How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A safe patio door is crucial for home security. It can be a hassle if yours is difficult to lock.

In many cases, a stubborn lock is caused by the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. Lubricating the lock or changing its position could help to restore its function. If these methods of troubleshooting fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle.

Clean and Lubricate

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

To begin, you will need to clean the lock’s the cylinder. To do this, use spray cans of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to distribute it. Do not use household oil or other solvents which could damage your locks. Spray a small amount on the key.

After cleaning your lock’s cylinder, it’s time to lubricate. You can use a silicone spray or a dry lubricant, such as graphite powder. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn’t attract dust, unlike liquid lubricants. It’s a great choice for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays are able to endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are resistant to water. However, they might need multiple coats in order to be effective.

You can also use a de-icer spray, which is specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will remove frost and ice off the lock mechanism. This will allow you to unlock your lock and then lock it more easily.

How often you should lubricate your locks will rely on the environment. The location of your door will affect its performance. A location that is near the ocean can expose the door to salty air, which could cause corrosion. The general rule of thumb is to grease your locks every two years and more frequently when you live in a region that has extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save costs on repairs, and ensure that it will continue to function in a good way for a long time.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio door lock doesn’t work properly, one or more of its components could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair patio door lock of a faulty patio door lock can prevent further damage and ensure that your doors are secure. You can fix a patio door that is locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder.

Begin by inspecting the exterior and the inside of the lock to determine whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks can expand or contract with the weather, and they may even shift over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause problems when closing or opening the door.

Then, check the lock cylinder for obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or blocked cylinder may be difficult to open and can eventually cause damage to the pins, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder isn’t easy to insert, you may be able of removing any obstructions using a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the issue continues 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 hasn’t been screwed to the lock body, it can be loosen by removing the screw on the faceplate of cylinder. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help restore proper alignment.

Look over the cylinder for a little tab that can move upwards and downwards with the key, generally towards the very end. This little clip, called a “release tab” is what keeps the cylinder from sliding into the lock body. A standard key will slide this tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and reinserted.

If your lock cylinder is stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The handle or knob may then be pushed and pulled back. Reassemble the lock after you have restored proper alignment. Check it out for its functionality. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it’s a sign that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring is worn or damaged and will require replacement.

Make sure you tighten the Screws

Locks for patio doors can be damaged by frequent use, extremes of temperature dust and dirt. These delicate parts can be damaged if not properly maintained, causing your door to stop locking properly. Most lock issues can be repaired with a few easy steps.

You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to clean any dirt or dust that may be present. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning the components, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, they could attract dust and debris which can cause further issues.

If your patio door comes with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require you to adjust the screws that hold your foot lock to the frame of the patio door repair company door. To adjust the footlock you need to loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it up or down. After the adjustment has been completed, tighten the screw.

The most frequent issue in the repair of patio door handles is the misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This could be caused by normal wear and tear or the latch could be placed higher or below what it is supposed to be.

Then, remove the handle that was previously used and locate the screws or bolts that are holding it in place. Make sure you keep track of these since you will need them when installing the new handle. Remove the old spindle and place the new one in place on the interior 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 after the spindle has been installed. Make sure they are aligned properly with the screws or bolts that hold them in place.

Once you’ve made any necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If everything is in alignment, the door should be able to open and close smoothly, without any additional force. If you still have problems you may have to adjust the position of your latch or strike plate or replace the lock cylinder.

Replace the latch

If your patio door locks are not working, it might be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can change locks themselves. Start by sliding the patio door repair company near me doors all the way out and removing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Study the existing lock to determine the type of lock you will need.

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 horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the jamb of the door. After you’ve repositioned the latch plate then tighten the screws and fix it with screws.

Once all the components of your wood patio door repair door are moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. When you’re done checking the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and is secured when the door is closed. If it does then your patio door lock repairs near me door lock is now functioning exactly as it should, and is will give you the security and privacy you’ve come expect from your doors.

Like other parts of your home your patio doors also need to be properly aligned in order for them to work efficiently. Over time, temperatures and cold weather dirt and debris and other factors can cause the hinges, door frame, and locking mechanism to shift. If these parts aren’t aligned it’s like trying to fit a key into the wrong hole for a key it won’t work. It is possible to fix the issue that seemed to be impossible by following these easy steps. So go ahead and give yourself an ovation for tackling this task and regaining the door that was locked! We’re betting you’ll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door. Best of luck! We’re here to assist if you need any assistance or have any questions.