10 Things That Your Family Taught You About Repair Patio Door Lock

How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A safe patio door is a crucial element of home security. If it becomes difficult to lock, it can be a nightmare.

In a lot of instances, a locked that is not working is due to the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. It is possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating it. If these methods fail, you may need to replace both the mortise as well as the handle.

Clean and Lubricate

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

To begin, you'll need to clean the lock's the cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray can of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and work the key into and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that can damage your locks. Also, make sure you spray some on the key itself as well.

After cleaning your lock cylinder, it's time to grease. You can apply a silicone spray or dry lubricant, such as graphite powder. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid fluids. It's a great option for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays are able to be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are resistant to water. However, they might require several coats to be efficient.

You can also apply sprays to de-icer your lock specially made for cold weather and can lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. A few sprays of this will allow your lock unlock and then re-lock more easily.

How often you should oil your locks will be contingent on environmental factors. The location of your door will impact its performance. A coastal location can expose the door to salty air, which could cause corrosion. The most common rule of thumb is to oil your locks at least twice a year or more often when you live in a region that has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save costs on repairs, and ensure that it will continue to work properly for many years.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock doesn't function properly it could be because one or more of its parts could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair patio door lock of a damaged patio door lock will prevent any further damage and ensure your doors are safe. To fix a locked or unlocked patio sliding door repair near me door, you can 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. The patio door locks may expand or contract depending on the weather, and could shift over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanisms to not align properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the patio door repair door.

Then, look over the lock cylinder for obstructions within the keyway hole. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder could be difficult to access, and could cause damage to the cam, latch springs or the lock pins. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can remove any obstructions by using a pair of tweezers and a lock. If the issue persists it may be necessary to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to find the root of the problem.

If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock, you can loosen it by uncrewing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder's faceplate. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help to restore alignment.

Look for an elongated tab that moves with the key. It is usually near the end. This tiny clip, also known as a "release Tab" is what stops the cylinder from sliding patio door repairs into the lock body completely. A standard key will move this tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and then reinserted.

If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you might be able to restore the proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pushed in and pulled out. Once you have restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and test it for performance. If your patio door lock isn't working properly, it is likely that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch must be replaced.

Make sure you tighten the Screws

Over time, frequent use temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can cause damage to patio door locks. Unless properly cared for, these delicate parts can wear down and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be fixed with a few simple steps.

It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can help keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, they can draw dust and dirt which can cause further problems.

Then, if your patio door has an electronic foot lock for security, make sure 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 footlock simply loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment has been completed, tighten the screw.

When it comes time to repair a patio door handle, the most common problem is misalignment between the strike plate and the latch. This can be caused by the wear and tear of everyday use, or it could simply be that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it should be.

Begin by removing the handle, and then locate the screws or bolts that secure it. Be sure to keep track of these as you will need them later when installing the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle and then slide the new spindle into position on the inside of the door, making sure that it is aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Once the new spindle is in place put back the handles for both exterior and interior to ensure that they are in alignment with the bolts or screws that secure them.

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

Replace the latch

If your patio door locks not working, it may be time to replace the lock. Replacing a lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that most homeowners can tackle by themselves. Start by sliding patio door repair service the patio doors all the way out and unscrewing your existing lock on the interior of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed to the door and the door jamb so that you can determine the type of lock you'll have to purchase.

Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that hold the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock that is positioned on the edge of the frame of the door. Adjust it horizontally or in an upward direction to align it with the holes in the latch. After you've adjusted the latch plate, tighten the screws and fix it with screws.

Once all the components of your patio door have been relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. Once you're finished, test the latch. Make sure it fits correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is closed. If it does, then your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is now ready to provide the security and privacy you've come to anticipate from.

Like other areas of your home, need to be aligned properly to work effectively. Over time, temperatures or cold, dirt and debris could cause the frames and hinges to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to put keys into the wrong keyhole. It's not working. By following these easy steps, you will be able to fix an issue that appeared to be unfixable. Do yourself a big pat on your back for tackling the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We bet that you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Have fun! We are here to assist if you need any assistance or have questions.