How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A secure patio door is vital for home security. When yours becomes difficult to lock, it can be a nightmare.

A stubborn lock can be caused by misalignment or simply wear and tear. It is possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating it. If these methods aren't working, you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle.

Clean and Lubricate

A door lock can become difficult to open and close because of dust, dirt and grime. A regular cleaning and lubrication routine will stop your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repair bills and allowing your door to enjoy its maximum lifespan.

To begin, you'll need to clean the lock the cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray complete this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to distribute it. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that could damage your locks. Also, make sure you spray some on the key itself as well.

After your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants, so it's an excellent choice to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both humid and cold temperatures, however they may require several coats to be effective.

You can also apply de-icer spray specifically made for cold weather. It will break up frost and ice off the mechanism of your lock. A few sprays of this will help your lock to unlock and then lock more easily.

The environment will determine how often you need to lubricate locks. The location of your door can affect 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 grease your locks every two years or more often if you live in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door continues to function properly for long time to come.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio repair near me door lock isn't functioning correctly, it could indicate that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a defective patio door lock will prevent additional damage and ensure that your doors are safe. To repair a locked or unlocked patio sliding door repair near me door, you can tighten loose screws, adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.

Begin by looking at the exterior and the inside of the lock to see whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. Patio door locks can expand or contract in response to the weather, and they might even shift with time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause problems when closing or opening the door.

Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder might be difficult to open, and could cause damage to the cam, latch springs, or lock pins. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you might be able to remove any obstruction using a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue continues, you may have to remove the cylinder to determine the source.

If the lock cylinder has not been screwed onto the body of the lock it can be removed by removing the screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to move the cylinder around and could aid in restoring alignment.

Check the cylinder for a little tab that can move up and down using the key, generally towards the end. This tiny clip, also known as a "release Tab" will stop the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. A standard key will slide this tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and then reinserted.

If the cylinder of your lock is stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt contacts the strike plate. The handle or knob may then be pushed and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored the proper alignment. Test it for 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 may require replacement.

Tighten the Screws

patio door locks repair door locks are susceptible to damage from regular use, extremes of temperature dust and dirt. If they are not properly taken care of these delicate components can get worn out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be fixed easily with a few simple maintenance steps.

The first thing you have to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that may be present and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts running smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, however they can draw dust and dirt which could cause issues.

Next, if your patio door has a foot lock that is secure ensure that the foot lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Loosen the screw using the Robertson screwdriver, and then gently move it upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock as needed. Once the adjustment is done then tighten the screw.

When it comes time to repair Patio door lock a upvc patio door repairs door handle the most frequent issue involves misalignment between the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by normal wear and tear, or the latch could be placed lower or higher than it is supposed to be.

Start by removing the handle, then identify the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Be sure to keep track of these as you will need them later when installing the new handle. Then, remove the old spindle and place the new one in place on the inside of the door. Make sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Install the exterior and interior handles once the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they're properly aligned with the screws or bolts to secure them.

Close and lock the patio door once you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in alignment, the door should be able to open and close smoothly, without any additional force. If you're still having trouble, you might need to reposition the strike plate or latch or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and need to be replaced.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks not working, it may be time to replace the lock. Installing a new lock is a relatively simple home improvement task that many homeowners can do themselves. Start by sliding the patio door open and removing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed into the door and the door 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 part of the lock mounted on the edges of the door's frame. Adjust it horizontally or in the vertical direction to align it with holes in the latch. After you've adjusted the latch plate then tighten the screws and screw it in place.

After all components have been repositioned or changed after which you can assemble and secure your patio door as instructed by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process testing the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is closed. If it does the lock will be able to latch onto the door. If it does, your patio door lock is now functioning exactly as it should, and is will provide you with the security and privacy you've come expect from your home's doors.

Patio doors, like other components of your home, need to be aligned properly to work effectively. Over time, temperatures, cold, dirt, and debris can cause the hinges and door frame to shift. If these parts aren't aligned it's similar to trying to fit a key in the wrong hole for a key it won't work. By following these easy steps, you can fix an issue that been thought to be impossible to fix. Give yourself a pat on your back for tackling the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're betting you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door again. Good luck! We're here to assist should you require assistance or have questions.