14 Businesses Doing A Great Job At Repair Patio Door Lock
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A secure patio door is essential for home security. It can be difficult when your door is difficult to lock.
A lock that is not working can be caused by misalignment, or simply wear and wear and tear. It is possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting or lubricating it. If these solutions aren't working, you can replace both the mortise and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
Over time, dirt, dust and grime can make it difficult to open and close a door lock. A regular cleaning and lubrication schedule can keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving your money on repair costs and helping your door reach its full lifespan.
The first step in the process is to clean your lock cylinder. Use WD-40 or another penetrating spray to do this. Spray a small amount of it into the keyhole and 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 little on the key itself as well.
When your lock's cylinder is clean, it's time to lubricate. You can apply dry lubricants like graphite powder or a silicone spray.
patio doors repair near me is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid oils. It's a great choice for lubricating locks. Silicone sprays are able to withstand freezing temperatures and are resistant to water. However, they may require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also apply sprays to de-icer your lock specially made for cold weather and will loosen ice and frost from the lock mechanism. A few sprays of this will allow your lock to unlock and then re-lock more easily.
How often you have to lubricate your locks will depend on environmental factors. A location near the coast will expose your door to salty air and cause corrosion. Temperature fluctuations can also influence the performance of your lock. It is recommended that you lubricate locks at least twice every year, or more frequently when you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks will save costs on repairs, and ensure that it will continue to work properly for a long time.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't operating correctly, it could indicate that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and prompt repair of a defective patio door lock can prevent any further damage and ensure your doors are safe. You can fix the patio door that is locked or locked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder.
Start by checking the exterior and the inside of the lock to determine whether there are signs of damage or misalignment. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract during warm or cold weather, and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement could cause the locking mechanism to misalign and cause issues when closing or opening the door.
Examine the keyway hole of the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder could be difficult to open, and could cause damage to the latch springs, cam or lock pins. If the cylinder doesn't fit easily, you can get rid of any obstructions using a pair tweezers and a lock. If the issue continues then you'll need to take the cylinder out and disassemble it to locate the root of the problem.
If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the lock body, you can loosen it by unscrewing a flat screw inside the cylinder faceplate. Loosening this screw will allow you to rotate the cylinder and could help to restore alignment.
Look for the small tab that moves with the key. It is usually near the end. This tiny clip, also called a "release Tab", prevents the cylinder from sliding into the lock body all the way. The tab can be removed using a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed, then it can be inserted.
If your lock's cylinder is stuck, you may be able to restore the proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate, and the handle or knob can be pulled in and withdrawn. Once you've restored the proper alignment, reassemble the lock and test its functionality. If your patio door lock still isn't functioning properly, it is likely that another component like the latch or latch spring must be replaced.
Lock the Screws
The locks on patio doors can be damaged by frequent use, extremes of temperature, dirt and dust. These delicate parts can be damaged if not properly maintained, leading to your door to not lock properly. Fortunately, the majority of lock issues can be fixed easily with a few simple maintenance steps.
Clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or dirt that may be present, and then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts operating smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases, however they could draw dust and dirt which can cause further issues.
If your patio door is equipped with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. Most of the time, this will only require you to adjust the screws that attach your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the footlock you need to loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver, and then gently push it up or down. Once the adjustment is done then tighten the screw.
When it comes to repairing the handle on a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment between the strike plate and latch. This could be due to everyday wear and tear, or the latch may be positioned above or below where it is supposed to be.
Then, take out the handle from the old one and locate the screws or bolts holding it in the place. Be sure to keep track of these as you will need them later when installing the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle, and then slide the new one into the door on the side of the door, making sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in the interior and exterior handles. Reinstall the exterior and interior handles once the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they are aligned properly with the screws or bolts holding them in place.

After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by closing and locking the door. If the door is properly aligned, it should be able to open and shut 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 need to 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 fairly simple home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can complete themselves. Begin by sliding the patio doors all the way out and removing the existing lock on the inside of the door. Review the lock to determine the type of lock you will need.
Before you install the new latch, loosen the screws securing the strike plate (the part of the lock that's positioned on the outside edge of the door frame) and then adjust it vertically or horizontally to align it with the latch hole in the jamb in the door. After you've adjusted the latch plate, tighten the screws and fix it with screws.
When all the components of your patio door have been moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them as directed by the manufacturer. After you're done, test the latch to ensure that it fits and is able to catch the latch hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is now functioning as it should and can give you the security and privacy you've come to expect from your home's doors.
Patio doors, like other components of your home must be aligned correctly to function efficiently. Over time, cold and hot weather dirt and debris and other elements can cause frames, hinges, and locking mechanism to shift slightly. Misaligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are like trying to insert keys in the wrong keyhole. It doesn't work. If you follow these steps, you can solve an issue that been thought to be impossible to fix. You should pat yourself on the back for taking on the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We bet that you'll have no issues opening or closing your patio door again. Best of luck! We're here for you if there are any questions or concerns.