Sliding glass door locks can become loose and damaged easily. If you have a sliding door on a bedroom or back patio, you may encounter locking mechanism issues. Before you contact your locksmith, there are some troubleshooting steps you can take. Each of these troubleshooting tips falls under sliding door lock repair and can be done prior to the locksmith arriving. Here are just a few of the tips and what to know about each one.
Check the Rollers
It may sound odd to be facing a sliding door lock repair and think of the rollers first. The truth is, if you are having problems with your lock catching or holding, the rollers may actually be the issue. Remove the door from the track and look at the rollers on the bottom of the door. Check for damage, clogs in the rolling pins of the rollers, or anything that looks out of place. Clean the rollers carefully. If the rollers are damaged, contact your locksmith for a replacement and repair. If they are are in working order, place the door back on the tracks and try the lock again.
Check the Latch
In some cases, the issue with the lock may be with the latch itself. This is often due to the latch being worn down from years of use. In other situations, the latch may simply be difficult to use and catch from being too stiff. Make sure to remove the door from the track and lay the door down gently, flat to the ground. Remove the latch carefully and check the inner workings. Remove any dust, dirt, or debris. Check that the lock is oiled and not stiff. Look for any springs that are damaged. If you don't see anything, oil the latch and put it back in the door. If this does not fix the issue, you may have to replace the entire locking mechanism.
Check the Screws
There are times when the problem with the lock may simply be the screws being loose. Before you call a locksmith for sliding door lock repair, consider checking the screws. Make sure all the inner working screws and outward visible screws are tight and in place. If the screws around the locking cartridge are loose, it can cause the entire locking system to fail. If you notice missing or stripped screws or screws that will not tighten, you will need a new lock and to call a locksmith for installation.
These are just a few of the tips to help with sliding door lock repair troubleshooting. If you have tried these tips and you are still having locking issues, contact your locksmith. They can come to your home and check, repair, or replace the lock if necessary. They can also offer upgraded and more secure options that may work for you.
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