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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A secure patio door is crucial to ensure your home's security. When yours is difficult to lock, it could be a nightmare.

A stubborn lock can be caused by misalignment or simply wear and wear and tear. It's possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting or lubricating it. If these solutions fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

A door lock may be difficult to open and close due to dirt, dust and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine will keep your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving your money on repair costs and allowing your door to reach its full lifespan.

In the beginning, you'll have to clean the lock cylinder. Use WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray complete this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole, then work the key through and out to spread the oil. Avoid using https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-bexley/ or other oils that can damage your locks. Also, make sure you spray some on the key itself.

After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to lubricate. You can apply a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid fluids. It's a great choice to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand moist and cold temperatures, however they might require multiple coats to work effectively.

You can also apply sprays to de-icer your lock that is designed for cold weather and can lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will allow your lock to unlock and then lock again easily.

The climate will determine the frequency at which you should belubricating locks. The location of your door will affect its performance. A coastal location can expose it to salty air which can cause corrosion. The standard rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks every two years or more often if you reside in a region that has extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save the cost of repairs and ensure that it continues to work properly for many years.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock isn't working correctly, it could indicate that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a faulty lock on your patio door can help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. You can repair a patio door that is locked or locked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder.

Begin by inspecting the exterior and inside of the lock for signs of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks may expand or contract depending on the weather and may even shift over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanisms to stop aligning properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the door.

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Then, check the lock cylinder for 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 doesn't fit easily, you can get rid of any obstructions by using a pair of tweezers and a lock. If the issue continues, you may need to take out the cylinder to find the root of the issue.

If the lock cylinder has not been screwed to the body of the lock, it can be loosen by unscrewing the screw on the cylinder faceplate. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help restore proper alignment.

Look over the cylinder for a small tab that moves up and down using the key, typically towards the end. This little clip, called a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding into the body of the lock. This tab can be moved back using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be taken out and then reinserted.

If your lock cylinder is stuck, you might be able to restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt is in contact with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pulled in and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored the proper alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn out and may require replacement.

Tighten the Screws

Locks for patio doors can be damaged by regular use, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. Unless properly cared for, these delicate parts can get worn out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues are easily fixable with a few simple maintenance steps.

The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that might be found. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, they could draw dust and dirt which can cause further problems.

If your patio door comes with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of instances, this will require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the footlock you need to loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment is done you can tighten the screw.

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

Then, take out the handle from the old one and find the bolts or screws that hold it in the first place. Be sure to keep track of these as you will need them when installing 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 properly aligned with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle is in place put back the handles for both exterior and interior and ensure that they are in alignment with the screws or bolts that secure them.

Close and lock the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in proper alignment, the door will open and close smoothly without additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty it could be necessary to adjust the strike plate or latch, or the lock cylinder could be damaged and must be replaced.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks still do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. The replacement of a lock is a fairly simple home improvement task that many homeowners can do themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door all the way open and removing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into both the door and jamb to get a sense for what type of lock you'll need to purchase.

Before installing the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside of the door frame) and adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb of the door. After you've repositioned the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it into place.

After all the parts of your patio door have been relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch. Make sure it is fitted properly and catches the latch when the door is closed. If it does then your patio door lock is working exactly as it should, and is able to give you the security and privacy you've come expect from your doors.

As with other parts of your home, your patio doors need to be properly aligned in order for them to function efficiently. Over time, temperature or cold, dirt and debris can cause hinges and the frame of the door to shift. The wrongly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to put keys in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. You can fix the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these easy steps. Do yourself a big pat on the back for taking on the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We bet that you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door. Good luck! We are here to help if you need any assistance or have any questions.