14 Cartoons About Repair Patio Door Lock That'll Brighten Your Day

How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A secure patio door is vital to ensure your home's security. If your door becomes difficult to lock, it can be a hassle.

In many cases, a stubborn lock is the result of misalignment or simple wear and tear. It may be possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating it. If these solutions don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

A door lock may become hard to open and close due to dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine can stop your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving your money on repair costs and allowing your door to enjoy its maximum lifespan.

To begin,  patio door repair near me  will need to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, use a spray can of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount into the keyhole and then move the key through and out to spread the oil. Avoid using solvents like household oil or other, as they can damage your locks. Spray a small amount on the key.

When your lock's cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can use a dry lubricant 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 fluids. It's an excellent choice for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, but might require multiple coats to be effective.

You can also use a de-icer spray, which is specifically made for cold weather and can remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. A few sprays of this will allow your lock to unlock and then lock more easily.

How often you need to lubricate your locks will rely on environmental factors. The location of your door will 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 twice per year 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 as it should for many the years to come.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock does not 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 further damage and ensure that your doors are secure. To fix a locked or non-locked patio door, tighten loose screws, adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.

Start by examining the exterior and inside of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract in temperatures that are cold or hot and can shift slightly over time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanisms to not align properly and can cause issues when opening or closing the door.

Then, look over the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or blocked cylinder may be difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam or latch springs. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can get rid of any obstructions by using a pair of picklocks and tweezers. If the issue continues then you'll need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to locate the root of the problem.

If the lock cylinder is not been screwed onto the body of the lock and is loose, it can be loosened by removing the screw on the cylinder faceplate. This screw will let you rotate the cylinder, and could even aid in restoring the proper alignment.

Examine the cylinder for a tiny tab that can move up and down using the key, usually towards the very end. This small clip, sometimes known as a "release Tab" is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. A standard key will move the tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and reinserted.

If your lock cylinder is stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt contacts the strike plate. The knob or handle can then be pulled and withdrawn. Once you have restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and test its functionality. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn and may require replacement.

Tighten the Screws

Over time, the use of regular, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and can cause damage to patio door locks. If they are not properly taken care of these delicate components can wear down and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues are easily fixable by following a few easy maintenance steps.

Clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that might be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, they could draw dust and dirt which could cause issues.

If your patio door is equipped with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. Unlock the screw with a Robertson screwdriver, and gently pry upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock as required. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the screw.

When it comes to repairing a patio door handle the most frequent issue is misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by normal wear and tear, or the latch may be positioned higher or below what it should be.

Begin by removing the handle, and then locate the screws or bolts which hold it in place. Keep on track of the bolts or screws since you'll need them to attach the new handle. Then, take off the spindle that was in use and slide the new one on the inside of the door. Make sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle is in place then reinstall the handles for both exterior and interior to ensure that they are in alignment with the bolts or screws that secure them.

Close and secure the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in proper alignment, the door will be able to open and close smoothly, without additional force. If you're having difficulty it could be necessary to reposition the strike plate or latch, or the lock cylinder may be damaged and must be replaced.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks still 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 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 both the door and the jamb so that you can discern the kind of lock you'll need to purchase.

Before you install the new latch take off the screws that secure 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 latch hole in the jamb in the door. After you've adjusted the strike plate, screw it into its place and tighten the screws.

After all the components are repositioned or modified then assemble and secure the patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch. Make sure it is fitted correctly and is secured when the door is shut. If it does the lock will be able to latch onto the door. If it does, your patio door lock is now functioning as it should and able to provide the security and privacy you've come expect from your home's doors.

Like other parts of your house, need to be properly aligned to function effectively. Over time, cold and hot weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause the hinges, door frame, and the locking mechanism to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are like trying to put keys into the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. By following these simple steps, you will be able to fix the issue that may have been thought to be impossible to fix. So give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this task and reclaiming your patio door's lock position! We'll bet you won't have any more trouble opening or closing the door from here to the end. Best of luck! We're here to help if you have any questions or concerns.