12 Companies Are Leading The Way In Repair Patio Door Lock
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is essential to home security. When yours is difficult to lock, it could be frustrating.
A lock that is not working can be the result of misalignment or even wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position could aid in restoring its functionality. If these troubleshooting techniques fail, you may need to replace both the mortise 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 stop your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repairs and allowing your door to reach its full potential.
The first step is to clean your lock's cylinder. To do this, use a spray can of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole, then work the key in and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using solvents like household oil or other which could damage your locks. Spray a little on the key.
After your lock cylinder is clean and lubricated, it's time to apply. You can apply dry lubricants such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants do, which is why it's a great choice for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both humid and freezing temperatures, however it might require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also apply de-icer spray that is designed for cold weather. It will melt ice and frost on the lock mechanism. A few sprays of this will help your lock to unlock and then re-lock more easily.
How often you need to lubricate your locks will rely on the environment. A location near the coast exposes your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. Temperature variations can influence the performance of your lock. The most common rule of thumb is to grease your locks every two years and more frequently if you reside in a region that has extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save costs on repairs, and ensure that it will continue to work properly for many years.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should it could be because one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a damaged 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 or adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting the exterior and the interior of the lock to see whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract in temperatures that are cold or hot and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause problems when opening or closing the door.
Next, examine the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or blocked cylinder is difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam, or latch springs. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can clear any obstructions with a pair of picklocks and tweezers. If the problem persists you may have to remove the cylinder to find the root of the issue.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the lock body, you can loosen it by unscrewing a flat screw inside the faceplate of the cylinder. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to move the cylinder around and could help to restore alignment.
Look for the small tab that is movable with the key. It's usually located at the end. This tiny clip, also known as a "release Tab" is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. The tab can be moved back by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be taken out and then returned.
If your lock cylinder is stuck, you may be able to restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pushed in and pulled out. Reassemble the lock once you have restored the proper alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's a sign that a component, like the latch spring or latch is worn or damaged and will require replacement.
Lock the Screws
Over time, frequent use, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and can cause damage to patio door locks. Unless properly cared for, these delicate parts can wear down and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be solved with just a few steps.
The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth clean any dirt or dust that may be present, and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, however they could draw dust and dirt which can cause further problems.
If your patio door is fitted with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will require you to adjust the screws that attach your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently pry upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock if needed. Once the adjustment is done then tighten the screw.
The most frequent issue when it comes to fixing patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be due to everyday wear and tear or the latch may be positioned above or below where it should be.
Then, take off the handle from the old one and find the bolts or screws that hold it in the place. Be sure to keep track of these since you will require them when installing the new handle. Then, remove the old spindle and slide the new one in place on the inside of the door. Be sure that it is in alignment with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure that they're aligned correctly with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.
Once you've made any necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it should be able to open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you still have problems it may be necessary to adjust the position of your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. The replacement of a lock is a fairly simple home improvement task that many homeowners can do by themselves. Start by sliding the patio door completely open and then removing the current lock from the inside of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock you will need.
Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that secure the strike plate. a knockout post is the portion of the lock that is mounted on the edges of the door's frame. Adjust it horizontally or in an upward direction to align it with latch hole. After you've repositioned the latch plate then tighten the screws and fix it with screws.
After all the components have been moved or adjusted after which you can assemble and secure your patio door according to the instructions of the manufacturer. When you're done checking the latch. Make sure it is fitted correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is shut. If it does then your patio door lock is functioning exactly as it should, and is will provide you with the security and privacy you've come expect from your doors.
Like other areas of your home your patio doors also need to be aligned properly for them to work efficiently. Over time, heat and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other factors can cause the hinges, door frame, and locking mechanism to shift slightly. Misaligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert a key in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you can solve the issue that may have seemed unfixable. So, give yourself an award for tackling this project and reclaiming the door that was locked! We're sure you won't have any trouble opening or closing the door from here on. Have fun! We're here to assist if you need any assistance or have questions.