How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is crucial to ensure your home's security. It can be frustrating when yours is difficult to lock.
In a lot of instances, a lock that is difficult to open is due to an incorrect alignment or simply 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, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open or close the door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair costs and prolong the longevity of your door.
To begin, you will have to clean the lock the cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to accomplish this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then turn 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 your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can apply a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid lubricants. It's a great option to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, however it might require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also use a de-icer spray that is made for cold weather and will remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. A few sprays of this will help your lock to unlock and then lock again easily.
How often you have to lubricate your locks will depend on the environmental conditions. The location of your door will affect its performance. A location near the coast could expose it to salty air, which could cause corrosion. It is recommended to regularly lubricate your locks at least twice 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 continues to function properly for years to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't working properly, it could be that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a broken lock on your patio door can stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws or adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by looking at the exterior and interior of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract in temperatures that are cold or hot and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause issues when opening or closing the door.
Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder is difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the pins, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you might be able to dislodge any obstruction using a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the issue persists, you may need to take out the cylinder in order to locate the cause.
If the lock cylinder has not been secured to the body of the lock and is loose, it can be loosened by unscrewing the screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw lets you rotate the cylinder, and could even aid in restoring the proper alignment.
Check the cylinder for a little tab that moves up and down using the key, typically towards the very end. This little clip, called a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding into the body of the lock. A standard key can move the tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed 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 pulled back. Once you've restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and test it for functioning. If the lock on your patio door isn't working It is likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring must be replaced.
Lock the Screws
Over time, frequent use temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt and even dirt can wear down patio door locks. If not properly maintained these delicate components can get worn out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock issues can be fixed with a few simple steps.
It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that may be present and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, they can attract dust and debris that can lead to further issues.
Next, if your patio door has a security foot lock, make sure the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will only require changing the screws that attach the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the foot lock, loosen the screw with a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw.
The most frequent issue when it comes to repairing patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by everyday wear and tear or it could be that the latch is set higher or lower than it should be.
Start by removing patio doors repairs , and then locate the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Make sure to keep track of these since you will need them later when installing the new handle. Next, remove the old spindle and then slide the new one into place on the inside of the door, ensuring that it is properly aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Once the new spindle has been installed, reinstall the interior and exterior handles to ensure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.
Close and secure the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in alignment, the door will open and close without any additional force. If you are still having issues, you may need to adjust the position of your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks still aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. The majority of homeowners can replace the lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors completely out and unscrewing your existing lock from the inside of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed into both the door and the door jamb to get a sense for what type of lock you'll have to purchase.
Before you install the new latch, loosen the screws securing the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted on the outside edge 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 your strike plate, secure it in position and tighten the screws.
After all the parts of your patio door have been relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to make sure that it fits and catches the latch's hasp when your door is closed. If it does, then your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is now ready to provide the security and privacy you've come to expect from.
As with other parts of your home the patio doors have to be aligned properly for they to function effectively. Over time, cold and hot weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause the frames, hinges, and the locking mechanism to shift. When these elements are misaligned, it's like trying to insert keys into the wrong hole for a key it won't work. By following these easy steps, you can solve an issue that been thought to be impossible to fix. So, give yourself an ovation for tackling this task and regaining your patio door's lock position! We're sure you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Have fun! We're here if you have any questions or concerns.