How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A safe patio door is an essential part of home security. If it is difficult to lock, it could be a hassle.

In many cases, a stubborn lock is due to the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. It may be possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these methods of troubleshooting don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

A door lock may become hard to open and close over time due to dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine can keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving your money on repair costs and allowing your door to reach its full potential.

In the beginning, you'll need to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, you'll need spray cans of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole, then work the key into and out to distribute the oil. Do not use household oil or other solvents, as they can damage your locks. Spray a small amount on the key.

After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to lubricate. You can apply an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants, so it's a great choice for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays can endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are impervious to water. However, they may need multiple coats in order to be efficient.

You can also use a de-icer spray, which is specifically designed for cold weather. It will remove the frost and ice from the mechanism of your lock. A couple of sprays will help your lock to unlock and then lock more easily.

How often you have to oil your locks will be contingent on environmental factors. The location of your door will affect its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose it to salty air which could cause corrosion. The most common rule of thumb is to grease your locks every two years or more often if you reside in a region that has extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door continues to function properly for long time to come.

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 inspections and prompt repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door can prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws and adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder.

Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock for signs of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract with warm or cold weather, and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause issues when closing or opening the door.

Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder might be difficult to open, and may cause damage to the cam, latch springs, or the lock pins. If the cylinder does not fit easily, you can clear any obstructions with a pair of picklocks and tweezers. If the issue persists, you may need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it in order to identify the source of the obstruction.

If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the lock body you can loosen it by unscrewing a flat screw inside the cylinder faceplate. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may help restore proper alignment.

Check the cylinder for a little tab that can move up and down using the key, generally towards the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. This tab can be removed by using a standard key. This will allow the cylinder to be removed, then returned.

If your lock cylinder has become stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt is engaged with the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pulled and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock once you have restored alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's likely that a component, like the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn and will need to be replaced.

Tighten the Screws

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 the delicate parts could wear out and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be solved with just a few steps.

The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that might be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, however, as these can attract dust and debris which can cause further problems.

If your patio door is equipped with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require you to adjust the screws that attach your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Remove the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently pry upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock if needed. After the adjustment has been completed then tighten the screw.

When it comes time to repair patio door lock the handle of a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by normal wear and tear or the latch could be placed higher or below what it should be.

Then, take out the handle that was previously used and locate the screws or bolts that hold it in the place. Be sure to keep track of these as you will need them later when installing the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle and then slide the new one into position on the side of the door, ensuring that it is in alignment with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Once the new spindle is installed put back the handles on the exterior and interior to ensure that they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.

Close and secure the patio door locks repair door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in alignment, the door should open and close without additional force. If you are still having issues it may be necessary to adjust the position of your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks not working, it could be time to replace the lock. Installing a new lock is a fairly simple home improvement project that most homeowners can tackle by themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door completely open and then removing the current lock from the inside of the door. Carefully study how to repair tilt and slide patio door the existing lock is screwed to the door and jamb to discern the type of lock you'll have to purchase.

Before installing the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside edge of the door frame) and adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the door jamb. After you've repositioned the latch plate then tighten the screws and screw it in place.

After all components have been moved or adjusted then assemble and secure the patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and is able to catch the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does then your patio door lock is now functioning exactly as it should, and is can provide you with the security and privacy you've come to expect from your home's doors.

Like other parts of your house, need to be properly aligned to function effectively. Over time, temperature or cold, dirt and debris can cause the hinges and the frame of the door 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 fix a problem which seemed impossible by following these easy steps. Do yourself a big pat on the back for tackling the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're sure you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door repairs near me door again. Have fun! We are here to help in case you require any assistance or have any questions.