How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A secure patio door is vital to home security. It can be difficult when your door is difficult to lock. A stubborn lock can be the result of misalignment or simply wear and tear. It is possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these methods of troubleshooting 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 and close the door lock. A regular cleaning and lubrication routine can prevent your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, saving you money on repair bills and allowing your door to enjoy its full potential. The first step in the process is to clean your lock cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to do this. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and then move the key into and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that can damage your locks, and make sure to spray a bit on the key itself. After your lock cylinder is clean and lubricated, it's time to apply. You can use 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 lubricants. It's a great choice for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays can endure temperatures of minus 0 degrees and are impervious to water. However, they might require multiple coats to be efficient. You can also use sprays to de-icer your lock that is designed for cold weather and will remove frost and ice from the lock mechanism. This will enable you to unlock your lock and unlock it with ease. The climate will determine how often you need to belubricating locks. A coastal location will expose your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion, and temperature variations can impact the performance of your lock. It is recommended that you regularly lubricate your locks at least two times each year, or more often when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save money on repairs, and ensure that it will continue to function properly for a long time. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If your patio door lock does not perform as it should, one or more of its parts could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a damaged lock on your patio door could help prevent further damage and guarantee the security of your doors. You can fix the patio door that is locked or locked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder. Begin by inspecting the exterior and interior of the lock for indications of damage or misalignment. Patio door locks can expand or contract with the weather, and they may even shift over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to be misaligned and cause issues when opening or closing the door. Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder could be difficult to access, and can cause damage to the cam, latch springs or lock pins. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can get rid of any obstructions with a pair of tweezers and a lock. If the problem persists then you'll need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to locate the cause of the obstruction. If the lock cylinder has not been screwed to the lock body it can be removed by unscrewing the flat screw on the cylinder faceplate. This screw will allow you rotate the cylinder, and it could also help restore alignment. Look for a small tab that moves along with the key. It's usually located at the end. This tiny clip, also known as a "release Tab" will stop the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. 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 your lock's cylinder is stuck, you might be able to restore the proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate and the knob or handle can be pushed in and out. Reassemble the lock after you have restored the proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your patio door lock is still difficult to use, it's a sign that a component, like the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn and will require replacement. Make sure you tighten 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. Unless properly cared for the delicate parts could get worn out and cause your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, most lock issues can be easily fixed with a few simple maintenance steps. The first thing you need to do is clean the lock mechanism. Make use of a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that might be present, and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases because they may draw dust and dirt which could cause more problems. If your patio door comes with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is aligned properly 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. Unlock the screw with a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down to adjust the foot lock as required. After the adjustment is completed you can tighten the screw. The most common problem in the repair of patio door handles is misalignment of the strike plate and latch. 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 https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-london/ that was previously used and locate the bolts or screws that hold it in the first place. Make sure to keep track of them as you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, remove the old spindle and place the new one on the interior of the door. Make sure that 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 and ensure that they are aligned with the screws or bolts that secure them. Close and secure the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If everything is in alignment, the door should be able to open and close smoothly, without any additional force. If you're still experiencing difficulty, you might need to reposition the strike plate or latch or the lock cylinder could be damaged and must be replaced. Replace the latch If your patio door locks don't work, it may be time to replace the latch. Installing a new lock is a moderately easy home improvement project that most homeowners can do by themselves. Begin by sliding the patio 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 both the door and jamb so that you can get a sense for what kind of lock you'll have to purchase. Before you install the new latch take off the screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the lock that's set on the outside of the door frame) and then adjust it horizontally or vertically to align it with the latch hole in the jamb in the door. After you've repositioned your strike plate, screw it into its place and tighten the screws. After all components have been repositioned or changed, assemble and secure the patio door according to the instructions of the manufacturer. When you're done checking the latch. Make sure it fits properly and catches the latch when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock has been installed correctly and is now ready to give you the security and privacy you have come to expect. Patio doors, like other areas of your home must be properly aligned to function effectively. Over time, heat or cold, dirt and debris can cause hinges and the frame of the door to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to put a key in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. It is possible to fix a problem which seemed impossible by following these easy steps. So give yourself an ovation for tackling this project and reclaiming the door that was locked! We're betting you won't face any more trouble opening or closing the door from now on out. Good luck! 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