How to Repair Patio Door Lock a Bad patio door lock repairs Door Lock

A safe patio door is a crucial element of home security. It can be a hassle if your door is difficult to lock.

In most instances, a lock that is difficult to open is the result of misalignment or simple wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position may help restore its function. If these methods fail, you may need to replace both the mortise and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open and close doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication could help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair bills and extend the longevity of your door.

To begin, you will need to clean the lock the cylinder. Use WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray complete this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then turn the key to spread the oil. Avoid using household oil or other solvents that can harm your locks. Spray a little 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 sprays of silicone. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid lubricants. It's a great choice to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays can be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are impervious to water. However, they might require several coats to be effective.

You can also use de-icer spray that is made 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 re-lock more easily.

The climate will determine how often you need to lubricate locks. The location of your door will impact its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose it to salty air which can cause corrosion. The general rule of thumb is to oil your locks at least twice a year or more often if you reside in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio screen door repair door locks can save money on who repairs sliding patio doors, and ensure that it will continue to function in a good way for many years.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your double glazed patio door repairs door lock does not perform as it should, one or more of its components could 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 secure. You can repair doors that are locked or locked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.

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

Then, check the lock cylinder for obstructions within the keyway hole. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder could be difficult to open and could cause damage to the cam, latch springs, or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can remove any obstructions using a pair picklocks and tweezers. If the issue persists then you'll need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to find the root of the problem.

If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the lock body then you can loosen it by removing an elongated screw within the cylinder faceplate. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may aid in restoring alignment.

Examine the cylinder for a tiny tab that moves upwards and downwards with the key, usually towards the end. This little clip, called a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding into the lock body. A standard key can move the tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and reinserted.

If your lock's cylinder is stuck, you may be able to restore the proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt is in contact with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pushed in and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored the proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's likely that a component, like the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn and will require replacement.

Tighten the Screws

The locks on patio doors can be damaged by frequent usage, extreme temperatures dust and dirt. If not properly maintained these delicate components can wear down and cause your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be easily fixed by following a few easy maintenance steps.

You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust that might be found. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts running smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, however they could draw dust and dirt which can cause further issues.

If your patio door has a foot lock that is secure ensure that the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will only require you to adjust the screws that hold your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Remove the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently push it up or down to adjust the foot lock as required. After the adjustment has been completed then tighten the screw.

The most common problem when it comes to repairing patio door handles is the misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This could be due to everyday wear and tear, or the latch may be positioned above or below where it is supposed to be.

Then, take off the handle from the old one and find the bolts or screws that hold it in the place. Keep on track of the screws or bolts, as you will require them to attach the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle and then slide the new one into the door on the side of the door, making sure that it is aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Once the new spindle has been installed then reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior and ensure that they are aligned with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.

Close and secure the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If the door is properly aligned, it will open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you're having difficulty it could be necessary to reposition the latch or strike plate, or the lock cylinder may be damaged and need to be replaced.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. Installing a new lock is a moderately easy home improvement task that many homeowners can do themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors completely out and then removing your existing lock on the inside of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed into both the door and jamb so that you can determine the type of lock you'll need to purchase.

Before you install the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted on the outside edge of the door frame) and then adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb of the door. Once you have repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then screw it in place.

After all the components have been repositioned or changed, assemble and secure the patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and catches the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does, then your emergency patio door repair door lock is installed correctly and is now ready to give you the security and privacy that you've come to anticipate from.

Like other areas of your home should be aligned correctly to function effectively. Over time, heat, cold, dirt, and debris can cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to insert a key in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. You can solve an issue that appeared impossible by following these easy steps. So give yourself an award for tackling this project and regaining the door that was locked! We're sure you won't have any issues opening or closing the door from now on. Good luck! We are here to assist should you require assistance or have questions.