Nine Things That Your Parent Teach You About Repair Patio Door Lock
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is a crucial element of home security. When yours is difficult to lock, it could be a nightmare.
In many instances, a locked that is not working is caused by an incorrect alignment or simply wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position could help restore its function. If these solutions 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 prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on Repair Patio Door bills and extend the longevity of your door.
The first step is to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, use a spray bottle of penetrating oil, like 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 can damage your locks, and make sure you spray some on the key itself.
After your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can apply an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid oils. It's a great choice to lubricate 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 apply de-icer spray specifically made for cold weather. It will remove the frost and ice from the lock mechanism. A few coats of this will allow your lock unlock and then lock again easily.
The environment will determine how often you should lubricate locks. A location with a coastline will expose your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion. Temperature fluctuations can also impact the efficiency of your lock. It is recommended to lubricate locks at least twice each year, or more often if your area has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save the cost of repairs and ensure that it continues to function properly for many years.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door handle repair near me door lock isn't functioning correctly, it could indicate that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a broken lock on your patio door could help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. You can repair doors that are locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting the exterior and inside of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. The patio glass door repair near me door locks can expand or contract with the weather, and might even shift with 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 within the keyway hole. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder might be difficult to open, and may cause damage to the latch springs, cam or the lock pins. If the cylinder is difficult to insert, you might be able to remove any obstructions with a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue continues then you'll need to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to find the root of the problem.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the lock body then you can loosen it by unscrewing a flat screw inside the cylinder's faceplate. This screw will allow you rotate the cylinder, and it could also help restore alignment.
Look for an elongated tab that moves with the key. It's usually located at the end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab" prevents the cylinder from sliding into the body of the lock. A standard key can slide this tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and then reinserted.
If the lock cylinder has become stuck it is possible to restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt is engaged with the strike plate. The handle or knob may then be pushed and pulled back. After you have restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and test it for functioning. If your patio door lock isn't working properly It is likely that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch must be replaced.
Lock the Screws
Patio door locks can be damaged by frequent usage, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. These delicate components can be damaged if not maintained properly, causing your door to stop locking properly. Most lock issues can be repaired with a few easy steps.
The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust that may be present. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases because they may attract dust and debris and cause additional issues.
If your patio door is equipped with a foot lock that is secure ensure that the foot lock is properly aligned 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. To adjust the footlock you need to loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the screw securely.
When it comes to repairing a patio door handle, the most common problem is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by the wear and tear of everyday use, or it could simply be that the latch is placed higher or lower than it ought to be.
Then, take out the old handle and locate the screws or bolts holding it in the first place. Keep in mind the bolts or screws as you will require them to install the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and slide the new one in place on the inside of the door. Make sure it is aligned properly with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Reinstall the interior and external handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they're aligned correctly with the screws or bolts to secure them.
Close and lock the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If the door is correctly aligned, it should be able to open and shut without needing any 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 door locks aren't working, it could be time to replace the latch. The replacement of a lock is a relatively simple home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can do by themselves. Start by sliding the patio door repair service near me door all the way open and removing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed into the door and the door jamb so that you can determine the type of lock you'll need to purchase.
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 edges of the frame of the door. Adjust it either horizontally or in the vertical direction to align it with the holes in the latch. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it into position and tighten the screws.
After all the components have been repositioned or changed then assemble and secure the patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. When you're done, check the latch to make sure that it fits and is able to catch the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does, then 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 expect from.
Like other areas of your home the patio screen door repair doors have to be properly aligned for them to work efficiently. Over time, temperatures and cold weather dirt and debris and other elements can cause the frames, hinges, and locking mechanism to shift slightly. When these elements are misaligned it's like trying to fit a key in the wrong keyhole it won't work. By following these simple steps, you will be able to fix an issue that appeared to be unfixable. Give yourself a pat on the back for taking on the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're betting you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Best of luck! We are here to help should you require assistance or have questions.