attract dust and debris which could cause more issues.

If your patio door comes with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. In most cases this will only require you to adjust the screws that secure your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Remove the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently pry up or down to adjust the foot lock as required. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the screw securely.

The most frequent issue when it comes to repairing patio door handles is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be due to everyday wear and tear or the latch could be set higher or below what it should be.

Start by removing the handle, and then locate the bolts or screws which hold it in place. Make sure to keep track of these as you will need them when installing the new handle. Remove the old spindle and slide the new one on the interior of the door. Make sure it is properly aligned with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle has been installed then reinstall the interior and exterior handles to ensure that they are in alignment with the screws or bolts that secure them.

After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If everything is in alignment, the door will open and close smoothly without any additional force. If you're still having problems it may be necessary to move your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder.

Replace the latch

If your patio doors repair door locks still don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. Replacing a lock is a relatively simple home improvement task that many homeowners can complete by themselves. Start by sliding the patio glass door repair near me door all the way open and removing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock you'll require.

Before installing the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted on the outside of the door frame) and then adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb in the door. After you've adjusted the strike plate, screw it back into position and tighten the screws.

Once all the components of your patio door have been relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. When you're done, check 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 is installed correctly and is able to provide the security and privacy you've come to anticipate from.

As with other parts of your home the patio doors have to be aligned properly for them to function efficiently. Over time, temperatures and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other elements can cause frames, hinges, and locking mechanism to shift slightly. If these parts aren't aligned it's like trying to fit a key into the wrong keyhole it won't work. By following these easy steps, you will be able to fix the issue that may have been thought to be impossible to fix. 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 not have any issues opening or closing your patio door again. Good luck! We are here to help should you require assistance or have questions.