How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is essential to home security. When yours becomes difficult to lock, it can be a nightmare.
In many cases, a stubborn lock is the result of the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. It's possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these methods fail, you may need to replace both the mortise and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock may become hard to open and close due to dirt, dust and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair bills and extend the lifespan of your door.
The first step in the process is to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray can of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount into the keyhole, then work the key through and out to spread the oil. Do not use solvents like household oil or other, as they can damage your locks. Spray a bit on the key.
When your lock's cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. 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 oils. It's a great choice for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both humid and cold temperatures, however they might require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also use a de-icer spray that is designed for cold weather. It will break up frost and ice off the mechanism of your lock. This will enable you to unlock your lock and then unlock it with ease.
The environment will determine the frequency at which you should lubricate locks. A location with a coastline will expose your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion, and temperature fluctuations can also impact how well your lock works. The standard rule of thumb is to grease your locks at least twice a year or more often if you reside in a region that has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door continues to function properly for years to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should there's a chance that one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a damaged patio door lock can prevent additional damage and ensure that your doors are safe. To repair a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws, adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.
Start by checking the exterior and interior of the lock to see if there are any signs of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract during hot or cold weather and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning properly and cause problems when opening or closing the patio door.
Then, look over the lock cylinder for obstructions within the keyway hole. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder may be difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the pins, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you may be able to remove any obstructions with a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the problem persists you may have to remove the cylinder to find the source.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed onto the body of the lock, it can be loosen by unscrewing the flat screw on the cylinder faceplate. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may aid in restoring alignment.
Look for an elongated tab that is movable with the key. It's usually at the end. This small clip, also called a "release Tab" will stop the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. A standard key will move the tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and put back in.
If your lock's cylinder is stuck, you might be able restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pushed into and pulled out. Once you have restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and test it for functionality. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's a sign that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn and will need to be replaced.
Make sure you tighten the Screws
Over time, frequent use as well as cold and hot weather, dirt, and dust can cause damage to patio door locks. These delicate parts can wear out if not properly maintained, leading to your door to not lock properly. Thankfully, most lock problems can be fixed easily by following a few easy maintenance steps.
The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts functioning efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants with oil bases since they could attract dust and other debris which could cause more problems.
Then, if your patio door is equipped with an electronic foot lock for security be sure that the foot lock is aligned 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. To adjust the foot lock simply loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it up or down. Once the adjustment is complete, tighten the screw securely.
When it comes to fixing the handle on a patio door the most frequent issue is misalignment between the strike plate and the latch. This could be caused by normal wear and tear, or the latch may be positioned above or below where it should be.
Then, take off the handle that was previously used and find the bolts or screws holding it in the first place. Be sure to keep track of them as you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle, then slide the new spindle into position on the side of the door, making sure that it is in alignment with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts holding them in place.
Close and lock the patio door once you have made any necessary adjustments. If the door is correctly aligned, it should be able to open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you're still having problems, you may need to reposition your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. Most homeowners can change a lock themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and removing the existing lock on the interior of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed to the door and the door jamb so that you can determine the type of lock you'll need to purchase.
Before installing the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's set on the outside edge of the door frame) and adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the hole in the jamb of the door. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it back into position and tighten the screws.
Once all the components 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, check the latch to ensure that it is in place and fits the latch hasp when the door is closed. If patio door repairs near me does, then your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is now ready to provide the security and privacy you have come to expect.
As with other parts of your home, your patio doors need to be properly aligned in order for them to work efficiently. Over time, cold and hot weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause hinges, door frame, and locking mechanism to shift. When these elements are misaligned it's similar to trying to insert a key in the wrong keyhole: It just doesn't work. By following these simple steps, you can solve a problem that might have appeared to be unfixable. Do yourself a big pat on the back for tackling the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We bet that you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door once more. Good luck! We're here if you have any concerns or questions.