How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is essential to home security. When yours becomes difficult to lock, it can be a hassle.
A stubborn lock can be caused by misalignment, or even simple wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position can help to restore its function. If these troubleshooting methods aren't working, 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. Regular cleaning and lubrication could help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on repair costs and prolong the lifespan of your door.
To begin, you will have to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray can of penetrating oil such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to spread it. Do not use household oil or other solvents, as they can damage your locks. Spray a small amount on the key.
Once your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can use a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants do, so it's a great option to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays can be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are resistant to water. However, they might require multiple coats to be efficient.
You can also use a de-icer spray specifically designed for cold weather. It will melt the frost and ice from the mechanism of your lock. A few coats of this will help your lock unlock and then lock again easily.
The environment will determine how often you need to lubricate locks. A coastal location exposes your door to salty air and cause corrosion, and temperature variations can affect how well your lock works. The most common rule of thumb is to grease your locks at least twice a year or more often if you reside in an area with extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save the cost of repairs and ensure that they continue to work properly for a long time.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't working properly, it could mean that one or more components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a defective patio door lock can prevent further damage and ensure that your doors are secure. To repair a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws or adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by looking at the exterior and interior of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract with hot or cold weather and may shift slightly over time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanisms to not align properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the patio door.
Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder is difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you may be able to dislodge any obstructions with a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue persists, you may need to take out the cylinder to find the source.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed to the body of the lock, it can be loosen by unscrewing the screw on the faceplate of cylinder. This screw will let you rotate the cylinder, and may even help restore the proper alignment.
Check the cylinder for a tiny tab that moves up and down using the key, generally towards the end. This tiny clip, also known as a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. A standard key can slide this tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and put back in.
If your lock cylinder is stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt contacts the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pulled and pulled back. Once you've restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and test its functioning. If your patio door lock remains difficult to use, it's likely that a component, like the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn out and will need to be replaced.
Tighten the Screws
The locks on patio doors can be damaged by regular use, extremes of temperature, dirt and dust. These delicate parts can be damaged if not properly maintained, leading to your door to not lock properly. Thankfully, most lock problems can be fixed easily with a few simple maintenance steps.
It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth remove any dirt or dust that may be present and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can help keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, however they can draw dust and dirt which could cause problems.
If your patio door is equipped with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will require changing the screws that attach the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. To adjust the foot lock, loosen the screw with a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment is complete, tighten the screw securely.
The most frequent issue in the repair of patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be caused by normal wear and tear or the latch could be placed higher or below what it is supposed to be.
Then, take off the handle that was previously used and locate the screws or bolts that hold it in the first place. Keep on patio door replacement glass of the screws or bolts, as you will require them to install the new handle. Then, remove the old spindle and slide the new one on the interior of the door. Make sure it is properly aligned with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle is installed, reinstall the handles for both exterior and interior to ensure that they are aligned with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.
After you've made any needed adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should open and close without 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 aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. Replacing a lock is a fairly simple home improvement project that most homeowners can complete themselves. Start by sliding the patio door completely open and unscrewing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed to the door and jamb to determine the kind of lock you'll need purchase.
Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that hold the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock that is positioned on the outside of the door's frame. Adjust it horizontally or in a vertical direction so that it is aligned with the holes in the latch. After you've repositioned your strike plate, secure it in position and tighten the screws.
After all the components are repositioned or modified then assemble and secure the patio door as instructed by the manufacturer. Once you're finished, test the latch. Make sure it is fitted properly and catches the latch when the door is shut. If it does, your patio door lock is now working as it should and able to provide you with the security and privacy you've come to expect from your doors.
Like other parts of your home the patio doors have to be properly aligned for they to function effectively. Over time, temperatures and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other factors can cause the hinges, door frame, and locking mechanism to shift slightly. Misaligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to put keys in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. You can fix the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these easy steps. So give yourself an ovation for tackling this challenge and reclaiming the door that was locked! We're sure you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door once more. Best of luck! We're here for you if there are any questions or concerns.