Responsible For The Repair Patio Door Lock Budget? 12 Ways To Spend Your Money
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is crucial to home security. If it becomes difficult to lock, it can be a nightmare.
A lock that is not working can be caused by misalignment, or even simple wear and tear. It is possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these solutions don't work, you can replace the mortise lock 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 to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair costs and will extend the longevity of your door.
In the beginning, you'll have to clean the lock's cylinder. Use WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray do this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole, then work the key into and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils which could harm your locks, and make sure to spray a bit on the key itself as well.
After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it's time to grease. You can apply dry lubricants like graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants, so it's an excellent choice for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, however it may require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also apply de-icer spray, which is specifically designed for cold weather. It will remove the frost and ice from the lock mechanism. A few coats of this will aid your lock to unlock and then lock again easily.
The climate will determine how often you need to lubricate locks. The location of your door will affect its performance. A location near the coast could expose the door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. The general rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks at least twice a year or more often if you live in a region that has extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save money on repairs, and ensure that they continue to function properly for a long time.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should it could be because one or more of its components may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repair of a faulty lock on your patio door could help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. You can repair doors that are locked or locked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.
Start by examining the exterior and inside of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract during hot or cold weather and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause problems when opening or closing the door.
Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder may be difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the pins, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you might be able to dislodge any obstructions with the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists you might need to remove the cylinder in order to locate the root of the issue.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the body of the lock then you can loosen it by removing an elongated screw within the faceplate of the cylinder. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to move the cylinder around and could help restore proper alignment.
Look for an elongated tab that moves with the key. It is usually near the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding all the way into the body of the lock. The tab can be removed with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then reinserted.
If your lock's cylinder is stuck, you may be able to restore the proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate, and the handle or knob can be pushed in and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored the proper alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock still isn't functioning properly it's likely that another component like the latch spring or latch must be replaced.
Lock the Screws
Over time, the use of regular as well as cold and hot weather, dirt, and dust can cause damage to patio door locks. These delicate components can wear out if not maintained properly, causing your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be fixed with a few simple steps.
You should first clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that may be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, however they can attract dust and debris which can cause further problems.
Next, if your patio door is equipped with a foot lock that is secure, make sure the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will only require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. To adjust the footlock simply loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it up or down. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw.
The most frequent issue when it comes to repairing patio door handles is the misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be due to everyday wear and tear, or it could simply be that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it should be.
Start by removing the old handle, and then locate the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Make look these up to keep track of them as you will need them later when installing the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle, then slide the new one into place on the inside of the door, ensuring that it is properly aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Once the new spindle is installed, reinstall the interior and exterior handles to ensure that they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts which hold them in place.
After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If everything is in alignment, the door should open and close smoothly without any additional force. If you're still having trouble, you might need to adjust the latch or strike plate, or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and need to be replaced.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks still not working, it could be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can replace locks themselves. Start by sliding the patio door all the way open and unscrewing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed to the door and jamb so that you can determine the type of lock you'll have 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 horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb in the door. After you've repositioned your strike plate, screw it into its place and tighten the screws.
After all the parts of your patio door have been repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and is able to catch the latch's hasp when your door is closed. If it does then your patio door lock is working as it should and able to provide the security and privacy you've come to appreciate from your home's doors.
Patio doors, like other components of your home should be aligned correctly to function effectively. Over time, cold and hot weather dirt and debris and other elements can cause hinges, door frame and locking mechanism to shift slightly. Misaligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to insert keys in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. If you follow these steps, you can fix an issue that appeared to be unfixable. Do yourself a big pat on the back for taking on the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We bet that you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Have fun! We are here to help in case you require any assistance or have any questions.