Stuck patio door locks are a common problem, but it can be a serious one, since many homes may be vulnerable to burglaries if any of the access points to their home aren’t fully secure. Fortunately, residential locksmiths are able to help with all manner of patio door problems, and if they cannot remedy the underlying issue, such as seasonal wood expansion or shifted foundations, they can usually help fix the most troubling symptoms so that you’re able to safely lock your patio doors.
There can be several reasons for a stuck patio door, from misalignment and gumming, to lock damage.
Misalignment – this typically occurs when the patio door has bent, expanded or become warped somehow
Gumming – the result of dust or debris clogging the internal mechanisms of the lock, gumming is a very common problem with patio door locks
Lock damage – this can occur after a break-in attempt, or may be sue to wear and tear over the years
How can you get a stuck patio door lock open?
It may be necessary to try and manipulate the locking mechanism directly if the key and thumbturn won’t open the lock, and in many cases, it may be simpler, quicker and cause less damage to the lock, to call out a locksmith to fix it for you.
What if the lock is broken?
It isn’t unusual for a patio door lock to break, especially if its used frequently, or used with less care (such as by young children). Whether the lock has stopped working, or is broken completely, it will need to be replaced as soon as possible, otherwise your home can be left incredibly vulnerable whenever you’re away, or even when you’re asleep in bed at night.
Are there ways to fix the problem yourself?
In some cases, a lock just needs a little lubrication, although note that this may just be a temporary fix, and you will still need to have a locksmith repair or replace it to make it 100% secure.
If the door itself is damaged and causing the lock not to work, then naturally you’ll need to remedy the broken door before you can focus on the lock.
However, in the overwhelming majority of cases, the best solution to a damaged or broken patio door lock is to have it completely replaced by a professional locksmith, which will give you the peace of mind that the doors are securely locked. While some locks may be disassembled and repaired, they often break during this process, making a full replacement the most satisfactory option.
Stuck patio door locks are a common problem that a local locksmith will be able to help you with, but you must ensure that the problem is fixed promptly, to avoid making your home vulnerable to thieves and intruders.
