24 Hours For Improving Repair Patio Door Lock
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is vital to home security. It can be a hassle if your door is difficult to lock.
A stubborn lock can be caused by misalignment, or even simple wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position may help restore its function. If these solutions don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open and close doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair costs and will extend the longevity of your door.
To begin, you'll need to clean the lock cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to complete this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to spread it. Avoid using household solvents or other oils which could harm your locks, and make sure to spray a little on the key itself as well.
After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it is time to lubricate. You can apply a silicone spray or a dry lubricant, such as graphite powder. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants do, which is why it's an excellent choice for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays are able to endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are impervious to water. However, they might require several coats to be efficient.
You can also apply sprays to de-icer your lock, which is specifically made for colder weather and will remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will help your lock to unlock and then re-lock more easily.
The climate will determine how often you need to belubricating locks. The location of your door can affect its performance. A location near the coast could expose it to salty air, which can cause corrosion. It is recommended to lubricate locks at least twice a year or more often in areas with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save the cost of repairs and ensure that it continues to function in a good way for many years.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could mean that one or more components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a defective patio door lock will prevent additional damage and ensure that your doors are safe. You can fix doors that are locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.
Begin by looking at the exterior and interior of the lock to see whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract with hot or cold weather and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause issues when opening or closing the door.
Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder may be difficult to access, and may cause damage to the latch springs, cam or lock pins. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can clear any obstructions with a pair of picklocks and tweezers. If the problem persists it may be necessary to take the cylinder out and disassemble it in order to identify the root of the problem.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed onto the lock body, it can be loosen by unscrewing the flat screw on the cylinder faceplate. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may aid in restoring alignment.
Check the cylinder for a small tab that can move upwards and downwards with the key, generally towards the very end. This small clip, also known as a "release Tab" will stop the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. A standard key can slide this tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and put back in.
If your lock cylinder has become stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The knob or handle can then be pulled and pulled back. Reassemble the lock once you have restored proper alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's likely that another component such as the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn out and will require replacement.
Make sure you tighten the Screws
Over time, regular use temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can cause damage to patio door locks. If they are not properly taken care of, these delicate parts can wear down and cause your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues are easily fixable 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 might be present, and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases since they could attract dust and debris, which can cause further issues.
If your patio door is equipped with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of instances, this will require changing the screws that attach the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the footlock simply loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it upwards or downwards. After patio door repair Repair My Windows And Doors has been completed you can tighten the screw.
When it comes to fixing the handle on a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by normal wear and tear, or it could simply be due to the fact that the latch is placed higher or lower than it ought to be.
Start by removing the old handle, then find the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Make sure you keep track of these since you will need them when installing the new handle. Remove the old spindle and slide the new one on the inside of the door. Make sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Reinstall the interior and external handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure that they are aligned correctly with the screws or bolts holding them in place.
Close and lock the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If the door is correctly aligned, it should open and shut without needing any additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty it could be necessary to move the strike plate or latch or the lock cylinder may be damaged and need to be replaced.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. Replacing a lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that most homeowners can tackle by themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door completely open and unscrewing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Review the lock 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 edge of the door frame) and adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the hole in the jamb of the door. After you've adjusted the strike plate, screw it back into its place and tighten the screws.
After all the components are repositioned or modified then assemble and secure the patio door as instructed by the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to make sure that it is in place and fits the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is now working just as it should and is able to provide you with the security and privacy you've come to expect from your home's doors.
Patio doors, like other components of your home must be aligned properly to work effectively. Over time, heat and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other factors can cause hinges, door frame and locking mechanism to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to insert keys in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. By following these simple steps, you will be able to fix a problem that might have been thought to be impossible to fix. So go ahead and give yourself an award for tackling this task and regaining your patio door's lock position! We'll bet you won't have any trouble opening or closing the door from here to the end. Good luck! We are here to help should you require assistance or have questions.