How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A secure patio door is vital to ensure your home's security. It can be a hassle if yours is difficult to lock.

In many instances, a lock that is difficult to open is due to misalignment or simple wear and tear. It may be possible to fix the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating it. If these solutions fail, you may need to replace both the mortise as well as the handle.

Clean and Lubricate

Over time, dust, dirt and grime can make it difficult to open and close doors. A regular cleaning and lubrication routine will prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving your money on repair costs and allowing your door to enjoy its maximum lifespan.

The first step in the process is to clean your lock cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or another penetrating spray to accomplish this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole and then turn the key to distribute the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that could damage your locks, and make sure you spray some on the key itself.

After cleaning your lock cylinder, it is time to lubricate. You can apply a silicone spray or dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't swell up like liquid lubricants do, which is why it's a great option for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays can be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing tilt and slide patio door repairs near me are resistant to water. However, they might require multiple coats to be effective.

You can also apply sprays for de-icing that is made for cold weather and will loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. This will allow you to unlock your lock and then lock it more easily.

The environment will determine how often you need to lubricate locks. The location of your door will impact its performance. A location near the coast could expose it to salty air which can cause corrosion. It is recommended to regularly lubricate your locks at least once each year, or more often when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save the cost of repairs and ensure that they continue to work properly for a long time.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock isn't working correctly, it could indicate that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door will stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws, adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.

Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock to see if there are any signs of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract in hot or cold weather and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause problems when closing or opening the door.

Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder may be difficult to open and could cause damage to the cam, latch springs or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you may be able of removing any obstructions with a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue persists it may be necessary to take the cylinder out and disassemble it in order to identify the root of the problem.

If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed onto the body of the lock it can be removed by removing the screw on the cylinder faceplate. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help to restore alignment.

Examine the cylinder for a small tab that moves up and down with the key, typically towards the end. This tiny clip, also called a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. The tab can be moved back using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed, then reinserted.

If the lock cylinder has become stuck and is not aligned, you can fix it 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 check its functionality. If the lock on your patio door isn't functioning properly it's likely that an additional component such as the latch or latch spring requires replacement.

Tighten the Screws

The locks on patio door locks repair doors can be damaged by frequent use, extreme temperatures dust and dirt. Unless properly cared for, these delicate parts can wear down and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock problems are easily repaired with a few easy steps.

The first thing you need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that might be found. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can keep the moving parts operating 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 local patio Door repairs door is equipped with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require you to adjust the screws that attach your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the footlock you need to loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment is complete then tighten the screw.

The most common problem when it comes to fixing patio door handles is the misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be caused by normal wear and tear, or the latch may be positioned lower or higher than it is supposed to be.

Start by removing the handle, then find the screws or bolts that hold it in place. Keep on track of the bolts or screws because you will need them to install the new handle. Then, you can remove the old spindle and then slide the new spindle into the door on the inside of the door, making sure that it is aligned with the holes in the exterior and interior handles. Reinstall the interior and external handles once the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they are aligned properly with the screws or bolts to secure them.

After you've made any needed adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should be able to open and close smoothly, without additional force. If you're still having problems, you may need to reposition your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder.

Replace the latch

If your patio glass door repair near me door locks still aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. Most homeowners can change locks themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door all the way open and unscrewing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Review the lock to determine the type of lock you'll need.

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

After all components have been moved or adjusted, assemble and secure the patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and catches the latch's hasp when the 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 will provide the security and privacy you've come to expect from your home's doors.

Patio doors, like other components of your home must be properly aligned to function effectively. Over time, cold and hot weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause frames, hinges, and locking mechanism to shift slightly. If these components are not aligned it's like trying to insert a key into the wrong hole for a key it won't work. You can fix the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these simple steps. So, give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this challenge and regaining your patio door's lock position! We'll bet you won't have any more trouble opening or closing the door from now to the end. Good luck! We're here if you have any questions or concerns.