Loosen the lock plate screws in the door jamb with a small flat screwdriver by turning each screw counterclockwise. Sometimes, all you need is a bit of graphite to repair a sliding door lock, but other times, the repair may require replacing the whole lock mechanism. 1 location(s) found near: This will save you a lot of time and prevent you from making multiple trips to the harware store if you buy the wrong door lock replacement. This can happen as quickly as a few days. Once you get the key in the lock, it may become difficult to turn the cylinder. For installation and purchasing help, call a locksmith. Fixing a sliding glass door lock is a very quick repair. Many cheap sliding door locks break permanently if they are ever taken apart. Most sliding glass-door manufacturers etch their name or the model number into the doors corner edge. Turn the knob to the lock position and try to pull the door open to test the repairs. This will only gum up the lock. Let the lubricating spray sit for a minute and respray the latch. Remove these two screws, and gently pull out the latch mechanism and its cartridge. s.async=!0;s.src ='//widgets.ad.style/native.js';x.parentNode How can I fix this? Woodland Hills, CA. Check for proper alignment or readjust as necessary. My sister's home has a sliding patio door on an upper level. A lock with higher security is not necessarily a helpful investment. You will be changing the door locks on the sliding glass doors. But we recommend contacting an experienced `serrurier Wemmel` if it is a serious case. Quick Fixes for Front (and Sliding) Door Locks. But save yourself the cost of a new door. If the issue is that something is not moving as it should, the non-moving piece is what you need to lubricate. So if your sliding door uses a mortise lock, you need to replace it with a mortise lock of a similar size. If you replace the latch and your sliding patio-door lock still doesnt work correctly, use the model information you determined earlier to replace the entire mechanism and install a new lock. Sliding door lock replacement is rarely done to achieve better home security, as these entryways have certain inherent security flaws that undermine whatever lock is used. They provide an unobstructed view of the backyard, patio, or playground area to which they lead. Galron Sliding Doors, we have been servicing customers in Greater Chicago for over a decade! With our assistance, I'm sureyou'll be able to install the new lock successfully. Sing out if you get stuck. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. Insert a screw driver through the bottom handle hole on the inside of the sliding glass door to hold the latch in place. All information is provided "AS IS." Be sure to check if there is a United Locksmith in your area. When in the channel, the stick will jam and prevent anyone from opening the doors. Replacing any small parts may be an issue for antique locks, as not all parts are likely to still be available. If the lock simply refuses to turn, or the knob spins freely, components in the lockset are worn out or defective and it should be repaired or replaced. When possible, we will repair the existing lock, but sometimes a replacement might be in order. With no keyway on your sliding door lock, lock maintenance requires the application of lube to the bolt, latch, or internal mechanisms. As a safety measure, you should change the door locks if you lose the door key. Install the door lock cylinder into the exterior opening on the door. Fixing jams can mirror the process of getting a broken key out of a lock. Mortise lock assemblies usually have a lever lock mechanism and are installed in a mortise or inset housing track. Slide the key into the cylinder and work the lock to ensure that it turns properly. Caresoles circa knee review: could this be the best knee support for you. Before we get to the application of the lubricant, you need to make sure you have the right substance. This can also happen unintentionally and imperceptibly with the same type of debris accumulation that happens inside locks. If you live in a windy area, place a heavy object against the door or use tape to keep it from opening up after you've removed the lock. It is important to fix sliding door locks early as malfunctioning locks require more attempts to open, are placed under more stress, and have a higher chance of breaking. Whether it is patio door lock replacement or screen door lock replacement, different doors are built to accommodate different styles and sizes of lock. Category: It is common for sliding doors to develop problems, especially because they get jammed. To adjust the lock latch throw, open the door and flip the lock to extend the lock latch. It will not unlock when I press the button and I need to use a pen or similar to push the locking plate in so I can get out. Adjust both the upper and lower lock latch for proper operation and tighten the screws. home improvement and repair website. But after all the care, they can break or stop working and need repair. If the key and thumbturn will not open a sliding door lock, you can try to manipulate the locking mechanism directly. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. We'd also be on hand to walk you through the process. Though sliding doors do not provide much protection, all effective crime prevention strategies require all locks to be in working order, especially if they are on exterior doors. We have been at this so long that 98% of the time we have the door lock you need for your patio sliding door. Sometimes a jammed sliding door lock is only one of several sliding door issues that can impair the proper function of your door which should be super smooth. The plate retention latches in place with one hand and tightens all screws clockwise. Cut down a broomstick or mop handle to fit snuggly in the floor channel in which the doors slide open or closed. Do you happen to know of any good "How-To" videos on Youtube to replace the whole thing - I have no idea where to start. The standard starting cost of a lock change service is $35 plus the service fee ($15). Turn each of the four adjustingscrews counterclockwise to decrease the lock latch throw. If the lock is attached to the hasp of a garage, gate, or other structure, this will mean wiring a metal can full of kerosene to the structure to allow the lock to soak in place. Hello, Insert and remove the key repeatedly from the lock. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. And if you need further assistance, call a locksmith. Sliding glass doors create a spacious entrance to a home. Hold the tailpiece with pliers at the measurement mark. All locks wear down over time. Holding the key with your gloves on to avoid burning your fingers, insert the key into the lock and work it gently back and forth until the ice melts and the cylinder turns.". Workshop is a friendly place to learn, get ideas and find inspiration for your home improvement projects. Immerse the lock in kerosene or penetrating lubricant for 24 hours. They can make the sliding door very difficult to lock, so you must always check and remove any debris. They will install a cam lock, which is easily repaired whenever it develops problems. We carry a large variety of locks to choose from to include heavy duty keyed bolt locks, to security bar locks, and even loop locks. But after all the care, they can break or stop working and need repair. Turn the locking knob right and left and observe the closing movement. ), Experienced Installers, Nothing We havent Seen. Turn each of the four adjustingscrews counterclockwise to decrease the lock latch throw. Install the locking cylinder into the main door lock frame. Sliding Patio Door Wall - the fixed window moved. All rights reserved. If the key and the lock still stick, add more graphite. A lock may stop working at this point or fully break later. Gently and carefully use a nail file to smooth burrs off the key tip. The strike plate on the right also wiggles around a bit - any fixes? For these doors, you only need to rekey the lock system, which makes your work easier than replacing the entire lock. How to Fix a Key Captured in a Deadbolt Lock, Home Depot: 3 g Powdered Graphite Lubricant, iCrowd Marketing: How to Repair Sliding Glass Door Lock: Step By Step Guide, How to Repair an Old Fashioned Door Lock Mechanism. Address these issues before they escalate. You're ready to remove a defective lockset, but how you begin to get it the darn thing off the door is a major mystery. Locksmiths that have cannibalized partially broken locks may be the only resource for parts. Two screws on the end of the door secure the latch. Measure the distance between the screw holes with a ruler. The lock on your sliding glass door (if it exists at all) is about as substantial a theft deterrent as a picture of a guard dog. Upon arriving on site, our team will perform a complete checkup of your sliding door and identify the exact cause of your problem. Your sliding door lock or latch can be repaired by one of our licensed technicians, on the spot. So even if the lock opens at the moment, it is likely to gum up and stop working. This is exceedingly common for sliding door locks. Common reasons a sliding door wont lock include misalignment, gumming, or lock damage. Address any problems with the tracks, such as lifting or blockages. She attended Tarrant County College and studied English composition. You may need it if you need more than a simple latch replacement. What To Do When You Are Locked Out Of Your Safe, What To Do When You've Lost Your Car Keys And Have No Spare. Repairs and partial replacement may require the lock to be taken apart. Although those doors may be convenient, your locks occasionally need cleaning, lubrication, and adjustments to secure them properly. Remove any debris blocking internal components. These locks are important for keeping your patio doors secure, so it's important that you replace yours promptly if it's not working. Use a grinding wheel to shape an old hacksaw blade into a harpoonlike point. Related Article We come prepared with over 100 handle/lock products for your satisfaction for your glass and balcony doors. Check out this simple DIY to learn how. Remove the screws above and below the latch, instructs iCrowd Marketing. If it does move, then I'd suggest looking at the striker plate and tightening it. Popular Mechanics participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Installing a sliding glass door requires a 1/8 instead of 1/16 of an inch between the doors.Lowering the gap results in the door being too tight;subsequently, the glass will break as the door is locked. It's wonderful that you've joined us, and many thanks for thequestion about your door lock. If you have any further questions about how to fix sliding door locks in general, let us know in the comments below. Carry the latch and the cylinder lock to a home improvement center or hardware store. Be gentle, and do not over-stress the door as you work on it. Many come with exterior locking and unlocking keys. BeLiv Reviews Ingredients Really Work Or Negative Customers Feedback? We are a name you can trust for all of your sliding door and patio locksmith needs. Measure the tailpiece of your original cylinder. Therefore, it is essential to bear in mind at all times that, in this case, we are working with glass. Therefore, it is essential to bear in mind at all times that, in this case, we are working with glass. Remove the screwdriver from the bottom handle hole on the inside of the door. Fixing a sliding glass door lock is a very quick repair. Close the door to ensure the lock latch is secure or readjust as necessary. Direct the jet into the lock on the edge of the door. Remember, only a certified professional can give you a correct damage assessment and suggest the right solution to the problem. An issue with the door may be causing the issue with your sliding door lock. The lock latch throw may need to be adjusted so that your patio door will lock properly. With the door open, does pressing the button move the tongue (for lack of a more descriptive word) at all? Metal grinds against metal to the point where it thins or distorts. Again, a loose sliding door will enable burglars to access your home or premise easily. One of these methods will solve your problem, whether a sliding door latch is stuck in the locked position or the device will not lock. One issue you can encounter is that the lock on your patio door is no longer manufactured. But now you discover the padlock is rusted shut. Doing this work yourself is not always possible and often requires a locksmith. http://images.hardwareandtools.com/P/1228691.jpg. Adjust the strikeplate up or down to align with the door lock, thentighten the lock strike screws to secure the strikeplate in position.