How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is vital to home security. patio door replacement cost uk can be difficult when your door is difficult to lock.
A stubborn lock can be the result of misalignment or even wear and tear. It is possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these troubleshooting techniques aren't working, you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock can become hard to open and close due to dirt, dust and grime. A regular cleaning and lubrication routine can stop your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving you money on repair bills and helping your door reach its maximum lifespan.
The first step is to clean your lock the cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to accomplish this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then rotate the key to distribute the oil. Avoid using household oil or other solvents that can harm your locks. Spray a bit on the key.
After your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can use an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants do, which is why it's a great option to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays can endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are impervious to water. However, they might need multiple coats in order to be efficient.
You can also apply de-icer spray, which is specifically made for cold weather. It will remove ice and frost on the mechanism of your lock. A few sprays of this will allow your lock to unlock and then lock again easily.
How often you have to lubricate your locks will depend on environmental factors. The location of your door will impact its performance. A location near the coast could expose it to salty air, which could cause corrosion. It is recommended that you lubricate locks at least twice every year, or more frequently if your area has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save money on repairs, and ensure that it continues to function in a good way for many years.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't working properly, it could mean that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a damaged patio door lock can prevent further damage and ensure that your doors are secure. You can repair a patio door that is locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.
Begin by looking at the exterior and the interior of the lock to determine if there are any signs of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks may expand or contract depending on the weather, and may even shift over time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanisms to not align properly and can cause issues when opening or closing the door.
Next, examine the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder may be difficult to open, and could cause damage to the cam, latch springs, or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can clear any obstructions by using a pair of tweezers and a picklock. If the problem persists then you'll need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it in order to identify the root of the problem.
If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the lock body, you can loosen it by unscrewing an elongated screw within the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw lets you to rotate the cylinder and it could also help restore the proper alignment.
Examine the cylinder for a tiny tab that can move upwards and downwards with the key, generally towards the end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab", keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the body of the lock. A standard key can slide this tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and put back in.
If the cylinder of your lock has become stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The knob or handle may then be pushed and withdrawn. Once you've restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and test its functioning. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn out and may require replacement.
Make sure you tighten the Screws
Locks for patio doors are susceptible to damage from regular use, extreme temperatures dust and dirt. Unless properly cared for, these delicate parts can wear down and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock problems are easily fixed with a few simple steps.
You should first clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that may be present. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases since they could draw dust and dirt, which can cause further problems.
If your patio door comes with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require you to adjust the screws that secure your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the foot lock, loosen the screw with a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment is completed you can tighten the screw.
When it comes to repairing the handle of a patio door the most frequent issue involves misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This could be caused by wear and tear or the latch could be set above or below where it should be.
Then, take out the handle from the old one and locate the screws or bolts holding it in the first place. Keep in mind the bolts or screws since you'll need them for the installation of the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle, then slide the new one into place on the inside of the door, making sure that it is aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure that they are aligned properly with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.
Close and lock the patio door once you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should be able to open and close smoothly, without any additional force. If you're still having problems you may have to adjust the position of your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks still aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. Installing a new lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can do by themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door completely open and then removing the current lock from the inside of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into the door and the jamb to get a sense for what type of lock you'll have to purchase.
Before you install the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside of the door frame) and then adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the jamb in the door. After you've repositioned your strike plate, secure it in its place and tighten the screws.
Once all the components of your patio door are relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process testing the latch. Make sure it is fitted correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is shut. If it does, your patio door lock is functioning just as it should and is will provide you with the security and privacy you've come to appreciate from your home's doors.
Patio doors, like other parts of your house should be properly aligned to function efficiently. Over time, temperatures and cold weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause the hinges, door frame and locking mechanism to shift slightly. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to put keys in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. By following these easy steps, you can fix a problem that might have been thought to be impossible to fix. Do yourself a big pat on your back for tackling the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're betting you won't face any trouble opening or closing the door from now to the end. Good luck! We are here to assist if you need any assistance or have any questions.