How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is crucial to ensure your home's security. If your door becomes difficult to lock, it can be a hassle. A stubborn lock can be the result of misalignment or simply wear and tear. It's possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these troubleshooting techniques 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 due to dirt, dust and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine will keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving your money on repair costs and allowing your door to enjoy its full lifespan. The first step is to clean your lock cylinder. Use WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray do this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then rotate the key to spread the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils which could harm your locks. Also, make sure to spray a bit on the key itself. After cleaning your lock cylinder, it's time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite powder is long-lasting and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants do, so it's a great choice for lubricating sticky locks. Silicone sprays can endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are resistant to water. However, they may require multiple coats to be effective. You can also use a de-icer spray, which is specifically made for colder weather and will lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will aid your lock to unlock and then lock again easily. How often https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-bedford/ have to lubricate your locks will rely on the environmental conditions. A location with a coastline exposes your door to salty air and cause corrosion. Temperature fluctuations can also affect the performance of your lock. The general rule of thumb is to grease your locks every two years and more frequently if you live in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save the cost of repairs and ensure that they continue to function in a good way for many years. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could be that one or more components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs 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 looking at the exterior and the interior of the lock to determine whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio doors can expand or contract with the weather, and may even shift over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanisms to not align properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the patio door. Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder is difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can get rid of any obstructions by using a pair of picklocks and tweezers. If the issue continues, you might need to remove the cylinder to determine the source. If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the body of the lock, you can loosen it by removing a flat screw inside the cylinder's faceplate. This screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and may even help restore the proper alignment. Look for the small tab that is movable with the key. It is usually at the end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. The tab can be removed using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed, then it can be inserted. If your lock cylinder is stuck, you might be able to restore the proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt is in contact with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pulled in and out. Reassemble the lock once you have restored the proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock still isn't working properly, it is likely that another component like the latch or latch spring needs to be replaced. Tighten the Screws Locks for patio doors can be damaged by frequent use, extreme temperatures dust, dirt and. If they are not properly taken care of, these delicate parts can wear out and cause your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues are easily fixable with a few simple maintenance steps. It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that might be found. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants with oil bases because they may draw dust and dirt which could cause more issues. Next, if your patio door has a security foot lock be sure that the lock is aligned with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will only require you to adjust the screws that secure your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the footlock, loosen the screw with the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment is completed you can tighten the screw. The most common problem when it comes to fixing patio door handles is the misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by everyday wear and tear or it could be due to the fact that the latch is placed higher or lower than it ought to be. Begin by removing the handle, then find the screws or bolts that secure it. Keep in mind the bolts or screws, because you will need them for the installation of the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle, and then slide the new spindle into position on the side of the door, ensuring that it is properly aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts to secure them. After you've made any needed adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If everything is in alignment, the door should open and close smoothly without additional force. If you still have problems it may be necessary to move your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks are not working, it might be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can change a lock themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors completely out and unscrewing your existing lock on the inside of the door. Study the existing lock to determine the type of lock you will need. Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that hold the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock that is mounted on the edge of the door's frame. Adjust it either horizontally or in an upward direction to align it with holes for the latch. After you've adjusted the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then fix it with screws. After all components have been moved or adjusted after which you can assemble and secure your patio door according to the instructions of the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and catches the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does then your patio door lock is working as it should and can provide you with the security and privacy you've come appreciate from your home's doors. Like other parts of your home, your patio doors need to be aligned properly for them to work efficiently. Over time, temperature or cold, dirt and debris could cause the hinges and the frame of the door to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to put a key in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. By following these simple steps, you will be able to fix an issue that been thought to be impossible to fix. Do yourself a big pat on the back for tackling the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're sure you won't experience any problems opening or closing your patio door once more. Good luck! We are here to assist should you require assistance or have questions.