How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A safe patio door is an essential part of home security. It can be a hassle if yours is difficult to lock.

A stubborn lock can be caused by misalignment, or even wear and wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position could aid in restoring its functionality. If these methods of troubleshooting fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open and close a door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication could help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair Patio door Lock costs and will extend the lifespan of your door.

To begin, you will have to clean the lock's cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to do this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to spread the oil. Avoid using household oil or other solvents, as they can damage your locks. Spray a bit on the key.

Once your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants like graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants, so it's an excellent choice for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand both moist and freezing temperatures, but might require multiple coats to work effectively.

You can also use a de-icer spray that is specially designed for cold weather. It will melt ice and frost on the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will aid your lock unlock and then lock again easily.

The climate will determine how often you should 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 could cause corrosion. The general rule of thumb is to grease your locks at least twice a year and more frequently if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio doors repairs door will function properly for long time to come.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock isn't operating properly, it could mean that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a damaged patio door lock will prevent further damage and ensure that your doors are safe. To fix a locked or non-locked patio door, you can tighten loose screws or adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.

Begin by looking at the exterior and inside of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract with hot or cold weather and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause issues when closing or opening the door.

Next, examine the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder may be difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the pins, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can remove any obstructions by using a pair of picklocks and tweezers. If the problem persists you might need to remove the cylinder to find the root of the issue.

If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the lock body, you can loosen it by uncrewing an elongated screw within the cylinder's faceplate. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could aid in restoring alignment.

Examine the cylinder for a small tab that moves up and down with the key, generally towards the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding patio door lock repair into the lock body. This tab can be removed by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be taken out and then reinserted.

If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you might be able restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt is in contact with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pushed into and withdrawn. After you have restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and check its functionality. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's a sign that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn out and may require replacement.

Lock the Screws

Over time, the use of regular as well as cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can take their toll on 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 repaired with a few easy steps.

It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that may be present. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases since they could attract dust and other debris and cause additional issues.

If your patio door is equipped with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will only require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the footlock you need to loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment has been completed, tighten the screw.

When it comes to fixing a patio door handle the most frequent issue is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This could be due to everyday wear and tear, or the latch could be set higher or below what it should be.

Then, take out the old handle and locate the bolts or screws that hold it in the place. Keep in mind the bolts or screws, since you'll need them to install the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle and then slide the new spindle 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 for both exterior and interior to ensure that they are in alignment with the screws or bolts that hold them in place.

Close and lock the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. 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 reposition the strike plate or latch, or the lock cylinder may be damaged and must be replaced.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks not working, it could be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can replace locks themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and unscrewing your existing lock on the inside of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock you'll require.

Before installing the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's mounted on the outside of the door frame) and adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the door jamb. After you've repositioned the latch plate then tighten the screws and screw it into place.

After all the parts of your patio door glass repair near me door have been repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, check the latch to make sure 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 now working just as it should and is will give you the security and privacy you've come to expect from your doors.

Like other parts of your home the patio doors have to be aligned properly for them to function efficiently. Over time, temperature cold, dirt and debris could cause the hinges and door frame to shift. The wrongly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole. It's not working. You can fix a problem which seemed impossible by following these easy steps. Give yourself a pat on the back for tackling the job and reclaiming your patio door's closed position! We're sure you won't have any more trouble opening or closing the door from now to the end. Have fun! We're here to help if you have any questions or concerns.