How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is vital for home security. It can be a hassle if yours is difficult to lock.
In many cases, a stubborn lock is caused by misalignment or simple wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position could help restore its function. If these troubleshooting methods aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and 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 can prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving your money on repair costs and allowing your door to enjoy its full lifespan.
To begin, you'll need to clean the lock's cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to complete this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to distribute the oil. Avoid using household oil or other solvents, as they can damage your locks. Spray a small amount on the key.
Once your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can apply a silicone spray or dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants do, which is why it's a great choice for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays can be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are resistant to water. However, they may require multiple coats to be efficient.
You can also apply de-icer spray that is designed for cold weather. It will remove the frost and ice from the lock mechanism. A few sprays of this will aid your lock unlock and then lock more easily.
The environment will determine how often you need to 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 grease your locks twice per year and more frequently when you live in a region that has extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door continues to perform as it should for long time to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could be that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repair of a broken lock on your patio door can prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. You can fix doors that are locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.
Start by checking the exterior and the inside of the lock to see if there are any signs of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract during warm or cold weather, and may shift slightly over time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the door.
Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder might be difficult to open and can cause damage to the cam, latch springs or lock pins. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you might be able to remove any obstructions with a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If sliding glass patio door replacement cost persists you may have to remove the cylinder to find the root of the issue.
If the lock cylinder is not been screwed to the body of the lock, it can be loosen by unscrewing the flat screw on the faceplate of cylinder. This screw will let you to rotate the cylinder and may even help restore alignment.
Check the cylinder for a little tab that moves up and down with the key, usually towards the very end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab", keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the body of the lock. A standard key will slide this tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and reinserted.
If your lock cylinder is stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The knob or handle may then be pushed and pulled back. After you have restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and check its functionality. If your patio door lock still isn't working It is likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring needs to be replaced.
Lock the Screws
Over time, regular use, hot and cold weather, dirt, and dust can wear down patio door locks. These delicate components can be damaged if they are not maintained properly, causing your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be easily fixed with just a few simple maintenance steps.
The first thing you need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to clean any dirt or dust that might be found. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, they can draw dust and dirt which can cause further problems.
If your patio door comes with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will require you to adjust the screws that hold your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Unlock the screw with a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry up or down to adjust the foot lock as required. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw.
When it comes to fixing a patio door handle, the most common problem is misalignment between the strike plate and latch. This could be due to everyday wear and tear, or it could simply be due to the fact that the latch is placed higher or lower than it ought to be.
Begin by removing the handle, then identify the screws or bolts that secure it. Keep track of the screws or bolts, as you will require them for the installation of the new handle. Remove the spindle that was in use and slide the new one in place on the inside of the door. Make sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle has been installed then reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior to ensure that they are in alignment with the screws or bolts which hold them in place.
Close and secure the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If the door is correctly aligned, it will open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you are still having issues, you may need to move your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks still do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. Replacing a lock is a fairly simple home improvement project that most homeowners can complete by themselves. Start by sliding the patio door all the way open and then removing the current lock from the interior side of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock you'll require.
Before you install the new latch, loosen the screws securing the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside of the door frame) and adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the hole in the door jamb. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it into place and tighten the screws.
After all the parts of your patio door have been relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done testing the latch. Make sure it fits correctly and is secured 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 working as it should and able to provide the security and privacy you've come to expect from your doors.
Like other parts of your home the patio doors have to be properly aligned in order for them to function efficiently. Over time, temperatures, cold, dirt, and debris can cause hinges and the frame of the door to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert keys in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. You can solve an issue that appeared impossible by following these easy steps. So go ahead and give yourself an award for tackling this task and reclaiming the door that was locked! We bet that you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door again. Good luck! We are here to assist should you require assistance or have questions.