How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A secure patio door is vital for home security. If it becomes difficult to lock, it can be a hassle.

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

Clean and Lubricate

A door lock may be difficult to open and close because of dust, dirt and grime. A regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on Repair Patio Door bills and allowing your door to reach its full lifespan.

To begin, you will need to clean the lock's cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray bottle of penetrating oil, like WD-40. Spray a small amount into the keyhole and work the key in and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that could damage your locks. Make sure you spray some on the key itself.

When your lock's cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can use a silicone spray or dry lubricant, such as graphite powder. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid lubricants. It's a great choice for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both humid and freezing temperatures, but might require multiple coats to be effective.

You can also apply sprays to de-icer your lock specially made for colder weather and will loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. A few coats of this will help your lock to unlock and then lock again easily.

How often you have to lubricate your locks will rely on environmental factors. The location of your door will affect its performance. A coastal location can expose the door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. It is recommended that you lubricate locks at least once each year, or more often if your area has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save money on repairs, and ensure that it will continue to work properly for a long time.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock doesn't function properly there's a chance that one or more of its parts could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repair of a damaged lock on your patio door can prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. You can repair the patio door repair company near me 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 for signs of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract in temperatures that are cold or hot and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause issues when closing or opening the door.

Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder is difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam or latch springs. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you might be able to remove any obstruction using the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists you may have to remove the cylinder to determine the source.

If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the body of the lock then you can loosen it by unscrewing a flat screw inside the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw will let you to rotate the cylinder and may even help restore the proper alignment.

Look for an elongated tab that moves with the key. It's usually located at the end. This small clip, also called a "release Tab" is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. 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 cylinder is stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The knob or handle may then be pushed and pulled back. After you have restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and test its functionality. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's likely that a component, like the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn out and will require replacement.

Make sure you tighten the Screws

Locks for patio doors can be damaged by regular use, extreme temperatures dust and dirt. If they are not properly taken care of the delicate parts could wear down and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock issues can be solved with just a few steps.

The first thing you need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that might be present. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts running efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases as they can attract dust and debris and cause additional problems.

If your patio door is fitted with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will only require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the frame of your patio door. To adjust the footlock, loosen the screw with a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it up or down. Once the adjustment has been completed, tighten the screw.

The most common problem when it comes to repairing patio door repair company near me door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be due to the wear and tear of everyday use or it could be that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it should be.

Begin by removing the handle, and then locate the screws or bolts which hold it in 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 the door on the inside of the door, making sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Once the new spindle is in place then reinstall the handles for both exterior and interior and ensure that they are aligned with the bolts or screws which hold them in place.

Close and lock the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If the door is properly aligned, it should be able to open and shut without needing any additional force. If you're still having trouble, you might need to adjust the strike plate or latch, or the lock cylinder could be damaged and need to be replaced.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks still do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. The majority of homeowners can replace the lock themselves. Begin by sliding patio door repair service near me the patio doors all the way out and then removing your existing lock on the interior of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed to the door and the jamb so that you can get a sense for what kind of lock you'll need purchase.

Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that hold the strike plate. This is the part of the lock that is positioned on the outside of the door's frame. Adjust it horizontally or in the vertical direction so that it is aligned with the latch hole. After you've adjusted the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then screw it into place.

After all components have been moved or adjusted then assemble and secure the patio door as instructed by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process, test the latch. Check to see if it fits 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 areas of your home the patio doors have to be properly aligned in order for them to work efficiently. Over time, temperatures cold, dirt and debris can cause frames and hinges to shift. When these elements are misaligned it's similar to trying to insert a key into the wrong hole for a key: It just doesn't work. By following these simple steps, you can solve an issue that been thought to be impossible to fix. So give yourself an award for tackling this project and regaining your patio door's lock position! We're sure you won't have any issues opening or closing the door from now on. Have fun! We're here to help if you have any concerns or questions.