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How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock A safe patio door is an essential part of home security. If it is difficult to lock, it can be frustrating. A lock that is not working can be the result of misalignment or even simple wear and wear and tear. It's possible to restore the function of the lock by adjusting it or lubricating it. 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 or close a door lock. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help prevent your security device becoming stiff or stuck. This will save you money on repair bills and extend the lifespan of your door. The first step is to clean your lock's cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray do this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then turn the key to spread the oil. Avoid using household oil or other solvents that can harm your locks. Spray a bit on the key. After cleaning your lock cylinder, it's time to lubricate. You can use an oil spray made of silicone or a dry lubricant such as graphite powder. Graphite is a long-lasting lubricant that doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid fluids. It's an excellent choice for locking lubrication. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both moist and cold temperatures, however they may require several coats to be effective. You can also use a de-icer spray that is made for cold weather. It will melt ice and frost on the mechanism of your lock. A few sprays of this will aid your lock to unlock and then lock again easily. How often you have to lubricate your locks will depend on the environmental conditions. A location with a coastline will expose your door to salty air and cause corrosion, and temperature changes can affect the efficiency of your lock. The standard rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks every two years, or more frequently if you reside in an area with harsh weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save money on repairs, and ensure that they continue to function properly for many years. 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 faulty patio door lock will prevent any further damage and ensure your doors are safe. You can repair doors that are locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, adjusting the lock mechanism, or replacing the lock cylinder. Start by examining the exterior and interior of the lock to find signs of damage or misalignment. Often, patio door locks expand and contract in temperatures that are cold or hot and can shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanisms to stop aligning correctly and cause problems when opening or closing the door. Examine the keyway hole on the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder is difficult to open and may eventually cause damage to the pins of the lock, cams or latch springs. If the cylinder isn't fitting easily, you can get rid of any obstructions by using a pair of picklocks and tweezers. If the issue persists, you might need to remove the cylinder in order to locate the root of the issue. If the lock cylinder hasn't been screwed into the body of the lock, you can loosen it by uncrewing a flat screw inside the cylinder's faceplate. This screw will let you rotate the cylinder, and could even aid in restoring alignment. Look for a small tab that is movable with the key. It is usually at the end. This tiny clip, referred to as a “release tab” is what keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. This tab can be moved back with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be taken out and then it can be inserted. If the lock cylinder of yours is stuck, you might be able to restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt engages with the strike plate, and the knob or handle can be pulled in and withdrawn. Reassemble the lock once you have restored alignment. Test it to see if it works. If the lock on your patio door isn't functioning properly It is likely that an additional component such as the latch or latch spring requires replacement. Lock the Screws Locks for patio doors are susceptible to damage from regular use, extreme temperatures, dirt and dust. If not properly maintained, these delicate parts can wear down and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Thankfully, most lock problems can be fixed easily with a few simple maintenance steps. You should first clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to remove any dust or dirt that might be present. Then dry the parts thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving components functioning smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants with oil bases as they can draw dust and dirt which could cause more issues. If your patio door comes with an electronic footlock for security, make sure that the footlock is aligned correctly with the strike plate. In most cases, this will only require adjustment of the screws that hold the foot lock to the frame of the patio door. Remove the screw using a Robertson screwdriver, and gently push it upwards or downwards to adjust the foot lock as required. Once the adjustment is done, tighten the screw securely. The most frequent issue when it comes to repairing 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 be that the latch is set higher or lower than it should be. Begin by removing the handle, then identify the screws or bolts which hold it in place. Keep on track of the bolts or screws as you will require them to install the new handle. Then, take off the old spindle and place the new one in place on the interior of the door. Be sure that it is properly aligned with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Once the new spindle has been installed then reinstall the handles on the exterior and interior, making sure that they are aligned with the bolts or screws which hold them in place. Close and secure the patio door after you have made any necessary adjustments. If everything is in alignment, the door should open and close without any additional force. If you're still having trouble then you may need to reposition the latch or strike plate or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and require to be replaced. Replace the Latch If your patio door locks still do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. Most homeowners can change locks themselves. Start by sliding the patio door all the way open and removing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into the door and the door jamb so that you can discern the kind of lock you'll need purchase. Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that secure the strike plate. This is the part of the lock that is positioned on the edges of the frame of the door. Adjust it horizontally or in an upward direction to align it with the latch hole. Once you've repositioned the strike plate, screw it back into place and tighten the screws. After all the parts of your patio door have been repositioned or replaced, reassemble and secure them according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. After you've completed the process testing the latch. Check to see if it fits correctly and is secured when the door is shut. If it does, then your patio door lock is installed correctly and is ready to provide the security and privacy you've come to anticipate from. Like other areas of your home your patio doors also need to be properly aligned for them to work efficiently. Over time, temperatures, cold, dirt, and debris can cause hinges and the frame of the door to shift. When these elements are misaligned, it's like trying to fit a key in the wrong keyhole it won't work. You can solve an issue that appeared impossible by following these simple steps. So, give door repairs london for tackling this project and regaining your patio door's lock position! We're sure you won't have any trouble opening or closing the door from now on out. Good luck! We are here to assist in case you require any assistance or have any questions.