9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Repair Patio Door Lock
How to Repair Patio door lock a Bad patio door repairs Door Lock
A secure patio door is an essential part of home security. If it is difficult to lock, it can be a nightmare.
A lock that is not working can be caused by misalignment, or even wear and wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position could help restore its function. If these methods of troubleshooting don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open or close doors. A regular cleaning and lubrication routine will prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving you money on repair bills and allowing your door to reach its full lifespan.
In the beginning, you'll need to clean the lock the cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or another penetrating spray to accomplish this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole, and then rotate the key to distribute it. Do not use household oil or other solvents that can harm your locks. Spray a bit on the key.
After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it is time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants do, so it's a great option to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both humid and freezing temperatures, however it may require several coats to be effective.
You can also use a de-icer spray specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will remove ice and frost on the mechanism of your lock. A few sprays of this will aid your lock unlock and then lock again easily.
How often you should lubricate your locks will rely on the environment. The location of your door can affect its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose it to salty air, which can cause corrosion. The most common rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks every two years or more often if you live in a region that has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door will function as it should for many years to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't operating correctly, it could indicate that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a damaged patio door lock will prevent any further damage and ensure your doors are safe. To fix a locked or non-locked patio door, you can tighten loose screws and adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.
Start by checking the exterior and the inside of the lock to determine whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract with warm or cold weather, and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause problems when closing or opening the door.
Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder can be difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the pins, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you may be able of removing any obstructions using a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue continues, you may need to take out the cylinder in order to locate the root of the issue.
If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the lock body, you can loosen it by unscrewing a flat screw inside the cylinder faceplate. This screw will allow you rotate the cylinder, and may even help restore alignment.
Look for an elongated tab that moves along with the key. It's usually close to the end. This little clip, called a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding patio door repairs all the way into the lock body. The 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 cylinder of your lock is stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pushed, and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock once you have restored the proper alignment. Test it for functionality. If the lock on your patio door isn't working properly It is likely that an additional component such as the latch spring or latch requires replacement.
Lock the Screws
Over time, the use of regular temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can cause damage to patio door locks. These delicate parts may be damaged if not properly maintained, causing your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues are easily fixable by following a few easy maintenance steps.
You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present, and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, they can attract dust and debris that can lead to 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 adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the footlock simply loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it up or down. Once the adjustment is done then tighten the screw.
When it comes to fixing a patio door handle, the most common problem involves misalignment between the strike plate and the latch. This can be due to everyday wear and tear or the latch could be set above or below where it is supposed to be.
Start by removing the old handle, then find the screws or bolts that secure it. Make sure you keep track of them as you will require them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and place the new one on the inside of the door. Make sure it is in alignment with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure they are aligned correctly with the bolts or screws to secure them.
After you've made any needed adjustments to your patio screen door repair door, be sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If everything is in alignment, the door should be able to open and close smoothly, without any additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty it could be necessary to adjust the latch or strike plate or the lock cylinder could be damaged and need to be replaced.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks still do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. Installing a new lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that most homeowners can tackle by themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors completely out and removing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock you will need.
Before installing the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted on the outside of the door frame) and then adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb of the door. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it into place and tighten the screws.
After all the components have been repositioned or changed, assemble and secure the patio door according to the instructions of the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch. Make sure it fits properly and catches the latch when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is now functioning as it should and will give you the security and privacy you've come expect from your home's doors.
Like other areas of your home your patio doors also need to be properly aligned in order for them to work efficiently. Over time, cold and hot weather dirt and debris and other elements can cause hinges, door frame, and locking mechanism to shift slightly. If these parts aren't aligned it's like trying to fit a key in the wrong keyhole and 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 project and reclaiming your patio door's locked position! We're betting you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door again. Best of luck! We are here to assist if you need any assistance or have any questions.