throatlute83

How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is crucial for home security. When yours is difficult to lock, it could be frustrating. A stubborn lock can be caused by misalignment, or simply wear and wear and tear. It may be possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these troubleshooting methods don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock can be difficult to open and close over time due to dirt, dust and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine will keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving you money on repairs and allowing your door to reach its full potential. To begin, you will need to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, use a spray bottle of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to spread the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils which could harm your locks. Also, make sure you spray some on the key itself. After cleaning your lock cylinder, it's time to grease. You can use a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid lubricants. It's a great choice for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand moist and cold temperatures, however they might require multiple coats to work effectively. You can also use sprays to de-icer your lock specially made for cold weather and can remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will allow you to unlock your lock and then unlock it with ease. How often you have to lubricate your locks will rely on the environment. A coastal location exposes your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion, and temperature changes can impact how well your lock works. The most common rule of thumb is to oil your locks at least twice a year, or more frequently if you reside in an area with extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door continues to function properly for years to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should, one or more of its components could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a damaged patio door lock will prevent additional damage and ensure that your doors are secure. You can repair a patio door that is locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder. Begin by looking at the exterior and the inside of the lock to determine whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks may expand or contract depending on the weather and might even shift with time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause problems when closing or opening the door. Next, examine the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder could be difficult to open, and may cause damage to the latch springs, cam or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you may be able to remove any obstructions using a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the problem persists then you'll need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to find the root of the problem. If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock then you can loosen it by unscrewing a flat screw inside the faceplate of the cylinder. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may help restore proper alignment. Look for an elongated tab that moves along with the key. It's usually at 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 move this tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and put back in. If your lock's cylinder is stuck, you may 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. Once you've restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and test its functioning. If your patio door lock isn't working it's likely that another component like the latch spring or latch must be replaced. Lock patio door repair Over time, the use of regular temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can take their toll on patio door locks. Unless properly cared for, these delicate parts can wear down and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock issues can be fixed with a few simple steps. The first thing to do is 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, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, however they can draw dust and dirt that can lead to further issues. If your patio door has a security foot lock, make sure the foot lock is aligned with the strike plate. In most instances, this will require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the foot lock you need to loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it up or down. 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 strike plate and latch. This could be due to the wear and tear of everyday use, or it could simply be that the latch is placed higher or lower than it ought to be. Begin by removing the handle, then find the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Keep in mind the screws or bolts, as you will require them for the installation of the new handle. Next, remove the old spindle, then slide the new one into position on the inside of the door, ensuring that it is aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Once the new spindle is installed then reinstall the handles for both exterior and interior and ensure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws that secure them. Close and lock the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in alignment, the door will open and close smoothly without any additional force. If you're still having trouble, you might need to reposition the latch or strike plate, or the lock cylinder may 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. Replacing a lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can complete by themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors completely out and unscrewing your existing lock from the inside of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock that you'll require. Before you install the new latch, loosen the screws securing the strike plate (the part of the lock that's set on the outside edge of the door frame) and adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb in the door. After you've repositioned the latch plate then tighten the screws and screw it in place. After all the parts of your patio door are relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to make sure that it fits and is able to catch the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is working exactly as it should, and is will provide you with the security and privacy you've come to expect from your doors. Like other parts of your home, your patio doors need to be properly aligned in order for them to function efficiently. Over time, temperatures cold, dirt and debris can cause the frames and hinges to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are like trying to put keys in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. You can solve the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these easy steps. So give yourself an award for tackling this challenge and regaining your patio door's locked position! We'll bet you won't have any more trouble opening or closing the door from now on. Best of luck! We are here to assist if you need any assistance or have questions.