9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Repair Patio Door Lock

How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A secure patio door repairs near me door is essential to ensure your home's security. It can be difficult when it isn't easy to lock.

A locked that isn't working properly could be caused by misalignment, or even wear and wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position can help to restore its function. If these methods don't work you can replace both the mortise and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open and close doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication will aid in preventing your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on Repair Patio Door Lock costs and will extend the longevity of your door.

To begin, you will have to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, you'll need spray cans of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that could damage your locks. 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 a silicone spray or dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants do, so it's a great option for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays can be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are resistant to water. However, they may require several coats to be effective.

You can also use sprays to de-icer your lock that is designed for cold weather and will lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will help your lock unlock and then lock more easily.

How often you have to lubricate your locks will depend on the environment. A coastal location exposes your door to salty air and lead to corrosion, and temperature fluctuations can also impact how well your lock works. The general rule of thumb is to oil your locks at least twice a year or more often if you live in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save costs on repairs, tilt and slide patio door repairs near me ensure that they continue to function properly for many years.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock doesn't work properly, one or more of its components may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a defective patio door lock will prevent further damage and ensure that your doors are secure. To fix a locked or non-locked patio door, you can tighten loose screws, adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder.

Begin by looking at the exterior and the inside of the lock to determine if there are any signs of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract in hot or cold weather and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause problems when closing or opening the door.

Next, examine the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder is difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the pins, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can remove any obstructions using a pair picklocks and tweezers. If the issue persists then you'll need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to locate the source of the obstruction.

If the lock cylinder has not been screwed to the body of the lock it can be removed by unscrewing the screw on the cylinder faceplate. This screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and it could also help restore alignment.

Check the cylinder for a tiny tab that moves upwards and downwards with the key, typically towards the very end. This tiny clip, also called a "release Tab" is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body in the entire way. A standard key can move this tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and then reinserted.

If the cylinder of your lock is stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pulled and withdrawn. After you have restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and check its performance. If the lock on your patio door isn't working properly it's likely that another component like the latch spring or latch needs to be replaced.

Make sure you tighten the Screws

Over time, frequent use, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and can take their toll on patio door locks. These delicate components can wear out if not properly maintained, causing your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be fixed with a few simple steps.

The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth remove any dirt or dust that may be present and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts functioning smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, they can attract dust and debris which could cause problems.

If your patio door is equipped with a foot lock that is secure be sure that the lock is aligned with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will require you to adjust the screws that secure your foot lock to the frame of the patio door glass repair near me door. To adjust the footlock simply loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw.

When it comes time to repair a patio door handle, the most common problem is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by normal wear and tear or the latch may be positioned higher or below what it should be.

Then, take off the handle from the old one and locate the screws or bolts that are holding it in the first place. Keep in mind the bolts or screws, as you will require them to install the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and slide the new one in place on the inside of the door. Be sure that it is aligned properly with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle has been installed put back the handles for both exterior and interior and ensure that they are in alignment with the screws or bolts which hold them in place.

Close and lock the wood patio door repair door after 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 experiencing difficulty it could be necessary to adjust the latch or strike plate, or the lock cylinder may be damaged and require to be replaced.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks are still not working, it could be time to replace the lock. Replacing a lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can complete themselves. Start by sliding the patio door completely open 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 take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted on the outside of the door frame) and adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the jamb of the door. After you've repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then screw it in place.

After all components are repositioned or modified then assemble and secure the patio door as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and catches the latch's hasp when your door is closed. If it does then your patio door lock is working as it should and will provide you with the security and privacy you've come to expect from your home's doors.

Patio doors, like other areas of your home should be aligned properly to work effectively. Over time, heat cold, dirt and debris could cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. If these parts aren't aligned, it's like trying to insert a key into the wrong hole for a key and it doesn't work. You can fix a problem which seemed impossible by following these easy steps. Give yourself a pat on your back for tackling the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're betting you won't face any more trouble opening or closing the door from here to the end. Have fun! We're here to assist in case you require any assistance or have questions.