incomefrost9

How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is an essential part of home security. If your door becomes difficult to lock, it can be a nightmare. A locked that isn't working properly could be caused by misalignment, or simply wear and wear and tear. It is possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting or lubricating it. If these troubleshooting methods aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock may become difficult to open and close over time because of dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving you money on repair bills and helping your door reach its full potential. The first step is to clean your lock's cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray bottle of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and work the key into and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using solvents like household oil or other that can harm your locks. Spray a small amount on the key. After your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can apply dry lubricants such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid lubricants. It's a great option for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays can withstand freezing temperatures and are impervious to water. However, they might require several coats to be efficient. You can also apply a de-icer spray that is designed for colder weather and will lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. This will allow you to unlock your lock and unlock it with ease. The environment will determine how often you should belubricating locks. A location near the coast will expose your door to salty air and cause corrosion. Temperature changes can impact how well your lock works. The general rule of thumb is to oil your locks twice per year and more frequently if you reside in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save costs on repairs, and ensure that they continue to function in a good way for many years. 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 inspections and prompt repair of a faulty lock on your patio door can stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. 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 inspecting the exterior and inside of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract during warm or cold weather, and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning properly and can cause issues when opening or closing the patio door. Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder may be difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can clear any obstructions by using a pair of picklocks and tweezers. If the issue persists it may be necessary to take the cylinder out and disassemble it in order to identify the source of the obstruction. If the lock cylinder is not been screwed to the lock body, it can be loosen by unscrewing the screw on the faceplate of cylinder. This screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may even help restore the alignment. Look over the cylinder for a little tab that can move up and down using the key, generally towards the end. This small clip, sometimes called a “release Tab” is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body in the entire way. A standard key can move this tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and reinserted. If the lock cylinder is stuck and is not aligned, you can fix it by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt is engaged with the strike plate. The knob or handle can then be pushed, and withdrawn. Once you have restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and test it for functionality. If your patio door lock still isn't working It is likely that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring needs to be replaced. Make sure you tighten the Screws Over time, regular use, hot and cold weather, dirt, and dust can take their toll on patio door locks. Unless properly cared for, these delicate parts can wear out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues can be fixed easily by following a few easy maintenance steps. The first thing you need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to clean any dirt or dust that might be present. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts running smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants with oil bases because they may draw dust and dirt which could cause more problems. If your patio door is equipped with an electronic foot lock for security, make sure the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In RepairMyWindowsAndDoors , this will require you to adjust the screws that hold your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Remove the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently move it up or down to adjust the foot lock if needed. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw. When it comes time to repair a patio door handle, the most common problem is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This could be due to everyday wear and tear, or it could simply be due to the fact that the latch is set higher or lower than it should be. Then, take off the handle from the old one and find the bolts or screws that hold it in the first place. Make sure to keep track of these as you will need them later when installing the new handle. Then, remove the old spindle and slide the new one into place on the inside of the door. Make sure it is in alignment with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle is installed then reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior, making sure that they are in alignment with the screws or bolts which hold them in place. Close and secure the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in alignment, the door will open and close smoothly without any additional force. If you're still having problems you may have to reposition your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks are still not working, it might be time to replace the lock. The majority of homeowners can replace a lock themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and unscrewing your existing lock on the interior of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock that you will need. Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that secure the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock that is mounted on the edges of the door's frame. Adjust it horizontally or in an upward direction to align it with holes in the latch. After you've adjusted the strike plate, secure it in place and tighten the screws. After all components are repositioned or modified after which you can assemble and secure your patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process, test the latch. Make sure it fits correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is shut. If it does, your patio door lock is installed correctly and is now ready to give you the security and privacy you have come to expect. Like other parts of your home your patio doors also need to be properly aligned for them to function efficiently. Over time, heat or cold, dirt and debris can cause hinges and door frame to shift. When these elements are misaligned, it's like trying to insert a key into the wrong hole for a key and it doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you can fix the issue that may have been thought to be impossible to fix. So give yourself an award for tackling this challenge and reclaiming your patio door's lock position! We're betting you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door again. Good luck! We are here to assist in case you require any assistance or have questions.