How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A secure patio door is a crucial element of home security. It can be difficult when yours is difficult to lock.

In most cases, a stubborn lock is caused by the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. It's 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 and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open and close a door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair costs and prolong the lifespan of your door.

In the beginning, you'll have to clean the lock the cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or another penetrating spray to do this. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and work the key in and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household oil or other solvents which could damage your locks. Spray a small amount on the key.

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 powder lasts for a long time and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants do, which is why it's a great choice for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays are able to be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are resistant to water. However, they may require several coats to be effective.

You can also use de-icer spray, which is specifically made for cold weather. It will break up ice and frost on the mechanism of your lock. This will enable you to unlock your lock and relock it more easily.

The climate will determine the frequency at which you should lubricate locks. A location near the coast exposes your door to salty air and lead to corrosion, and temperature variations can affect the efficiency of your lock. The general rule of thumb is to grease your locks twice per year, or more frequently if you reside in an area with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save costs on repairs, and ensure that they continue to work properly for a long time.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock doesn't work properly there's a chance that one or more of its components may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair Patio door of a faulty patio door lock can avoid further damage and ensure that your doors are secure. 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 interior of the lock for signs of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract during hot or cold weather and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause issues when closing or opening the door.

Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder may be difficult to access, and may cause damage to the cam, latch springs, or the lock pins. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you may be able to dislodge any obstructions with a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the issue persists, you might need to remove the cylinder to find the source.

If the lock cylinder hasn't been secured to the lock body and is loose, it can be loosened by unscrewing the flat screw on the faceplate of cylinder. This screw will allow you rotate the cylinder, and could even aid in restoring the alignment.

Check the cylinder for a small tab that can move up and down with the key, generally towards the end. This small clip, also called a "release Tab" will stop the cylinder from sliding glass patio doors repair into the lock body completely. 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 may be able to restore the proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt is in contact with the strike plate, and the knob or handle can be pushed in and withdrawn. Once you've restored the proper alignment, you can reassemble the lock and check its functionality. If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it is likely that another component like the latch spring or latch must be replaced.

Lock the Screws

Patio door locks can be damaged by regular use, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. If they are not properly taken care of, these delicate parts can wear down and cause your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues can be fixed easily with just a few simple maintenance steps.

Clean the lock mechanism. Use 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 silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases since they could draw dust and dirt, which can cause further problems.

Then, if your patio door repair service door is equipped with an electronic foot lock for security be sure that the foot lock is aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of instances, this will require changing the screws that attach the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Unlock the screw with the Robertson screwdriver, and then gently pry upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock as required. Once the adjustment has been completed, tighten the screw.

When it comes to fixing a patio door handle, the most common problem is misalignment of the strike plate and the latch. This can be caused by everyday wear and tear or it could be that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it should be.

Then, take off the handle from the old one and find the bolts or screws that hold it in the place. Be sure to keep track of these since you will need them when installing the new handle. Remove the old spindle and slide the new one in place on the inside of the door. Make sure it is properly aligned with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Install the exterior and interior handles once the spindle has been installed. Make sure they are properly aligned with the bolts or screws that hold them in place.

After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door repair door, make sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If the door is correctly aligned, it should be able to open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you are still having issues you may have to reposition your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. Most homeowners can replace the lock themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door 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 into both the door and the door jamb to determine the type of lock you'll need purchase.

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

Once all the components of your patio door have been relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given 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, your patio glass repair door lock has been put in place correctly and is now ready to provide the security and privacy you've come to expect from.

Like other areas of your home your patio doors also need to be properly aligned for them to work efficiently. Over time, heat and cold weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause hinges, door frame, and the locking mechanism to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. By following these simple steps, you will be able to fix an issue that been thought to be impossible to fix. Give yourself a pat on the back for taking on the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We'll bet you won't have any trouble opening or closing the door from now on out. Have fun! We're here to help if you have any concerns or questions.