How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is an essential part of home security. If your door is difficult to lock, it could be frustrating.
In a lot of instances, a locked that is not working is the result of the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. It may be possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these solutions aren't working, you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock may become difficult to open and close because of dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on repair costs and prolong the life of your door.
The first step is to clean the lock the cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to accomplish this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to spread it. Avoid using solvents like household oil or other, as they can damage your locks. Spray a bit on the key.
After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to grease. You can use an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant, such as graphite powder. Graphite powder has a long life 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 both humid and freezing temperatures, but might require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also use sprays for de-icing that is made for cold weather and will remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. A few sprays of this will help your lock unlock and then re-lock more easily.
How often you have to lubricate your locks will rely on the environmental conditions. The location of your door can affect its performance. A coastal location can expose the door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. The standard rule of thumb is to grease your locks at least twice a year or more often when you live in an area with extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door continues to function properly for the years to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could be that one or more components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a broken lock on your patio door will prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws and adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder.
Start by examining the exterior and inside of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract with hot or cold weather and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause problems when closing or opening the door.
Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder is difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the pins, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can clear any obstructions by using a pair of picklocks and tweezers. If the problem persists you may need to take out the cylinder in order to locate the root of the issue.
If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock then you can loosen it by removing the screw that is flat inside the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw will let you to rotate the cylinder and could even aid in restoring the alignment.
Check the cylinder for a little tab that moves up and down with the key, generally towards the end. This little clip, called a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. A standard key will move this tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and put back in.
If your lock cylinder is stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt contacts the strike plate. The knob or handle can then be pulled and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored the proper alignment. Test it for functionality. If sliding patio door repair on your patio door isn't working properly it's likely that another component like the latch spring or latch requires replacement.
Lock the Screws
Locks for patio doors can be damaged by frequent 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. Most lock problems are easily solved with just a few steps.
Clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that might be present, and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases,, as these can attract dust and debris which could cause problems.
Then, if your patio door has a security foot lock ensure that the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. Remove the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently pry upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock as required. Once the adjustment has been completed then tighten the screw.
The most common problem when it comes to fixing patio door handles is the misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This could be caused by normal wear and tear, or the latch could be set above or below where it is supposed to be.
Begin by removing the old handle, then identify the screws or bolts which hold it in place. Make sure to keep track of these since you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the spindle that was in use and slide the new one in place on the inside of the door. Make sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Install the exterior and interior handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure they are aligned properly with the bolts or screws to secure them.
Close and secure the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If the door is correctly aligned, it should open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you're still having trouble, you might need to reposition the latch or strike plate or the lock cylinder could be damaged and must be replaced.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks still not working, it may be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can replace locks themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out and then removing your existing lock on the inside of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed to the door and jamb to discern the kind of lock you'll need to purchase.
Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws securing the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted on the outside edge of the door frame) and adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the hole in the jamb in the door. Once you have repositioned the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then fix it with screws.
After all the parts of your patio door are relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. Once you're finished checking the latch. Make sure it fits properly and catches the latch when the door is shut. 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 can provide the security and privacy you've come to expect from your doors.
Like other parts of your house should be aligned correctly to function effectively. Over time, temperature, cold, dirt, and debris can cause the hinges and door frame to shift. The wrongly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are like trying to put keys into the wrong keyhole. It's not working. By following these simple steps, you can solve a problem that might have seemed unfixable. Give yourself a pat on your back for tackling the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're betting you won't face any more trouble opening or closing the door from here to the end. Good luck! We're here for you if there are any concerns or questions.