The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Repair Patio Door Lock

How to Repair Patio Door Lock a Bad Patio Door Lock

A safe patio door is an essential part of home security. It can be frustrating when your door is difficult to lock.

A locked that isn't working properly could be the result of misalignment or simply wear and tear. It is possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these troubleshooting methods fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

A door lock can become hard to open and close over time due to dirt, dust and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair bills and extend the longevity of your door.

The first step in the process is to clean your lock's cylinder. To do this, you'll need spray cans of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and work the key in and out to distribute the oil. Do not use household oil or other solvents, as they can damage your locks. Spray a small amount on the key.

After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to grease. You can use dry lubricants such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid oils. It's a great choice for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays are able to endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are impervious to water. However, they may need multiple coats in order to be efficient.

You can also apply sprays for de-icing specially made for cold weather and will loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will allow your lock unlock and then lock again easily.

The climate will determine how often you should belubricating locks. The location of your door will affect its performance. A location near the coast could expose it to salty air which can cause corrosion. The general rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks at least twice a year or more often if you reside in an area with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door continues to function as it should for many long time to come.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock isn't working properly, it could be that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a damaged patio door lock can avoid further damage and ensure that your doors are secure. You can repair a patio door that is locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.

Begin by looking at the exterior and inside of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio doors can expand or contract with the weather, and could shift over time. This slight movement can 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. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder might be difficult to open, and may cause damage to the cam, latch springs, or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you might be able to remove any obstruction using a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the problem persists you might need to remove the cylinder to determine the cause.

If the lock cylinder is not been screwed to the body of the lock, it can be loosen by unscrewing the flat screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may aid in restoring alignment.

Look over the cylinder for a small tab that moves upwards and downwards with the key, typically towards the very end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding patio door repair service near me all the way into the body of the lock. This tab can be moved back with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed, then returned.

If your lock cylinder has become stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt is engaged with the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pushed, and pulled back. Once you have restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and check its functionality. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's likely that a component, like the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn out and may require replacement.

Lock the Screws

Over time, the use of regular temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can wear down patio door locks. Unless properly cared for, these delicate parts can wear down and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock issues can be repaired with a few easy steps.

It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt that may be present. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts running smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, they could draw dust and dirt which could cause issues.

Next, if your patio door is equipped with a security foot lock, make sure the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will only require you to adjust the screws that hold your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and gently move it up or down to adjust the foot lock if needed. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw.

The most common problem when it comes to fixing patio door handles is the misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be caused by wear and tear, or the latch could be set lower or higher than it should be.

Then, take off the handle from the old one and locate the bolts or screws holding it in the first place. Make sure to keep track of these since you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and place the new one into place on the inside of the door. Make sure it is properly aligned with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle is in place, reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior and ensure that they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts which hold them in place.

After you've made any needed adjustments to your glass patio door repair door, make sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it should be able to open and shut without needing any additional force. If you're still having problems it may be necessary to adjust the position of your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder.

Replace the latch

If your patio door locks still not working, it may be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can replace the lock themselves. Start by sliding glass patio doors repair the patio doors repairs near me door all the way open and removing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock that you'll require.

Before you install the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside of the door frame) and then adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb in the door. Once you have repositioned the latch plate then tighten the screws and screw it in place.

Once all the components of your patio door are relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. Once you're finished checking the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and is secured when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is able to give you the security and privacy that you've come to anticipate from.

patio glass repair doors, like other parts of your house must be properly aligned to function efficiently. Over time, temperature or cold, dirt and debris can cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. If these components are not aligned it's similar to trying to fit a key in the wrong hole for a key and it doesn't work. You can solve a problem which seemed impossible by following these simple steps. So go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this project and reclaiming your patio door's locked position! We'll bet you won't have any trouble opening or closing the door from now on out. Have fun! We're here to help if you have any concerns or questions.