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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is a vital element of home security. If it is difficult to lock, it can be a hassle. In a lot of cases, a stubborn lock is the result of misalignment or simple wear and tear. It may be possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating it. If these methods of troubleshooting aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock may be difficult to open and close over time because of dust, dirt and grime. A regular cleaning and lubrication routine will stop your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving your money on repair costs and helping your door reach its full lifespan. To begin, you will have to clean the lock's the cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or another penetrating spray to accomplish this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then turn the key to distribute the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that could damage your locks, and make sure to spray a little on the key itself. After cleaning your lock cylinder it is time to lubricate. You can use a dry lubricant 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 water resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, however it may require several coats to be effective. How often you need to oil your locks will be contingent on the environment. The location of your door will affect its performance. A coastal location can expose the door to salty air, which could cause corrosion. It is recommended to ensure that your locks are lubricated at least two times every year, or more frequently in areas with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save costs on repairs, and ensure that it continues to function in a good way for a long time. If your patio door lock isn't working correctly, it could indicate that one or more components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a faulty lock on your patio door will help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. To repair a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws, adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder. Start by examining the exterior and inside of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract during temperatures that are cold or hot and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanisms to stop aligning correctly and can cause issues when opening or closing the patio door. Then, look over the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder may be difficult to open and could cause damage to the cam, latch springs or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can remove any obstructions by using a pair of tweezers and a lock. If the issue continues it may be necessary to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to locate the root of the problem. If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the lock body then you can loosen it by removing an elongated screw within the cylinder faceplate. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may aid in restoring alignment. Look for an elongated tab that is movable with the key. It's usually located close to the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab", keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the body of the lock. This tab can be moved back by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be taken out and then returned. If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you might be able to restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pulled in and withdrawn. After you have restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and check its functioning. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's a sign that another component such as the latch or latch spring is worn or damaged and may require replacement. Tighten the Screws Over time, the use of regular, hot and cold weather, dirt, and dust can cause damage to patio door locks. If not properly maintained the delicate parts could wear down and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be repaired with a few easy steps. The first thing you need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust that might be found. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts functioning smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, however they can draw dust and dirt which could cause issues. If your patio door is fitted with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the footlock, loosen the screw with the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the screw. When it comes to fixing the handle of a patio door, the most common problem involves misalignment between the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by everyday wear and tear or it could be that the latch is set higher or lower than it should be. Start by removing the handle, then identify the screws or bolts that secure it. Make sure you keep track of these since you will need them when installing the new handle. Remove the old spindle and place the new one into place on the interior of the door. Make sure it is in alignment 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're aligned properly with the screws or bolts that hold them in place. Once you've made any necessary adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If everything is in alignment, the door should open and close without any additional force. If you're having difficulty it could be necessary to reposition the strike plate or latch or the lock cylinder may be damaged and must be replaced. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks not working, it might be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can replace a lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio door open and then removing the current lock from the interior side of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock that you'll need. Before installing the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's set on the outside edge of the door frame) and then adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the latch hole in the door jamb. After you've repositioned your strike plate, secure it in place and tighten the screws.
Like other areas of your home your patio doors also need to be properly aligned in order for they to function effectively. Over time, heat or cold, dirt and debris can cause frames and hinges to shift. If these components are not aligned it's similar to trying to insert a key in the wrong hole for a key: It just doesn't work. By following these simple steps, you can fix the issue that may have appeared to be unfixable. Give yourself a pat on your back for tackling the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're betting you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door. Have fun! We are here to assist should you require assistance or have questions. |
