How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is a crucial element of home security. If it becomes difficult to lock, it can be a nightmare.
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 could help restore its function. If these methods fail, you may need to replace both the mortise and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open and close the door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine can keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repairs and helping your door reach its full potential.
In the beginning, you'll need to clean the lock's cylinder. To do this, you'll need spray cans of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and then move the key through and out to spread the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that could damage your locks. Also, make sure to spray a bit on the key itself.
Once your lock cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants like graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants do, so it's a great choice for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, but may require several coats to work effectively.
door repair london can also use a de-icer spray, which is specifically designed for cold weather. It will break up the frost and ice from the lock mechanism. A few coats of this will allow your lock to unlock and then lock again easily.
The climate will determine how often you need to lubricate locks. The location of your door can affect its performance. A coastal location can expose it to salty air, which could cause corrosion. It is recommended that you lubricate locks at least twice a year or more often in areas with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door continues to function as it should for many 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 could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a faulty lock on your patio door can stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. You can fix doors that are locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting the exterior and the interior of the lock to see if there are any signs of damage or misalignment. Patio door locks can expand or contract with the weather and could shift over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to not align properly and cause problems when opening or closing the door.
Then, check the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder may be difficult to open, and can cause damage to the latch springs, cam or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you might be able to dislodge any obstructions using a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists then you'll need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to locate the cause of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed to the lock body, it can be loosen by removing the screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could aid in restoring alignment.
Look for the small tab that is movable with the key. It's usually at the end. This tiny clip, also called a "release Tab" is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. This tab can be moved back with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed, then returned.
If your lock's cylinder is stuck, you might be able restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pushed in and pulled out. Reassemble the lock once you have restored alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's likely that a component, like the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn and will require replacement.
Make sure you tighten the Screws
Over time, the use of regular, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and can cause damage to patio door locks. These delicate components can wear out if not properly maintained, causing your door to stop locking properly. Thankfully, most lock problems can be fixed easily with a few simple maintenance steps.
The first thing you need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present, and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, however they can draw dust and dirt which could cause issues.
If your patio door comes with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. In most cases this will only 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 then gently push it up or down. After the adjustment has been completed you can tighten the screw.
The most common problem when it comes to fixing patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by normal wear and tear, or the latch could be placed lower or higher than it is supposed to be.
Then, remove the handle that was previously used and locate the screws or bolts that hold it in the first place. Make sure to keep track of these since you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, remove the old spindle and slide the new one into 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 is installed put back the handles on the exterior and interior to ensure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.
Close and lock the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in alignment, the door will open and close smoothly without any additional force. If you're having difficulty, you might need to adjust the latch or strike plate or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and must be replaced.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks are still not working, it may be time to replace the lock. The replacement of a lock is a fairly simple home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can do by themselves. Start by sliding the patio door open and unscrewing the 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 so that you can discern the type of lock you'll need purchase.
Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that secure the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock that is positioned on the outside of the frame of the door. Adjust it horizontally or in a vertical direction so that it is aligned with the holes for the latch. After you've repositioned the latch plate then tighten the screws and screw it in place.
Once all the components of your patio door are moved or replaced, you can reassemble them 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 hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is able to give you the security and privacy you've come to anticipate from.
Like other areas of your home, your patio doors need to be properly aligned in order for them to function efficiently. Over time, temperatures or cold, dirt and debris could cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert keys in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you will be able to fix an issue that seemed unfixable. Give yourself a pat on your back for tackling the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're betting you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door. Best of luck! We're here if you have any questions or concerns.