How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A secure patio door is a crucial element of home security. When yours is difficult to lock, it can be frustrating.

A lock that is not working can be caused by misalignment or even simple wear and tear. It's possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating it. If these solutions don't work you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle.

Clean and Lubricate

Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open or close the door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repairs and allowing your door to enjoy its full potential.

To begin, you will need to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray bottle of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole and then turn the key to spread the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents which could harm your locks, and make sure you spray some on the key itself.

After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to grease. You can use dry lubricants such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid fluids. It's an excellent choice for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays are able to be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are impervious to water. However, they may need multiple coats in order to be efficient.

You can also use a de-icer spray, which is specifically designed for colder weather and will remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will aid your lock unlock and then re-lock more easily.

How often you have to lubricate your locks will rely on the environment. A location near the coast exposes your door to salty air and lead to corrosion, and temperature changes can affect the efficiency of your lock. It is recommended that you lubricate locks at least twice every year, or more frequently in areas with 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 the years to come.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock doesn't work properly, one or more of its components may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a broken lock on your patio door glass repair door can stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. You can fix a patio door that is locked or locked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.

Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock to see whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks can expand or contract in response to the weather, and they could shift over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning correctly and cause problems when opening or closing the door.

Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. A corroded or blocked cylinder is difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam, or latch springs. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can clear any obstructions using a pair tweezers and a picklock. If the issue persists, you might need to remove the cylinder to determine the root of the issue.

If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the lock body you can loosen it by unscrewing a flat screw inside the cylinder faceplate. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to move the cylinder around and could help restore proper alignment.

Examine the cylinder for a small tab that can move up and down with the key, typically towards the end. This small clip, also called a "release Tab" will stop the cylinder from sliding patio door repair service near me into the lock body completely. The tab can be moved back by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be removed and then reinserted.

If your lock cylinder is stuck, you might be able to restore proper alignment by turning 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 is difficult to use, it's a sign that another component such as the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn and will need to be replaced.

Make sure you tighten the Screws

Over time, the use of regular as well as cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can cause damage to patio door locks. These delicate parts may wear out if not properly maintained, leading to your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues can be easily fixed with just a few simple maintenance steps.

The first thing you have to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dust or dirt that might be found. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, they could 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 adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the foot lock you need to loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it up or down. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw.

When it comes to fixing the handle on a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This could be caused by wear and tear, or the latch could be placed above or below where it is supposed to be.

Then, take out the handle that was previously used and locate the bolts or screws holding it in place. Be sure to keep track of these as you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle and then slide the new one into the door on the side of the door, ensuring that it is properly aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts that hold them in place.

After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it should be able to open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you're still having problems, you may need to move your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door lock repairs near me door locks not working, it could be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can replace the lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and then removing your existing lock on the inside of the door. Review the lock to determine the type of lock you'll need.

Before you install the new latch, loosen the screws securing the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted on the outside edge of the door frame) and adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the door jamb. After you've adjusted the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then screw it into place.

After all the components are repositioned or modified then assemble and secure the patio door according to the instructions of the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to make sure that it fits and is able to catch the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is now functioning exactly as it should, and is can provide the security and privacy you've come expect from your home's doors.

Like other areas of your home, need to be aligned correctly to function effectively. Over time, cold and hot weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause the hinges, door frame and locking mechanism to shift. The wrongly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert a key in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. You can solve the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these simple steps. You should pat yourself on the back for taking on the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We're sure you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door again. Best of luck! We're here to help if you have any questions or concerns.