9 . What Your Parents Teach You About Repair Patio Door Lock
How to repair Patio Door Lock a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is a vital element of home security. It can be frustrating when your door is difficult to lock.
In a lot of instances, a lock that is difficult to open is caused by the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. It is possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating it. If these solutions don't work you can replace both the mortise and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock may become difficult to open and close due to dirt, dust and grime. A regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving you money on repair bills and helping your door reach its maximum lifespan.
The first step is to clean your lock cylinder. Use WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to do this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole and then move the key into and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that can damage your locks. Make sure you spray some on the key itself.
After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to grease. You can use a silicone spray or a dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants do, which is why it's a great option for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, but might require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also use sprays for de-icing that is designed for cold weather and can remove 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 to repair patio door lock often you should lubricate locks. The location of your door will impact its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose the door to salty air, which could cause corrosion. The general rule of thumb is to oil your locks every two years or more often if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door continues to function properly for long time to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock does not perform as it should, one or more of its components could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door repair service near me door will help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. To fix a locked or non-locked 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 see whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract during warm or cold weather, and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning correctly and cause problems when opening or closing the door.
Next, examine the lock cylinder for obstructions within the keyway hole. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder is difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam, or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you may be able of removing any obstruction using a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the problem persists you may have to remove the cylinder to find the source.
If the lock cylinder has not been screwed onto the body of the lock it can be removed by unscrewing the flat screw on the cylinder faceplate. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help to restore alignment.
Look for a small tab that is movable with the key. It's usually at the end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the body of the lock. A standard key can slide this tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and put back in.
If your lock cylinder is stuck, you might be able to restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pulled in and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock once you have restored alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio screen door repair door lock remains difficult to use, it's likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring is worn or damaged and will need to be replaced.
Make sure you tighten the Screws
Patio door locks can be damaged by regular use, extremes of temperature dust and dirt. These delicate parts can wear out if not maintained properly, causing your door to stop locking properly. Most lock problems are easily fixed with a few simple steps.
You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to clean any dust or dirt that may be present. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, however, as these can draw dust and dirt that can lead to further issues.
If your patio door is fitted with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. In the majority of instances, this will require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the frame of your local patio door repairs door. To adjust the foot lock, loosen the screw with the help of a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment is completed you can tighten the screw.
The most frequent issue when it comes to fixing patio door handles is the misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by everyday wear and tear or it could be due to the fact that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it should be.
Start by removing the old handle, then find the screws or bolts that hold it in place. Keep on track of the bolts or screws since you'll need them to install the new handle. Next, remove the old spindle, and then slide the new spindle into the door on the inside of the door, making sure that it is in alignment with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles once the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they're properly aligned with the screws or bolts holding them in place.
Close and lock the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If the door is properly aligned, it should open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you are still having issues, you may need to reposition your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks are still not working, it might be time to replace the lock. Installing a new lock is a relatively simple home improvement project that most homeowners can tackle by themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and unscrewing your existing lock from the inside of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock that you'll require.
Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that secure the strike plate. This is the part of the lock 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 holes for the latch. After you've adjusted the strike plate, secure it in position and tighten the screws.
After all the components are repositioned or modified after which you can assemble and secure your patio door according to the instructions of the manufacturer. Once you're finished checking the latch. Make sure it is fitted properly and catches the latch when the door is shut. If it does, then your patio door lock is installed correctly and is able to provide the security and privacy you have come to expect.
Like other areas of your home your patio doors also need to be aligned properly for them to function efficiently. Over time, temperature or cold, dirt and debris could cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to insert keys in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. You can solve the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these simple steps. So give yourself an ovation for tackling this task and reclaiming the door that was locked! We're betting you won't face any issues opening or closing the door from now on. Have fun! We're here to help if you have any concerns or questions.