13 Things About Repair Patio Door Lock You May Not Have Considered

How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

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

A stubborn lock can be caused by misalignment, or even simple wear and wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position may help restore its function. If these troubleshooting techniques don't work you can replace both the mortise and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

A door lock may be difficult to open and close over time because of dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication could help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair costs and will extend the longevity of your door.

In the beginning, you'll have to clean the lock cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to complete this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole, then work the key in and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using solvents like household oil or other, 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 an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't swell up like 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 impervious to water. However, they might require multiple coats to be effective.

You can also apply de-icer spray, which is specifically designed for cold weather. It will melt the frost and ice from the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will allow your lock to unlock and then lock again easily.

How often you need to lubricate your locks will depend on the environmental conditions. A coastal location will expose your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion, and temperature variations can impact how well your lock works. It is recommended to ensure that your locks are lubricated at least once every year, or more frequently if your area has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save the cost of repairs and ensure that they continue to function in a good way for many years.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should it could be because one or more of its components may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a defective patio door lock can avoid additional damage and ensure that your doors are safe. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws, adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder.

Start by examining the exterior and inside of the lock for signs of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract during hot or cold weather and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning properly and can cause issues when opening or closing the door.

Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder could be difficult to open and could cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you might be able to remove any obstructions with the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue continues then you'll need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to find the root of the problem.

If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed onto the lock body it can be removed by removing the screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could aid in restoring alignment.

Check  sliding patio door repairs near me  for a little tab that moves upwards and downwards with the key, generally towards the end. This small clip, also called a "release Tab" is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. This tab can be moved back with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then returned.

If the cylinder of your lock has become stuck and is not aligned, you can fix it by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pushed, and pulled back. Reassemble the lock once you have restored proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's a sign that another component such as the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn out and may require replacement.

Lock the Screws

Over time, frequent use temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt and even dirt can take their toll on patio door locks. These delicate components can wear out if not properly maintained, causing your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues are easily fixable by following a few easy maintenance steps.

The first thing 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 parts thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts running efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, they could attract dust and debris which could cause problems.

If your patio door is equipped with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require you to adjust the screws that secure your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the footlock simply loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment is complete then tighten the screw.

The most frequent issue when it comes to repairing patio door handles is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by the wear and tear of everyday use or it could be 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 place. Be sure to keep track of these as you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, remove the spindle that was in use and slide the new one in place on the inside of the door. Make sure it is aligned properly with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle has been installed put back the handles for both exterior and interior to ensure that they are in alignment with the screws or bolts that secure them.

Close and secure the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should open and close without additional force. If you're still having trouble, you might need to move the latch or strike plate or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and need to be replaced.

Replace the latch

If your patio door locks aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. The majority of homeowners can replace a lock themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and removing the existing lock on the inside of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed into the door and jamb so that you can get a sense for what type of lock you'll need 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 door's frame. Adjust it horizontally or in an upward direction so that it is aligned with the latch hole. Once you have repositioned the latch plate then tighten the screws and screw it in place.

Once all the components of your patio door are repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process, test the latch. Make sure it is fitted correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is closed. If it does then your patio door lock is working exactly as it should, and is able to give you the security and privacy you've come to appreciate from your home's doors.

Patio doors, like other areas of your home must be properly aligned to function efficiently. Over time, temperature cold, dirt and debris can cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. The wrongly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to insert a key in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. By following these easy steps, you will be able to fix a problem that might have been thought to be impossible to fix. You should pat yourself on the back for tackling the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We're sure you won't have any issues opening or closing the door from here on out. Good luck! We're here to help if you have any questions or concerns.