How to repair patio door a Bad Patio Door Lock

A safe patio door is essential to home security. If it becomes difficult to lock, it can be a hassle.

A lock that is not working can be caused by misalignment, or simply wear and wear and tear. It's possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these troubleshooting methods fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

A door lock can become hard to open and close over time because of dust, dirt and grime. A regular cleaning and lubrication routine can stop your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving you money on repairs and allowing your door to reach its full potential.

The first step in the process is to clean your lock's cylinder. To do this, use a spray can of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount into the keyhole and work the key in and out to distribute the oil. Do not use household oil or other solvents, as they can damage your locks. Spray a small amount on the key.

After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it's time to lubricate. You can apply dry lubricants like graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid fluids. It's a great option for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays are able to endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are impervious to water. However, they may require multiple coats to be efficient.

You can also use de-icer spray that is specially designed for cold weather. It will remove ice and frost on the mechanism of your lock. A few coats of this will aid your lock to unlock and then lock more easily.

How often you need to lubricate your locks will rely on environmental factors. A location near the coast exposes your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. Temperature variations can affect the efficiency of your lock. It is recommended that you lubricate locks at least twice every year, or more frequently when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save money on repairs, and ensure that they continue to work properly for a long time.

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 could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a damaged patio door lock can avoid further damage and ensure that your doors are secure. You can fix doors that are locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.

Start by examining the exterior and interior of the lock for signs of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio doors can expand or contract with the weather and could shift over time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanisms to not align properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the door.

Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. A corroded or blocked cylinder may be difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam or latch springs. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can remove any obstructions with a pair of tweezers and a lock. If the problem persists you may have to remove the cylinder in order to locate the cause.

If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock you can loosen it by unscrewing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder's faceplate. This screw will allow you rotate the cylinder, and may even help restore alignment.

Look for an elongated tab that moves along with the key. It's usually near the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding into the body of the lock. A standard key will move the tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and put back in.

If the cylinder of your lock is stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pushed, and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock once you have restored the proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock still isn't functioning properly It is likely that another component like the latch or latch spring must be replaced.

Tighten the Screws

Locks for patio doors can be damaged by regular use, extreme temperatures dust and dirt. If not properly maintained the delicate parts could wear down and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues are easily fixable with just a few simple maintenance steps.

Clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that might be found. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases because they may draw dust and dirt which could cause more problems.

If your patio door is fitted with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is properly 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 repair door. Unlock the screw with the Robertson screwdriver, and gently push it upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock if needed. After the adjustment has been completed, tighten the screw.

The most common problem when it comes to repairing upvc patio door repairs near me door handles is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This could be due to everyday wear and tear or it could be due to the fact that the latch is set higher or lower than it should be.

Start by removing the old handle, then find the bolts or screws that secure it. Make sure you keep track of these since you will require them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the spindle that was in use and slide the new one into place on the interior of the door. Make sure that it is aligned properly with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Install the exterior and interior handles once the spindle has been installed. Make sure they are 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 additional force. If you're still having trouble then you may need to move the strike plate or latch or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and require to be replaced.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks not working, it might be time to replace the lock. Installing a new lock is a relatively simple home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can do themselves. Begin by sliding glass patio door repair 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 to the door and the jamb so that you can discern the kind of lock you'll need to purchase.

Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that secure the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock mounted on the outside of the frame of the door. Adjust it horizontally or in an upward direction to align it with holes in the latch. After you've adjusted the strike plate, screw it into position and tighten the screws.

After all the components have been moved or adjusted after which you can assemble and secure your patio door as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to make sure that it fits and catches the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is functioning exactly as it should, and is can provide you with the security and privacy you've come to expect from your doors.

Like other parts of your home, your patio doors repair doors need to be aligned properly for they to function effectively. Over time, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris, and other elements can cause frames, hinges, and the locking mechanism to shift. When these elements are misaligned, it's like trying to fit a key in the wrong keyhole and it doesn't work. By following these easy steps, you will be able to fix an issue that been thought to be impossible to fix. So, give yourself an award for tackling this challenge and regaining your patio door's lock position! We're betting you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door again. Have fun! We're here if you have any concerns or questions.