How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is a vital element of home security. It can be difficult when yours is difficult to lock. A stubborn lock can be caused by misalignment, or even simple wear and tear. Lubricating https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-epsom/ or adjusting its position could help to restore its function. If these solutions aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle. Clean and Lubricate Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open and close doors. A regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can stop your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repair bills and helping your door reach its maximum lifespan. To begin, you will need to clean the lock's the cylinder. Use WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray complete this. Spray a small amount oil into the keyhole and then turn the key to spread the oil. Avoid using household solvents or other oils that can damage your locks. Also, make sure to spray a bit on the key itself. After cleaning your lock cylinder it's time to lubricate. You can apply an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant, such as graphite powder. Graphite powder lasts for a long time and doesn't attract dust like liquid lubricants do, so it's an excellent choice for lubricating locks that stick. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, but may require several coats to be effective. You can also use de-icer spray specifically specially designed for cold weather. It will remove the frost and ice from the mechanism of your lock. This will enable you to unlock your lock and unlock it with ease. The environment will determine how often you need to belubricating locks. The location of your door can affect its performance. A coastal location can expose it to salty air, which can cause corrosion. The general rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks at least twice a year or more often when you live in an area with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door continues to function as it should for many long time to come. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should it could be because one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a damaged patio door lock can prevent 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. Begin by looking at the exterior and the interior of the lock to determine whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. Locks for patio doors may expand or contract depending on the weather, and they might even shift with time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning correctly and can cause issues when opening or closing the patio door. Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. A damaged or corroded lock cylinder may be difficult to open and can cause damage to the latch springs, cam or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you may be able to dislodge any obstruction using a pair of tweezers, or a picklock. If the problem persists, you may need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to locate the cause of the obstruction. If the lock cylinder isn't screwed into the body of the lock then you can loosen it by removing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder faceplate. Loosening this screw will allow you to move the cylinder around and could aid in restoring alignment. Check the cylinder for a tiny tab that moves up and down using the key, generally towards the end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the body of the lock. A standard key will move this tab back to release the cylinder and allow it to be removed and put back in. If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you might be able restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt is in contact with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pulled in and withdrawn. Once you have restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and test it for performance. If your patio door lock isn't working properly it's likely that an additional component such as the latch spring or latch needs to be replaced. Lock the Screws Patio door locks are susceptible to damage from regular use, extremes of temperature, dirt and dust. Unless properly cared for these delicate components can get worn out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Most lock issues can be fixed with a few simple steps. You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that might be present, and then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant can help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases as they can attract dust and debris and cause additional issues. If your patio door is equipped with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is aligned properly with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require you to adjust the screws that hold your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Unlock the screw with a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently pry upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock if needed. Once the adjustment is done you can tighten the screw. The most common problem when it comes to repairing patio door handles is the misalignment of the strike plate and latch. This can be due to everyday wear and tear or the latch may be positioned higher or below what it should be. Then, remove the handle from the old one and locate the bolts or screws that are holding it in the first place. Keep track of the screws or bolts, because you will need them to attach the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and place the new one into place on the interior of the door. Make sure that it is in alignment with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle is in place put back the handles for both exterior and interior to ensure that they are in alignment with the screws or bolts that secure them. Close and lock the patio door once you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in proper alignment, the door should open and close without additional force. If you're still having trouble, you might need to move the strike plate or latch, or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and require to be replaced. Replace the latch If your patio door locks are still not working, it may be time to replace the lock. The replacement of a lock is a fairly simple home improvement task that many homeowners can tackle themselves. Start by sliding the patio doors completely out and unscrewing your existing lock on the inside of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into the door and the door jamb to discern the type of lock you'll have to purchase. Before installing the new latch, loosen the screws that hold the strike plate. This is the portion of the lock that is positioned on the edges of the frame of the door. Adjust it horizontally or in the vertical direction so that it is aligned with the latch hole. After you've repositioned your strike plate, screw it back into its place and tighten the screws. When all the components of your patio door are moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. Once you're finished testing the latch. Make sure it is fitted properly and catches the latch when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is now working as it should and able to give you the security and privacy you've come expect from your doors. Like other areas of your home the patio doors have to be properly aligned for them to function efficiently. Over time, temperatures cold, dirt and debris can cause the hinges and door frame to shift. If these parts aren't aligned it's similar to trying to insert a key in the wrong hole for a key: It just doesn't work. You can fix a problem which seemed impossible by following these simple steps. So give yourself an award for tackling this project and regaining the door that was locked! We'll bet you won't have any issues opening or closing the door from now on out. Have fun! We're here for you if there are any questions or concerns.