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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is essential to ensure your home's security. It can be a hassle if it isn't easy to lock. A locked that isn't working properly could be the result of misalignment or even simple wear and tear. It's possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these troubleshooting techniques don't work you can replace both the mortise and handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock can become hard to open and close over time due to dust, dirt and grime. A regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving you money on repair bills and helping your door reach its maximum lifespan. In the beginning, you'll need to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, use spray cans of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount into the keyhole, then work the key in and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that can damage your locks. Make sure to spray a bit on the key itself. After your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can use a silicone spray or a dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid oils. It's a great option for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both moist and cold temperatures, however they may require several coats to be effective. You can also apply de-icer spray specifically made for cold weather. It will melt the frost and ice from the mechanism of your lock. A few coats of this will allow your lock unlock and then lock again easily. How often you need to oil your locks will be contingent on environmental factors. A coastal location exposes your door to salty air and lead to corrosion. Temperature fluctuations can also affect the efficiency of your lock. https://kerr-mayo.technetbloggers.de/the-10-worst-patio-door-repairs-failures-of-all-time-could-have-been-prevented is recommended that you lubricate locks at least twice a year or more often if your area has 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 years to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock does not function properly there's a chance that one or more of its components could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a broken lock on your patio door could help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws and adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder. Begin by inspecting the exterior and inside of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract with hot or cold weather and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause problems when opening or closing the door. Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder could be difficult to access, and can cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you may be able to remove any obstructions with a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the issue persists, you may have to remove the cylinder to determine the root of the issue. If the lock cylinder has not been screwed onto the lock body it can be removed by unscrewing the screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help to restore alignment. Look over the cylinder for a tiny tab that moves up and down with the key, usually towards the very end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab", keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. A standard key will move this tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and reinserted. If your lock's cylinder is stuck, you may be able to restore the proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pushed into and pulled out. Reassemble the lock after you have restored alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock isn't working, it is likely that an additional component such as the latch or latch spring must be replaced. Make sure you tighten the Screws Locks for patio doors can be damaged by regular use, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. If not properly maintained, these delicate parts can wear down and cause your door to not lock properly. Thankfully, most lock problems can be fixed easily with just a few simple maintenance steps. You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that may be present. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts functioning efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, however, as these can draw dust and dirt that can lead to further problems. If your patio door is fitted with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. In most cases this will require you to adjust the screws that hold your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the foot lock, loosen the screw with the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it up or down. Once the adjustment is complete then tighten the screw. The most common problem in the repair of patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by normal wear and tear or it could be that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it should be.
After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If everything is in alignment, the door should be able to open and close smoothly, without additional force. If you're having difficulty then you may need to reposition the strike plate or latch or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and must be replaced. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks still aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. Installing a new lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can tackle by themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door all the way open and removing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Study the existing lock to determine the type of lock you'll need. Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that hold the strike plate. This is the part of the lock that is positioned on the edge of the door's frame. Adjust http://lovethegiver.com/members/slashstart1/activity/567932/ or in an upward direction to align it with the holes in the latch. After you've repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then fix it with screws. After all the components have been repositioned or changed then assemble and secure the patio door as instructed by 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 closed. If it does then your patio door lock is functioning as it should and able to provide the security and privacy you've come to appreciate from your home's doors. Like other parts of your home your patio doors also need to be aligned properly for they to function effectively. Over time, temperatures and cold weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause frames, hinges, and locking mechanism to shift. The wrongly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to put keys in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. By following these easy steps, you will be able to fix an issue that seemed unfixable. So give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this task and regaining the door that was locked! We'll bet you won't have any trouble opening or closing the door from now on out. Have fun! We're here for you if there are any concerns or questions. |
