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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A secure patio door is crucial for home security. If it becomes difficult to lock, it can be frustrating.

A stubborn lock can be caused by misalignment or even simple wear and wear and tear. Lubricating https://www.demilked.com/author/frownscent72/ or changing its position could help restore its function. If these methods of troubleshooting don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open and close a door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair costs and will extend the life of your door.

To begin, you will need to clean the lock cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray can of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and then move the key into and out to distribute the oil. Do not use solvents like household oil or other which could damage your locks. Spray a small amount on the key.

When your lock's cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can apply dry lubricants such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants do, so it's a great option for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand moist and cold temperatures, however they may require several coats to work effectively.

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 aid your lock unlock and then lock again easily.

How often you need to lubricate your locks will depend on the environmental conditions. A location near the coast will expose your door to salty air and lead to corrosion. Temperature variations can affect the performance of your lock. The general rule of thumb is to oil your locks twice per year and more frequently if you reside in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save the cost of repairs and ensure that it continues to function properly for a long time.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could be that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a faulty patio door lock will prevent additional damage and ensure that your doors are secure. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws or adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.

Begin by looking at the exterior and inside of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract in hot or cold weather and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanisms to stop aligning properly and can cause issues when opening or closing the patio door.

Then, check the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder is difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you may be able to dislodge any obstructions with a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue persists it may be necessary to remove the cylinder and disassemble it in order to identify the source of the obstruction.

If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed to the body of the lock it can be removed by unscrewing the flat screw on the cylinder faceplate. This screw will let you rotate the cylinder, and it could also help restore alignment.

Look for the small tab that is movable with the key. It is usually near the end. This small clip, also known as a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. A standard key will move this tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and then reinserted.

If your lock cylinder is stuck, you may be able to restore the proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt is in contact with the strike plate, and the handle or knob can be pushed in and out. Reassemble the lock after you have restored proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. 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 and will need to be replaced.

Lock the Screws

Over time, the use of regular temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt and even dirt can cause damage to patio door locks. If not properly maintained these delicate components can wear out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock problems are easily solved with just a few steps.

Clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present, and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, however they could draw dust and dirt that can lead to further issues.

Then, if your patio door is equipped with a foot lock that is secure be sure that the foot lock is properly aligned 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 simply loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it up or down. Once the adjustment has been completed you can tighten the screw.

The most common problem when it comes to repairing patio door handles is the misalignment of 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.

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Then, take out the old handle and find the bolts or screws that hold it in the first place. Keep track of the bolts or screws since you'll need them for the installation of the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and slide the new one on the interior of the door. Be sure that it is aligned properly with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles once the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they're properly aligned with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.

Close and lock the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should open and close without any additional force. If you still have problems, you may need to reposition your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks are still not working, it could be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can change locks themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and unscrewing your existing lock from the inside of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into the door and the jamb so that you can discern the type of lock you'll need purchase.

Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that hold the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock mounted on the edge of the door's frame. Adjust it horizontally or in the vertical direction to align it with the latch hole. Once http://www.stes.tyc.edu.tw/xoops/modules/profile/userinfo.php?uid=1685986 have repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then fix it with screws.

After all components are repositioned or modified, assemble and secure the patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. Once you're finished checking the latch. Make sure it is fitted properly and catches the latch when the door is shut. If it does, your patio door lock is now working just as it should and is can give you the security and privacy you've come to appreciate from your home's doors.

Like other components of your home, need to be aligned properly to work efficiently. Over time, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris, and other factors can cause hinges, door frame and the locking mechanism to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert keys in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. You can fix an issue that appeared impossible by following these easy steps. Give yourself a pat on the back for tackling the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're betting you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Have fun! We're here if you have any concerns or questions.