nestpaul8

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 can be a hassle. A stubborn lock can be the result of misalignment or even simple wear and wear and tear. It's possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these troubleshooting techniques don't work you can replace both the mortise as well as the handle. Clean and Lubricate A door lock can become hard to open and close over time because of dust, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication can aid in preventing your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on repair bills and extend the longevity of your door. The first step in the process is to clean the lock the cylinder. To do this, you'll need a spray can of penetrating oil, such as WD-40. Spray a small amount into the keyhole and then move the key through and out to spread the oil. Do not use household oil or other solvents, as they can damage your locks. Spray a little on the key. Once your lock cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can apply an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant like graphite powder. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't attract dust as liquid lubricants, so it's a great option for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays can be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are impervious to water. However, they may require several coats to be effective. You can also apply de-icer spray specifically designed for cold weather. It will remove ice and frost on the lock mechanism. This will allow you to unlock your lock and lock it more easily. How often you have to lubricate your locks will rely on the environment. A location near the coast will expose your door to salty air and lead to corrosion, and temperature variations can impact the performance of your lock. It is recommended that you lubricate locks at least twice every year, or more frequently if your area has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save money on repairs, and ensure that they continue to function properly for a long time. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock does not function properly, one or more of its components may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repair of a damaged lock on your patio door will help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. To fix a locked or non-locked patio door, you can tighten loose screws or adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder. Start by examining the exterior and inside of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract with warm or cold weather, and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause issues when opening or closing the door. Then, look over the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or blocked cylinder may be difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the pins, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can get rid of any obstructions using a pair tweezers and a lock. If the problem persists then you'll need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it in order to identify the cause of the obstruction. If the lock cylinder has not been screwed to the body of the lock and is loose, it can be loosened by removing the screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw will let you rotate the cylinder, and may even help restore alignment. Look for an elongated tab that moves along with the key. It is usually near the end. This little clip, also known as a “release tab” prevents the cylinder from sliding into the body of the lock. The tab can be moved back with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be taken out and then reinserted. If your lock cylinder is stuck, you may be able to restore the proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt is in contact with the strike plate, and the handle or knob can be pushed in and out. 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 component, like the latch or latch spring is worn or damaged and will require replacement. Lock the Screws The locks on patio doors can be damaged by frequent use, extremes of temperature dust and dirt. These delicate parts may wear out if not properly maintained, leading to your door to stop locking properly. Most lock issues can be solved with just a few steps. The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases because they may draw dust and dirt, which can cause further problems. If your patio door is fitted with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. In the majority of cases, this will only require changing the screws that attach the foot lock to the patio door frame. To adjust the footlock simply loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it upwards or downwards. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw. When it comes time to repair the handle of a patio door the most frequent issue is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by the wear and tear of everyday use or it could be due to the fact that the latch is set higher or lower than it should be. Begin by removing the old handle, and then locate the bolts or screws that secure it. Keep on track of the bolts or screws since you'll need them to install the new handle. Remove the spindle that was in use and slide the new one in place on the inside of the door. Make sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle is in place, reinstall the interior and exterior handles and ensure that they are in alignment with the bolts or screws that hold them in place. Close and lock the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If the door is correctly aligned, it should be able to open and shut without needing any additional force. If Repair My Windows And Doors are still having issues, you may need to move your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks still don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. Most homeowners can change the lock themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors completely out and then removing your existing lock on the interior of the door. Examine the lock you have to determine the type of lock you will need. Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that secure the strike plate. This is the part of the lock that is mounted on the edge of the door's frame. Adjust it horizontally or in a vertical direction to align it with latch hole. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it into its place and tighten the screws. When all the components of your patio door have been repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to 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 the lock will be able to latch onto the door. If it does, your patio door lock is working just as it should and is can provide the security and privacy you've come expect from your doors. Like other parts of your home the patio doors have 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 hinges, door frame and locking mechanism to shift. If these components are not aligned it's similar to trying to insert a key into the wrong keyhole and it doesn't work. By following these simple steps, you can fix the issue that may have been thought to be impossible to fix. So, give yourself an award for tackling this project and regaining your patio door's lock position! We're betting you won't face any more trouble opening or closing the door from here to the end. Best of luck! We're here if you have any concerns or questions.