How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A safe patio door is an essential part of home security. If your door becomes difficult to lock, it can be a hassle.

A lock that is not working can be the result of misalignment or even simple wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position can help to restore its function. If these methods fail, you may need to replace both the mortise and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

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

The first step is to clean your lock cylinder. To do this, use a spray bottle of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. 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 that could damage your locks. Also, make sure to spray a little on the key itself.

After cleaning your lock cylinder it is time to lubricate. 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 oils. It's a great choice to lubricate locks. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-crawley/ are water resistant and can withstand moist and cold temperatures, however they may require several coats to work effectively.

You can also use de-icer spray that is designed for cold weather. It will remove ice and frost on the mechanism of your lock. This will enable you to unlock your lock, and then relock it more easily.

How often you need to lubricate your locks will rely on environmental factors. 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 lubricate your locks twice per year and more frequently when you live in a region that has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save money on repairs, and ensure that they continue to function properly for many years.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock isn't operating properly, it could be that one or more components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a defective patio door lock can prevent any further damage and ensure your doors are safe. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws or adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.

Begin by looking at the exterior and the inside of the lock to see if there are any 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 stop aligning properly and can cause issues when opening or closing the door.

Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder might be difficult to access, and could cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can remove any obstructions using a pair tweezers and a picklock. If the issue persists then you'll need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it in order to identify the source of the obstruction.

If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock then you can loosen it by removing an elongated screw within the cylinder's faceplate. This screw lets you rotate the cylinder, and may even help restore the proper alignment.

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

If the lock cylinder has become stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The handle or knob can then be pulled and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock after you have restored proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock still isn't functioning properly, it is likely that another component like the latch or latch spring requires replacement.

Tighten the Screws

Over time, frequent use, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and can wear down patio door locks. These delicate parts can be damaged if not maintained properly, causing your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be easily fixed with a few simple maintenance steps.

Clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that may be present, and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases since they could attract dust and debris which could cause more issues.

If your patio door is fitted 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 secure your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Loosen the screw using the Robertson screwdriver, and gently pry upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock as required. Once the adjustment is done you can tighten the screw.

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

Begin by removing the handle, then identify the screws or bolts which hold it in place. Make sure you keep track of these as you will need them later when installing the new handle. Then, remove the spindle that was in use and slide the new one on the inside of the door. Make sure that it is in alignment with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Install the exterior and interior handles once the spindle is been installed. Make sure that they are aligned correctly with the screws or bolts that hold them in place.

Once you've made any necessary adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If the door is properly aligned, it should open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty, you might need to adjust the latch or strike plate, or the lock cylinder may be damaged and must be replaced.

Replace the Latch

If your patio door locks are still not working, it might be time to replace the lock. The replacement of a lock is a moderately easy home improvement task that many homeowners can do themselves. Start by sliding the patio door all the way open and unscrewing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed to the door and the door jamb to discern the type of lock you'll need purchase.

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

When all the components of your patio door have been moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done checking the latch. Make sure it is fitted correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is shut. If it does the lock will be able to latch onto the door. If it does, your patio door lock is now functioning just as it should and is able to give you the security and privacy you've come appreciate from your home's doors.

Like other components of your home must be properly aligned to function efficiently. Over time, temperatures and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other factors can cause the frames, hinges, and the locking mechanism to shift. The wrongly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole. It's not working. By following these simple steps, you can fix a problem that might have been thought to be impossible to fix. So, give yourself an ovation for tackling this project and reclaiming your patio door's lock position! We're betting you won't face any trouble opening or closing the door from here on out. Have fun! We're here for you if there are any concerns or questions.