5 Laws That Can Help The Repair Patio Door Lock Industry
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is vital to ensure your home's security. If your door is difficult to lock, it could be a nightmare.
In many cases, a stubborn lock is due to the wrong alignment or just wear and tear. Lubricating the lock, or adjusting its position can help restore its function. If these solutions fail, you may need to replace both the mortise as well as the handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock can become hard to open and close over time due to dust, dirt and grime. A regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can keep your security device from becoming stiff or stymied, saving you money on repairs and allowing your door to enjoy its full potential.
The first step in the process is to clean your lock's the cylinder. Use WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to do this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole, then work the key into and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents that can damage your locks. Make sure to spray a bit on the key itself.
Once your lock cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can use a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or a silicone spray. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid oils. It's an excellent choice to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays are water-resistant and can withstand moist and freezing temperatures, but may require several coats to be effective.
You can also use a de-icer spray that is specially designed for cold weather. It will melt frost and ice off the lock mechanism. A few sprays of this will aid your lock to unlock and then lock more easily.
The environment will determine how often you need to lubricate locks. A location with a coastline exposes your door to salty air and cause corrosion, and temperature changes can affect the efficiency of your lock. The most common rule of thumb is to oil your locks every two years and more frequently if you reside in an area with extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save money on repairs, and ensure that it will continue to function in a good way for a long time.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock does not work properly it could be because one or more of its parts could be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and prompt repair of a faulty lock on your patio door could stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. To fix a locked or non-locked patio door, tighten loose screws, adjust the lock mechanism or replace the lock cylinder.
Begin by looking at the exterior and interior of the lock to determine whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. Most often, patio door locks expand and contract in hot or cold weather and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanisms to not align properly and lead to problems with opening or closing the door.
Then, look over the lock cylinder to find any obstructions in the keyway hole. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder might be difficult to open, and can cause damage to the cam, latch springs, or the lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you might be able to remove any obstructions with a pair of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue continues, you may have to remove the cylinder to determine the cause.
If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the body of the lock you can loosen it by uncrewing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder's faceplate. This screw will allow you rotate the cylinder, and may even help restore the alignment.
Look for a small tab that is movable with the key. It is usually close to the end. This small clip, also known as a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body completely. A standard key will move this tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and then reinserted.
If the cylinder of your lock is stuck, you can restore alignment by rotating the cylinder until the latch bolt engages the strike plate. The knob or handle may then be pushed and pulled back. Reassemble the lock once you have restored alignment. Check it out for its functionality. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's a sign that a different component, such as the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn and will require replacement.
Tighten the Screws
The locks on patio doors are susceptible to damage from regular use, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. These delicate parts can be damaged if they are 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. Use a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that might be found. Then, dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants containing oil bases, however they could attract dust and debris which could cause issues.
If your patio door has a security foot lock, make sure the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will require you to adjust the screws that secure your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and gently move it up or down to adjust the foot lock as required. Once the adjustment is done, tighten the screw securely.
When it comes to fixing the handle on a patio door the most frequent issue involves misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This could be due to the wear and tear of everyday use, or it could simply be due to the fact that the latch is set higher or lower than it ought to be.
Begin by removing the old handle, and then locate the bolts or screws that secure it. Make sure you keep track of them as you will need them later 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 in alignment with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Once the new spindle is installed, reinstall the interior and exterior handles, making sure that they are aligned with the screws or bolts which hold them in place.
Close and lock the patio door once you have made any adjustments that are required. If the door is properly aligned, it should open and close smoothly without the need for any additional force. If you are still having issues you may have to adjust the position of your strike plate or latch or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks are still not working, it may be time to replace the lock. Replacing a lock is a fairly simple home improvement project that most homeowners can tackle by themselves. Begin by sliding patio door repair near me www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk out and removing the existing lock on the interior of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into the door and the jamb so that you can determine the type of lock you'll need to purchase.
Before installing 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 hole in the jamb in the door. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, secure it in position and tighten the screws.
After all the components have been repositioned or changed after which you can assemble and secure your patio door according to the instructions of the manufacturer. When you're done testing the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and is secured when the door is shut. If it does the lock will be able to latch onto the door. If it does, your patio door lock is functioning exactly as it should, and is will give you the security and privacy you've come expect from your home's doors.
Like other areas of your home the patio doors have to be properly aligned for they to function effectively. Over time, temperatures and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other elements can cause hinges, door frame and the locking mechanism to shift. When these elements are misaligned, it's like trying to insert a key in the wrong hole for a key: It just doesn't work. By following these easy steps, you can fix a problem that might have been thought to be impossible to fix. Give yourself a pat on the back for tackling the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We bet that you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door. Good luck! We're here if you have any concerns or questions.