5 Laws That Can Help The Repair Patio Door Lock Industry
From Shiapedia
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door repair company door is vital for home security. If it becomes difficult to lock, it could be a nightmare.
A lock that is not working can be caused by misalignment, or simply wear and tear. It is possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these solutions fail, you may replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock can become hard to open and close over time due to dirt, dust and grime. Regular cleaning and lubrication routine can stop your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repairs and helping your door reach its full lifespan.
The first step is to clean the lock the cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or an equivalent penetrating spray do this. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyhole, and then rotate the key to spread the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents which could harm your locks. Also, make sure to spray a little on the key itself as well.
After your lock cylinder is clean it's time to lubricate. You can apply a silicone spray or 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 a great choice to lubricate locks that are sticky. Silicone sprays can withstand freezing temperatures and are resistant to water. However, they may require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also use a de-icer spray that is specially designed for cold weather. It will break up the frost and ice from 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. The location of your door will impact its performance. A location near the coast could expose it to salty air, which can cause corrosion. The general rule of thumb is to oil your locks every two years, or more frequently when you live in a region that has extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your locks will save you money on repairs and ensure that your patio door will perform as it should for the years to come.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock doesn't function properly, one or more of its parts may be damaged or misaligned. Regular inspection and timely repair of a damaged patio door lock can prevent further damage and ensure that your doors are safe. You can fix a patio door that is locked or unlocked by tightening loose screws, altering 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. The majority of patio door locks expand and contract in hot or cold weather and may shift slightly over time. This slight movement can cause the locking mechanisms to stop aligning properly and cause problems when opening or closing the door.
Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. If the lock is corroded or blocked, the cylinder can be 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 clear any obstructions with a pair of picklocks and tweezers. If the issue continues, you may need to take out the cylinder to find the root of the issue.
If the lock cylinder has not been screwed to the lock body it can be removed by unscrewing the flat screw on the faceplate of cylinder. This screw will let you to rotate the cylinder and it could also help restore the proper alignment.
Check the cylinder for a tiny tab that moves up and down with the key, usually towards the very end. This small clip, sometimes known as a "release Tab" will stop the cylinder from Sliding patio door repair service near me into the lock body in the entire way. This tab can be removed with a standard key to allow the cylinder to be removed, then returned.
If your lock cylinder is stuck, you might be able restore proper alignment by turning it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate and the handle or knob can be pushed into and out. Reassemble the lock after you have restored proper alignment. Test it to see if it works. If your sliding patio door repair door lock is still difficult to use, it's a sign that a different component, such as the latch or latch spring is damaged or worn and will require replacement.
Lock the Screws
Patio door locks are susceptible to damage from regular use, extremes of temperature dust and dirt. Unless properly cared for, these delicate parts can wear out and cause your door to fail to lock properly. Thankfully, most lock problems are easily fixable with a few simple maintenance steps.
The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a dampened cloth to remove any dirt or dust that may be present. Then dry the lock thoroughly. After cleaning some silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Avoid lubricants that have oil bases since they could draw dust and dirt which could cause more issues.
If your patio door has an electronic foot lock for security be sure that the foot lock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases this will only require you to adjust the screws that secure your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the footlock you need to loosen the screw using a Robertson screwdriver and gently pull it up or down. After the adjustment is completed then tighten the screw.
The most common problem when it comes to fixing 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 above or below where it is supposed to be.
Then, remove the handle that was previously used and find the bolts or screws holding it in place. Make sure you keep track of them as you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the spindle that was in use and slide the new one in place on the interior of the door. Make sure it is in alignment with the holes in both the interior and exterior handle. Install the exterior and interior handles once the spindle has been installed. Make sure they are aligned correctly with the screws or bolts to secure them.
Close and lock the patio door after you have made any adjustments that are required. If the door is properly aligned, it will open and shut smoothly without needing any additional force. If you still have problems you may have to reposition your strike plate or latch, or replace the lock cylinder.
Replace the Latch
If your patio door locks do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. The majority of homeowners can replace the lock themselves. Begin by sliding patio door repair service the patio door open and unscrewing the existing lock from the interior side of the door. Take note of how the current lock is screwed into both the door and the jamb to discern the type of lock you'll need purchase.
Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that hold the strike plate. This is the part of the lock that is positioned on the edge of the frame of the door. Adjust it horizontally or in the vertical direction to align it with holes in the latch. After you've adjusted the latch plate you can tighten the screws, then fix it with screws.
After all the parts of your patio door have been moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. Once you're finished testing the latch. Make sure it fits correctly and is secured when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is now working as it should and will provide the security and privacy you've come to expect from your home's doors.
Like other parts of your home the patio door locks repair doors have to be properly aligned in order for them to function efficiently. Over time, heat and cold weather, dirt and debris, and other factors can cause frames, hinges, and locking mechanism to shift. Misaligned hinges, door frames and locking mechanisms are like trying to put keys in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. If you follow these steps, you can solve a problem that might have seemed unfixable. You should pat yourself on the back for tackling the task and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're sure you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door once more. Good luck! We are here to assist should you require assistance or have any questions.
