How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is an essential part of home security. It can be frustrating when your door is difficult to lock. In a lot of instances, a lock that is difficult to open is due to the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position can aid in restoring its functionality. If https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/sliding-patio-doors-birmingham/ don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock can become difficult to open and close because of dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication could aid in preventing your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair costs and prolong the lifespan of your door. To begin, you will need to clean the lock's cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to complete this. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole, then work the key into and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that can damage your locks, and make sure to spray a bit on the key itself. After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to grease. You can use an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant, such as graphite powder. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid fluids. It's an excellent choice for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, but may require multiple coats to work effectively. You can also use a de-icer spray, which is specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will break up frost and ice off the mechanism of your lock. 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. The location of your door can affect its performance. A location near the coast could expose it to salty air which could cause corrosion. It is recommended to ensure that your locks are lubricated at least two times each year, or more often when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save money on repairs, and ensure that it will continue to work properly for many years. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could mean that one or more components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a broken lock on your patio door could prevent further damage and ensure the security of your doors. To fix a locked or non-locked patio door, tighten loose screws or adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder. Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock to determine whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio doors can expand or contract with the weather and might even shift with time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanisms to not align properly and cause problems when opening or closing the patio door. Then, check the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or blocked cylinder may be difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you may be able to dislodge any obstructions using the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue persists it may be necessary to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to find the source of the obstruction. If the lock cylinder hasn't been secured to the lock body and is loose, it can be loosened by removing the screw on the faceplate of cylinder. This screw will let you rotate the cylinder, and it could also help restore alignment. Check the cylinder for a little tab that moves upwards and downwards with the key, usually towards the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a "release tab", keeps the cylinder from sliding into the body of the lock. A standard key will slide this tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and put back in. If your lock cylinder is stuck and is not aligned, you can fix it by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt contacts the strike plate. The knob or handle may then be pushed and pulled back. Once you have restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and check its functioning. If your patio door lock still isn't functioning properly it's likely that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch requires replacement. Make sure you tighten the Screws Over time, the use of regular temperatures, cold and hot weather, dirt, and dust can cause damage to patio door locks. These delicate parts may wear out if not properly maintained, leading to your door to not lock properly. Most lock problems are easily solved with just a few steps. The first thing you have to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dust or dirt that may be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, however, as these can attract dust and debris that can lead to further issues. If your patio door is equipped with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require you to adjust the screws that hold your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Unlock the screw with the Robertson screwdriver, and gently push it upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock as required. After the adjustment has been completed, tighten the screw. When it comes to repairing a patio door handle the most frequent issue involves misalignment between the strike plate and latch. This could be caused by normal wear and tear, or the latch could be set lower or higher than it is supposed to be. Then, take out the handle that was previously used and locate the bolts or screws holding it in place. Keep track of the screws or bolts, because you will need them to attach the new handle. Then, remove the old spindle and place the new one on the inside of the door. Be sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure that they're properly aligned with the screws or bolts holding them in place. Close and lock the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should open and close smoothly without any additional force. If you're still having problems you may have to move your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the latch If your patio door locks do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. Replacing a lock is a relatively simple home improvement task that many homeowners can do by themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors completely out and removing the existing lock on the inside of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock that you'll need. 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. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it back into place and tighten the screws. After all the components have been moved or adjusted, assemble and secure the patio door as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to ensure that it is in place and fits the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is working just as it should and is will give you the security and privacy you've come to expect from your home's doors. Patio doors, like other areas of your home, need to be aligned correctly to function effectively. Over time, temperatures, cold, dirt, and debris can cause hinges and the frame of the door to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to put keys in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. You can fix an issue that appeared impossible by following these easy steps. So go ahead and give yourself an ovation for tackling this task and reclaiming your patio door's lock position! We're sure you won't have any issues opening or closing the door from now to the end. Have fun! We're here for you if there are any concerns or questions.