How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A secure patio door is a vital element of home security. If your door becomes difficult to lock, it could be a nightmare.

In most instances, a locked that is not working is caused by misalignment or simple wear and tear. It's possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these methods fail, you may need to replace both the mortise and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open and close the door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine will stop your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on Repair Patio Door Lock bills and allowing your door to enjoy its full potential.

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

After your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants like graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant 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 cold temperatures, however they may require multiple coats to be effective.

You can also use a de-icer spray specially designed for colder weather and will loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. This will enable you to unlock your lock and then lock it more easily.

The climate will determine the frequency at which you should lubricate locks. The location of your door will impact its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose it to salty air which can cause corrosion. The standard rule of thumb is to oil your locks twice per year and more frequently when you live in a region that has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door will perform as it should for the years to come.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could be that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a faulty lock on your patio door will prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws, adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder.

Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock for signs of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio door repairs doors can expand or contract in response to the weather, and might even shift with time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to not align properly and cause problems when opening or closing the door.

Next, examine the lock cylinder for obstructions within the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder may be difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the pins, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can get rid of any obstructions using a pair tweezers and a lock. If the issue persists, you may need to take out the cylinder in order to locate the cause.

If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the lock body, you can loosen it by unscrewing an elongated screw within 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 tiny tab that can move up and down using the key, typically towards the end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab", keeps the cylinder from sliding into the body of the lock. The tab can be moved back by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be removed, then returned.

If the cylinder of your lock is stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt is engaged with the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pushed, and pulled back. Once you have restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and test its functionality. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's a sign that a component, like the latch or latch spring is worn or damaged and will require replacement.

Lock the Screws

Over time, regular use as well as cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can cause damage to patio door locks. If they are not properly taken care of these delicate components can get worn out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock problems are easily repaired with a few easy steps.

You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth get rid of any dust or dirt that might be present, and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, however, as these can draw dust and dirt that can lead to further problems.

If your patio door repair service near me door is equipped 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 only require changing the screws that attach the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the foot lock you need to loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment is done, tighten the screw securely.

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

Then, remove the handle that was previously used and locate the screws or bolts that hold it in the first place. Keep track of the bolts or screws, since you'll need them to install the new handle. Remove the old spindle and place the new one on the interior of the door. Make sure that it is aligned properly with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle has been installed then reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior and ensure that they are aligned with the screws or bolts which hold them in place.

Close and lock the upvc patio door repairs near me door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in alignment, the door should open and close without any additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty, you might need to adjust the strike plate or latch or the lock cylinder may be damaged and need to be replaced.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks are still not working, it may be time to replace the lock. The majority of homeowners can replace locks themselves. Start by sliding the patio door completely open and then removing the current lock from the inside of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into the door and the jamb to discern the kind of lock you'll need to purchase.

Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that hold the strike plate. This is the part of the lock mounted on the edge of the frame of the door. Adjust it horizontally or in a vertical direction so that it is aligned with the latch hole. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it back into position and tighten the 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 fits correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is installed correctly and is ready to provide the security and privacy that you've come to anticipate from.

Like other components of your home, need to be properly aligned to function effectively. Over time, cold and hot weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause the frames, hinges, and locking mechanism to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole. It's not working. It is possible to fix the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these simple steps. Do yourself a big pat on the back for tackling the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We're sure you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door once more. Best of luck! We're here to help if you have any questions or concerns.