How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A safe patio door is vital to ensure your home's security. If it is difficult to lock, it could be a hassle.

In a lot of instances, a locked that is not working is due to misalignment or simple wear and tear. It is possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these methods aren't working, you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle.

Clean and Lubricate

Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open or close doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money in repair costs and will extend the life of your door.

In the beginning, you'll need to clean the lock's cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to accomplish this. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole, then work the key through and out to spread the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that can damage your locks, and make sure to spray a little on the key itself as well.

After cleaning your lock cylinder, it's time to lubricate. You can apply a silicone spray 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 for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both moist and freezing temperatures, however it may require multiple coats to work effectively.

You can also use 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 to unlock and then re-lock more easily.

The climate will determine how often you need to belubricating locks. The location of your door will impact its performance. A coastal location can expose the door to salty air, which could cause corrosion. It is recommended that you ensure that your locks are lubricated at least two times each year, or more often when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door continues to perform as it should for long time to come.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock does not perform as it should it could be because one or more of its components may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a damaged patio door lock can prevent additional damage and ensure that your doors are secure. You can repair doors that are locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder.

Begin by looking at the exterior and inside of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Often, local patio door repairs door locks expand and contract during hot or cold weather and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanisms to stop aligning correctly and cause problems when opening or closing the door.

Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder is difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you may be able to dislodge any obstructions with the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists then you'll need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to find the source of the obstruction.

If the lock cylinder has not been screwed to the body of the lock it can be removed by unscrewing the screw on the cylinder faceplate. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could aid in restoring alignment.

Look for a small tab that moves with the key. It is usually near the end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding into the body of the lock. The tab can be moved back by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be removed and then reinserted.

If your lock's cylinder is stuck, you might be able to restore the proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pulled in and out. Reassemble the lock after you have restored proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock repair door lock still isn't working it's likely that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch requires replacement.

Lock the Screws

Locks for patio doors can be damaged by regular use, extreme temperatures dust and dirt. Unless properly cared for these delicate components can wear out and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be solved with just a few steps.

Clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to remove any dirt or dust that might be present. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning some 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 can cause further problems.

If your patio door is fitted with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the frame of the local Patio door Repairs door. To adjust the foot lock, loosen the screw with the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it up or down. Once the adjustment is done, tighten the screw securely.

When it comes to repairing a patio door handle the most frequent issue is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by everyday wear and tear, or it could simply be that the latch is set higher or lower than it should be.

Begin by removing the old handle, then identify the screws or bolts that hold it in place. Make sure you keep track of these since you will require them when installing the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle and then slide the new one into the door on the inside of the door, making sure that it is aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Once the new spindle is in place put back the interior and exterior handles and ensure that they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts which hold them in place.

After you've made the necessary adjustments to your upvc patio door repairs door, be sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If everything is in proper alignment, the door will open and close smoothly without any additional force. If you still have problems you may have to reposition your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder.

Replace the latch

If your patio door repair near me door locks still don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. Most homeowners can replace a lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio door open and then removing the current lock from the inside of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed into both the door and the jamb so that you can determine the type of lock you'll have 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 of the door frame) and then adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb in the door. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it into position and tighten the screws.

After all components have been repositioned or changed, assemble and secure the patio door as instructed 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 closed. If it does, then your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is ready to give you the security and privacy that you've come to anticipate from.

Like other parts of your home the patio doors have to be aligned properly for them to work efficiently. Over time, temperatures or cold, dirt and debris can cause the frames and hinges to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are like trying to put a key 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 award for tackling this project and reclaiming your patio door's locked position! We're sure you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door. Best of luck! We're here for you if there are any questions or concerns.