How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock

A secure patio door is an essential part of home security. If your door is difficult to lock, it could be frustrating.

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 could help to restore its function. If these methods don't work you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle.

Clean and Lubricate

A door lock can be difficult to open and close over time due to dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help to prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on Repair patio door bills and extend the life of your door.

To begin, you will need to clean the lock's cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to accomplish this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then rotate the key to spread it. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that could damage your locks, and make sure to spray a little on the key itself as well.

After your lock cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can apply a silicone spray or a dry lubricant, such as graphite powder. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid lubricants. It's an excellent choice for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, but may require multiple coats to work effectively.

You can also apply sprays to de-icer your lock, which is specifically designed for colder weather and will loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. This will help you unlock your lock, and then relock it more easily.

The environment will determine how often you should belubricating locks. A location with a coastline exposes your door to salty air and cause corrosion, and temperature variations can impact the efficiency of your lock. The standard rule of thumb is to grease your locks every two years and more frequently if you live in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can help save the cost of repairs and ensure that they continue to function properly for many years.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If your patio sliding door repair near me door lock isn't working properly, it could mean that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a broken lock on your patio door will stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. To repair a locked or unlocked patio door, tighten loose screws, adjust the mechanism of the lock, or replace the lock cylinder.

Start by examining the exterior and interior of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. Patio door locks can expand or contract with the weather and might even shift with time. This slight movement may cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause problems when closing or opening the door.

Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. An obstructed or corrodee-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that contain oil bases, however, as these can draw dust and dirt which can cause further problems.

If your patio door is fitted with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is aligned correctly 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. Remove the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and gently pry up or down to adjust the foot lock as required. After the adjustment has been completed you can tighten the screw.

When it comes to repairing the handle of a patio door, the most common problem involves misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This could be due to the wear and tear of everyday use, or it could simply be due to the fact that the latch is positioned higher or lower than it ought to be.

Then, remove the handle from the old one and locate the screws or bolts that hold it in the first place. Make sure to keep track of these since you will need them later when installing 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 properly aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles once the spindle has 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, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If everything is in alignment, the door should open and close without additional force. If you're still having problems it may be necessary to adjust the position of your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder.

Replace the latch

If your patio door glass repair door locks are still not working, it might be time to replace the lock. Replacing a lock is a relatively simple home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can tackle themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and then removing your existing lock on the interior of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock that you'll need.

Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that hold the strike plate. This is the part of the lock that is positioned on the edge of the frame of the door. Adjust it either horizontally or in the vertical direction to align it with the latch hole. After you've adjusted the strike plate, screw it into position and tighten the screws.

After all the parts of your patio door are relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given 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 the lock will be able to latch onto the door. If it does, your patio door lock repair door lock is now functioning just as it should and is able to give you the security and privacy you've come to expect from your home's doors.

As with other parts of your home your patio doors also need to be properly aligned in order for them to function efficiently. Over time, heat and cold weather dirt and debris and other elements can cause hinges, door frame, and locking mechanism to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to put keys in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. You can solve a problem which seemed impossible by following these simple steps. So, give yourself a pat on the back for tackling this task and reclaiming your patio door's locked position! We're betting you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door. Best of luck! We're here to assist in case you require any assistance or have any questions.