How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is crucial for home security. It can be difficult when your door is difficult to lock. A locked that isn't working properly could be caused by misalignment, or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position could aid in restoring its functionality. If these solutions fail, you may need to replace both the mortise and handle. Clean and Lubricate Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open and close the door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication will aid in preventing your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair costs and prolong the life of your door. In the beginning, you'll have to clean the lock's cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray do this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole and 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 bit on the key itself. When your lock's cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can apply dry lubricants such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. 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 locks that stick. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand moist and cold temperatures, however they may require multiple coats to be effective. You can also use a de-icer spray, which is specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will remove ice and frost on the lock mechanism. This will enable you to unlock your lock and then relock it more easily. The climate will determine the frequency at which you should lubricate locks. A coastal location will expose your door to salty air and cause corrosion, and temperature changes can influence the performance of your lock. It is recommended that you ensure that your locks are lubricated at least two times every year, or more frequently when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save the cost of repairs and ensure that it will continue to work properly for many years. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock does not function properly it could be because one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a faulty lock on your patio door could help prevent further damage and guarantee 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 looking at the exterior and the inside of the lock to see whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract in hot or cold weather and can shift slightly over time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanism to not align properly and can cause issues when opening or closing the door. Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder may be difficult to access, and can cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can get rid of any obstructions with a pair of picklocks and tweezers. If the problem persists, you may need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it in order to identify the cause of the obstruction. If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock you can loosen it by uncrewing a flat screw inside the cylinder's faceplate. This screw lets you to rotate the cylinder and could even aid in restoring the alignment. Look for the small tab that is movable with the key. It is usually near the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab", keeps the cylinder from sliding into the lock body. The tab can be removed using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed and then returned. If the cylinder of your lock has become stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt is engaged with the strike plate. The knob or handle may then be pushed and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored the proper alignment. Check it out for its functionality. If the lock on your patio door isn't working, it is likely that an additional component such as the latch spring or latch requires replacement. Lock the Screws The locks on patio doors can be damaged by regular use, extreme temperatures dust, dirt and. If not properly maintained the delicate parts could get worn out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues are easily fixable with just a few simple maintenance steps. It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present, and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases since they could attract dust and debris and cause additional problems. Next, if your patio door is equipped with a foot lock that is secure be sure that the foot lock is aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the foot lock, loosen the screw with the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment has been completed you can tighten the screw. The most common problem when it comes to repairing patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by normal wear and tear, or the latch could be set higher or below what it should be. Start by removing the handle, then identify the bolts or screws that secure it. Keep in mind the bolts or screws since you'll need them to install the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle, and then slide the new spindle into place on the inside of the door, ensuring that it is in alignment with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Once https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/birmingham-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ is in place then reinstall the interior and exterior handles to ensure that they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts that hold them in place. Close and secure the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in alignment, the door will be able to open and close smoothly, without additional force. If you're still having problems, you may need to move your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the latch If your patio door locks are still not working, it could be time to replace the lock. The replacement of a lock is a relatively simple home improvement task that many homeowners can tackle by themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door all the way open and removing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Review the lock 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 either horizontally or in the vertical direction to align it with latch hole. After you've repositioned the latch plate then tighten the screws and screw it into place. When all the components of your patio door have been repositioned 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 your door is closed. If it does the lock will be able to latch onto the door. If it does, your patio door lock is working as it should and able to provide the security and privacy you've come to appreciate from your home's doors. Like other areas of your home should be aligned correctly to function efficiently. Over time, temperatures or cold, dirt and debris can cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. If these parts aren't aligned, it's like trying to insert a key in the wrong hole for a key: It just doesn't work. It is possible to fix an issue that appeared impossible by following these easy steps. So give yourself an ovation for tackling this project and reclaiming your patio door's lock position! We're sure you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door. Best of luck! We're here for you if there are any concerns or questions.