A secure patio door is a vital element of home security. If your door becomes difficult to lock, it could be a hassle.In most instances, a locked that is not working is the result of misalignment or simple wear and tear. It's possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting or lubricating the lock. If these methods of troubleshooting don't work, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock can become hard to open and close over time due to dirt, dust and grime. A regular cleaning and lubrication routine can prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving your money on repair costs and allowing your door to reach its maximum lifespan.
In the beginning, you'll have to clean the lock the cylinder. Use WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray complete this. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and work the key through and out to spread the oil. Do not use solvents like household oil or other that can harm your locks. Spray a little on the key.
Once your lock cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite powder has a long life and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants do, so it's an excellent choice for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays are able to be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing and are impervious to water. However, they might require several coats to be effective.
You can also apply sprays for de-icing specially designed for cold weather and can loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. This will enable you to unlock your lock and then relock it more easily.
how to repair tilt and slide patio door often you should lubricate your locks will rely on the environment. A location near the coast will expose your door to salty air and cause corrosion. Temperature fluctuations can also influence how well your lock works. It is recommended that you lubricate locks at least two times every year, or more frequently in areas with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks can save you money on repairs and ensure your patio door will perform as it should for the years to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't working correctly, it could indicate that one or more parts are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a damaged patio door repair company near me door lock can avoid further damage and ensure that your doors are safe. To fix a locked or unlocked patio door, you can tighten loose screws, adjust the lock mechanism, or replace the lock cylinder.
Start by examining the exterior and inside of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks can expand or contract with the weather, and could shift over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to become misaligned and cause issues when opening or closing the door.
Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. An obstructed or corroded lock cylinder may be difficult to open and could eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams, or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't simple to insert, you may be able to remove any obstruction using the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the problem persists you may need to take out the cylinder to determine the source.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the body of the lock then you can loosen it by unscrewing an elongated screw within the faceplate of the cylinder. This screw will let you rotate the cylinder, and may even help restore alignment.
Examine the cylinder for a little tab that moves up and down with the key, generally towards the end. This tiny clip, also known as a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. This tab can be moved back with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed, then returned.
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 withdrawn. Reassemble the lock once you have restored proper alignment. Test it for functionality. If your patio door lock still isn't working properly it's likely that another component like the latch or latch spring must be replaced.
Lock the Screws
Patio door locks are susceptible to damage from regular use, extremes of temperature dust and dirt. Unless properly cared for these delicate components can wear out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues can be fixed easily with just a few simple maintenance steps.
The first thing you need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to clean any dust or dirt that may be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts running smoothly and effectively. Avoid lubricants with oil bases,, as these can draw dust and dirt which could cause problems.
If your patio door is equipped with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require changing the screws that attach the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Remove the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down to adjust the foot lock as required. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw.
When it comes time to repair a patio door handle the most frequent issue is misalignment of the strike plate and the latch. This can be caused by everyday wear and tear or it could be due to the fact that the latch is placed higher or lower than it ought to be.
Begin by removing the old handle, and then locate the screws or bolts that hold it in place. Make sure to keep track of them as you will require them when installing the new handle. Remove the spindle that was in use and slide the new one on the inside of the door. Make sure it is aligned properly with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle has been installed then reinstall the interior and exterior handles, making sure that they are in alignment with the screws or bolts which hold them in place.
Close and lock the patio door once you have made any necessary adjustments. If the door is properly aligned, it should open and shut without needing any additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty it could be necessary to reposition the strike plate or latch or the lock cylinder may be damaged and need to be replaced.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks not working, it could be time to replace the lock. Replacing a lock is a relatively simple home improvement task that many homeowners can complete themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors all the way out 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 jamb to determine the kind of lock you'll have to purchase.
Before you install the new latch remove the screws that hold the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside edge of the door frame) and adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the jamb in the door. Once you have repositioned the latch plate, tighten the screws and screw it into place.After all components have been repositioned or changed, assemble and secure the patio door in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer. Once you're finished, test the latch. Make sure it is fitted properly and catches the latch when the door is shut. 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 you've come to expect from.
Like other parts of your home your patio door repair company doors also need to be properly aligned in order for they to function effectively. Over time, temperatures, cold, dirt, and debris can cause the hinges and door frame to shift. Incorrectly aligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to insert keys in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you can fix an issue that been thought to be impossible to fix. So give yourself an ovation for tackling this challenge and reclaiming your glass patio door repair door's locked position! We'll bet you won't have any more trouble opening or closing the door from here on out. Best of luck! We are here to help if you need any assistance or have questions.