How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is vital to home security. If your door is difficult to lock, it could be a hassle.
In most instances, a lock that is difficult to open is caused by the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or adjusting its position may help to restore its function. If these troubleshooting techniques fail, you may need to replace both the mortise and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock may be difficult to open and close due to dust, dirt and grime. A regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repair bills and helping your door reach its full potential.
The first step in the process is to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, use a spray bottle of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to distribute the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils which could harm your locks. Make sure you spray some on the key itself as well.
After cleaning your lock cylinder, it is time to lubricate. You can use a silicone spray or a dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid fluids. It's a great option for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays can endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are impervious to water. However, they may require several coats to be efficient.
You can also apply a de-icer spray, which is specifically designed for colder weather and will lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. This will help you unlock your lock, and then relock it more easily.
How often you should lubricate your locks will rely on the environmental conditions. The location of your door will affect its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose the door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. The most common rule of thumb is to grease your locks at least twice a year, or more frequently if you live in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save money on repairs, and ensure that it will continue to function in a good way for many years.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock doesn't work properly it could be because one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a faulty patio door lock can prevent additional damage and ensure that your doors are secure. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws and adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting 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. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors can cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause issues when closing or opening the door.
Then, look over the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or blocked cylinder is difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the lock pins, cam or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you might be able to remove any obstructions using 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 isn't secured to the body of the lock, you can loosen it by unscrewing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder's faceplate. By loosening this screw, it will allow you to move the cylinder around and could help to restore alignment.
Check the cylinder for a little tab that can move upwards and downwards with the key, usually towards the very end. This small clip, sometimes known as a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. A standard key will move the tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and then reinserted.
If your lock's cylinder is stuck, you may be able to restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate, and the handle or knob can be pushed in and pulled out. Reassemble the lock after you have restored proper alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's a sign that another component such as the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn and will need to be replaced.
Lock the Screws
Over time, regular use temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt, and can take their toll on patio door locks. These delicate parts may wear out if not maintained properly, causing your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues are easily fixable by following a few easy maintenance steps.
It is recommended to first clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to clean any dust or dirt that may be present. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, they can attract dust and debris that can lead to further problems.
Then, if your patio door is equipped with an electronic foot lock for security be sure that the lock is aligned with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will only require adjusting the screws that secure the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the footlock you need to loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the screw.
The most common problem when it comes to fixing patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be due to normal wear and tear or it could be due to the fact that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it should be.
Then, take out the old handle and locate the screws or bolts that are holding it in the first place. Keep track of the bolts or screws, since you'll need them to install the new handle. Remove the old spindle and place the new one in place on the interior of the door. Make sure that it is aligned properly with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Reinstall the interior and external handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure they are aligned properly with the bolts or screws holding them in place.
Close and lock the patio door once you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in alignment, the door will be able to open and close smoothly, without additional force. If you're having difficulty then you may need to move the strike plate or latch or the lock cylinder may be damaged and need to be replaced.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks still don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. Replacing a lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can tackle by themselves. Begin by sliding the patio door completely open and then removing the current lock from the interior side of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed into both the door and jamb to get a sense for what type of lock you'll need to purchase.
Before you install 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 then adjust it either horizontally or vertically to align it with the hole in the jamb of the door. After you've repositioned the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it into place.
When all the components of your patio door are moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to ensure that it is in place and fits the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been put in place correctly and is now ready to give you the security and privacy that you've come to anticipate from.
Patio doors, like other parts of your house, need to be aligned properly to work effectively. Over time, heat or cold, dirt and debris can cause hinges and door frame to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert a key in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. You can fix a problem which seemed impossible by following these simple steps. So, give yourself an ovation for tackling this project and reclaiming your patio door's locked position! We'll bet you won't have any more trouble opening or closing the door from now on out. Have fun! We're here for you if there are any concerns or questions.