How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A secure patio door is an essential part of home security. When yours becomes difficult to lock, it can be a nightmare.

In a lot of instances, a locked that is not working is the result of misalignment or simple wear and tear. It may be possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these solutions don't work you can replace both the mortise and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

A door lock can become hard to open and close due to dirt, dust and grime. A regular cleaning and lubrication routine can keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving you money on Repair patio door Lock bills and allowing your door to enjoy its full potential.

To begin, you'll have to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, you'll need spray cans of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and then move the key into and out to distribute the oil. Do not use household oil or other solvents that can harm your locks. Spray a bit on the key.

Once your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants like graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid fluids. It's an excellent choice for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays are able to be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are impervious to water. However, they may need multiple coats in order to be efficient.

You can also use de-icer spray that is specially designed for cold weather. It will break up frost and ice off the lock mechanism. A few sprays of this will allow your lock unlock and then lock more easily.

The climate will determine the frequency at which you should lubricate locks. A location near the coast will expose your door to salty air and lead to corrosion, and temperature variations can influence the performance of your lock. The general rule of thumb is to oil your locks at least twice a year, or more frequently if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door will perform as it should for the years to come.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock doesn't function properly there's a chance that one or more of its parts could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a defective patio door lock can prevent any further damage and ensure your doors are secure. To repair a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws or adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder.

Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks can expand or contract with the weather, and might even shift with time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause issues when closing or opening the door.

Then, look over the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder might be difficult to open and can cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or lock pins. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you might be able to remove any obstructions using the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue persists, you might need to remove the cylinder to determine the source.

If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the lock body then you can loosen it by unscrewing a flat screw inside the faceplate of the cylinder. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help restore proper alignment.

Examine the cylinder for a tiny tab that can move upwards and downwards with the key, usually towards the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding patio door repair service into the lock body. This tab can be moved back by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be taken out and then it can be inserted.

If the 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 may then be pushed and pulled back. Once you've restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and check its performance. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's likely that another component such as the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn out and will require replacement.

Make sure you tighten the Screws

The locks on patio screen door repair doors can be damaged by regular use, extremes of temperature dust, dirt and. These delicate parts may be damaged if not properly maintained, leading to your door to stop locking properly. Fortunately, most lock issues can be fixed easily with just a few simple maintenance steps.

It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that may be present and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts running smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, however they can attract dust and debris which could cause problems.

Next, if your patio door has an electronic foot lock for security ensure that the foot lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require you to adjust the screws that attach your foot lock to the frame of the local patio door repairs door. To adjust the foot lock, loosen the screw with the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it up or down. After the adjustment is completed you can tighten the screw.

When it comes time to repair the handle of a patio door, the most common problem involves misalignment between the strike plate and latch. This can be due to everyday wear and tear or the latch may be positioned above or below where it should be.

Start by removing the old handle, and then locate the screws or bolts that secure it. Keep in mind the bolts or screws, as you will require them to install the new handle. Remove the old spindle and slide the new one on the inside of the door. Make sure it is properly aligned with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles once the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they're aligned correctly with the screws or bolts that hold them in place.

After you've made any needed adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If the door is properly aligned, it should open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you are still having issues it may be necessary to move your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder.

Replace the latch

If your patio door locks still don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. Installing a new lock is a relatively simple home improvement project that most homeowners can do themselves. Start by sliding glass patio door repair the patio doors all the way out and unscrewing your existing lock on the interior of the door. Review the lock to determine the type of lock you'll require.

Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that secure the strike plate. This is the part of the lock that is mounted on the outside of the frame of the door. Adjust it either horizontally or in the vertical direction so that it is aligned with the latch hole. After you've repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then screw it in place.

After all components have been moved or adjusted after which you can assemble and secure your patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to make sure that it fits and is able to catch the latch's hasp when your 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.

As with other parts of your home, your patio doors need to be properly aligned for they to function effectively. Over time, temperature, cold, dirt, and debris could cause the hinges and door frame to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to put keys in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you can solve an issue that appeared to be unfixable. Do yourself a big pat on your back for tackling the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're sure you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door again. Good luck! We are here to assist if you need any assistance or have questions.