A secure patio door is vital to ensure your home's security. If it is difficult to lock, it can be a nightmare.
In many instances, a locked that is not working is the result of the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. It's possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating it. If these troubleshooting methods don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open or close doors. Regular cleaning and lubrication can aid in preventing your security device from becoming stiff or stuck. This will help you save money on repair bills and extend the life of your door.
To begin, you will need to clean the lock cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to accomplish this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then rotate the key to spread it. Do not use household oil or other solvents, as they can damage your locks. Spray a little on the key.
After cleaning your lock's cylinder, it is time to lubricate. You can apply dry lubricants such as graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a durable lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid lubricants. It's a great choice to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both moist and freezing temperatures, however it may require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also use a de-icer spray, which is specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will break up frost and ice off the lock mechanism. A few sprays of this will aid 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 and cause corrosion. Temperature fluctuations can also impact how well your lock works. It is recommended to regularly lubricate your locks at least twice every year, or more frequently if your area has harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save costs on repairs, and ensure that it continues to work properly for a long time.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock does not function properly it could be because one or more of its parts could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door could stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. You can repair the patio door that is locked or locked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder.
Begin by inspecting the exterior and the inside of the lock to determine if there are any signs of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio doors can expand or contract in response to the weather and could shift over time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanisms to stop aligning correctly and can cause issues when opening or closing the patio door.
Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder could be difficult to open and may cause damage to the cam, latch springs or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you might be able to dislodge any obstruction using a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the issue persists it may be necessary to remove the cylinder and disassemble it in order to identify the root of the problem.
If the lock cylinder is not been secured to the lock body, it can be loosen by removing the screw on the faceplate of the cylinder. Unscrewing this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help restore proper alignment.
Check the cylinder for a small tab that moves up and down with the key, generally towards the end. This tiny clip, also known as a "release Tab" is what stops the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. A standard key can slide this tab back to let the cylinder out and allow it to be removed and then reinserted.
If the cylinder of your lock 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 can then be pushed, and pulled back. After you have restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and test its performance. If your patio door lock still isn't working It is likely that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch must be replaced.
Lock the Screws
Over time, the use of regular temperatures, cold and hot weather dust, dirt and even dirt can cause damage to patio door locks. If they are not properly taken care of, these delicate parts can wear out and cause your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues are easily fixable with a few simple maintenance steps.
You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to clean any dust or dirt that might be found. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can help keep moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases because they may draw dust and dirt which could cause more issues.
If your patio door is equipped with a security footlock, ensure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require you to adjust the screws that attach your foot lock to the frame of the patio door frame repair door. To adjust the foot lock you need to loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver tilt and slide patio door repairs near me gently pull it up or down. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw.
When it comes time to repair the handle on a patio door the most frequent issue is misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This can be caused by normal wear and tear or the latch could be placed above or below where it should be.
Then, take off the handle from the old one and locate the screws or bolts that hold it in the first place. Be sure to keep track of these since you will need them later when installing the new handle. Then, remove the spindle that was in use and slide the new one into place on the inside of the door. Make sure it is in alignment with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle is in place put back the handles for both exterior and interior to ensure that they are properly aligned with the screws or bolts which hold them in place.
After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, make sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If the door is properly aligned, it will open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you're still having trouble it could be necessary to adjust the latch or strike plate or the lock cylinder may be damaged and require to be replaced.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks still not working, it could be time to replace the lock. Most homeowners can replace a lock themselves. Start by sliding the upvc patio door repairs near me doors completely out and then removing your existing lock from the inside of the door. Be sure to study the way in which the current lock is screwed to the door and the jamb so that you can determine the kind of lock you'll have to purchase.
Before you install the new latch, loosen the screws securing the strike plate (the part of the lock that's set on the outside of the door frame) and adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the latch hole in the jamb in the door. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it into place and tighten the screws.
After all the parts of your patio door have been relocated or replaced, reassemble and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. Once you're finished, test the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and that it is able to latch when the door is shut. If it does then your patio door lock is functioning as it should and will give you the security and privacy you've come to expect from your home's doors.
Like other components of your home must be properly aligned to function effectively. Over time, temperatures and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other factors can cause hinges, door frame and locking mechanism to shift slightly. Misaligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert keys into the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. By following these easy steps, you can solve an issue that appeared to be unfixable. You should pat yourself 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 glass door repair near me door. Best of luck! We're here to help if you have any questions or concerns.