A sliding door provides easy access to the outdoors and maximum light. Sliding entry doors, such as those that allow access to a deck or patio, typically use a cylinder key lock to secure the door when it is closed. The lock is turned by a knob or latch on the inside, and can be locked and unlocked with a key on the outside. For various reasons, it may be necessary to replace the lock. For example, you may have moved into a new house and want to replace all the locks in the house. A lock that is sticky and difficult to turn due to age and use. can also be replaced with just a few hand tools. Remove the screws securing the trim plates with a Phillips head screwdriver. Remove the set screws securing the handles with an Allen wrench, then remove the handles off of the spindle. Remove the trim plates. Remove the screws securing the lock's keeper plate with a Phillips head screwdriver. Remove the keeper plate from one side, then slide the cylinder lock housing out of the door on the other side.

Pull the lock cylinder out of the cylinder housing and install the new cylinder in its place. Install the cylinder housing into the door from the outside. Install the cylinder keeper plate according to the manufacturer's instructions and tighten the screws. Install the trim plates, then Install the handles and spindle. The spindle is usually a D-shaped square tube and the handles must align with it a certain way in order to slide on. Test the latch and the deadbolt for operation according to the manufacturer's instructions. For example, the lock may need to be installed with the cylinder and deadbolt in certain positions. The manufacturer will provide detailed instructions on how to check for proper installation and function. Tighten the trim plate screws, then install the set screws securing the handles to the spindle. Test the latch and deadbolt for function prior to closing the door. Test the latch by pushing down, or in some cases lifting, the inner and outer handles separately. Test the deadbolt by turning the deadbolt lever from the inside as well as using the key to test it from the outside.

Be sure there is no binding and that the latch and deadbolt operate smoothly. Things You Will Need Phillips head screwdriver Allen wrench Warning References All About Doors: How to Replace a Key Cylinder in an Andersen DoorFalcon: Installation Instructions for RU-Series Retrofit Extra Heavy-Duty Unit Lever Lockset Photo Credits Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images Suggest a Correction How to hang a door Bring privacy to a room by installing a door. We’ll teach you how to hang one yourself.Your browser is out of date This website will not look or function as originally intended in your current browser We recommend upgrading to the latest version of Which choice is right for you? Discover the best possible hardware for the job.Door Lock Works Slowly Entire Lock Cylinder Turns Lock Doesn’t Latch Properly Key Is Broken Off in Lock Door locks are complex mechanisms with lots of tiny moving parts and, as such, can malfunction on occasion. Here we look at how to fix typical door lock problems.

For problems with door knobs and locksets, please see Repairing Door Knobs & Hardware.garage doors for sale in auckland If your door key doesn’t work right, the first and most obvious step is to be sure you’re using the right key. garage door service traverse cityOnce you get the door open, try the key again. cavity sliding door removalIf it works easily, the deadbolt isn’t engaging the strike plate properly. cost of upvc french doors fittedIf it doesn’t work any easier, lubricate and clean the lock. auto glass repair birmingham mi

Otherwise, coat the key with graphite and work it back and forth in the cylinder several times.screen door replacement chandler az If the key turns but doesn’t unlock the lock, disassemble the lock so that you can be sure the cam or tang is properly engaged with the bolt. french door refrigerator hingesReplace any broken parts and reassemble the lock. If the key won’t go into the lock, ask yourself if the weather is cold enough for the lock to be frozen. If it is, hold the key with a heavy glove and heat, then work it gradually into the keyway. Repeat heating and inserting the key until the ice has melted. A new key that won’t go in or work properly may have rough spots that need to be filed off. To find them, hold the key over a candle to blacken it with soot and then turn it very slightly in the lock and remove it.

File down any shiny areas where the soot was removed by the rough spots. Exterior locks can freeze, interior locks get dirty, and small internal parts eventually wear out or break. Before you buy a replacement lock, try some quick remedies: Put some graphite into the keyhole, either by squeezing it from a tube or dusting it onto a key, and then operate the lock a few times to work the graphite into the mechanism. Lock de-icers contain alcohol and other lubricants that help to dissolve gummy, dirty deposits. The last resort is to disassemble the lock to see if something has jammed or is broken—you may be able to set it straight or replace the part without buying a whole new lock. A cylinder turns when the setscrew(s) meant to hold it in place become loose or broken. Mortise lockset: Remove the faceplate (if there is one) at the door’s edge and locate the one or two cylinder setscrews. They should be in line with the center of the cylinder. Tighten the setscrew(s) by turning clockwise—be sure they engage the slot that runs along the edge of the cylinder (the key slot should be perfectly vertical).

Surface-mounted rim lock: Unscrew and remove the cover, called a “case.” Tighten the cylinder setscrews. When a door latch doesn’t click into position, it usually means the latch and the strike plate are out of alignment. Tighten the hinge screws and then try adjusting the strike plate by loosening its screws and shifting it slightly. When possible, it’s easier to file the slot in the strike plate a little bit so that it will receive the latch. Shifting the strike plate’s position usually involves mortising the jamb, filling part of the old mortise, and so forth. You can also solve misalignment by replacing the strike plate with an adjustable strike plate. A latch can stick for many reasons, most of which are easily fixed. Check that the hinge screws are tight. If the door is out of alignment, the latch will bind. Also check the knob and lock assembly for loose screws or misalignment. Finally, look closely at the strike on the door jamb—if it’s blocked or out of adjustment, the latch won’t run freely in and out.

The chances are good that the bolt is having a hard time finding the throat in the strike plate. Be sure the strike plate is secure and in reasonable alignment with the bolt. You can file the edges of the strike plate a little, and even slightly round the edges of the deadbolt’s end. If this doesn’t work, you’ll probably have to remove the strike plate, fill the screw holes with glue and wood matchsticks, trim flush with the jamb, reposition the strike plate properly, and screw it back in place. Using pliers, try to grip and pull the key straight out. If you can’t get a grip even with needle-nose pliers, cut off a coping saw blade and, with the teeth pointed outward, insert the blade into the keyway and try to hook and drag the key out. As a last resort, remove the lock cylinder. Insert a stiff wire into the cam slot at the back of the cylinder and push the key out. Or take the cylinder to a locksmith. Featured Resource: Find Local Pre-Screened Locksmiths Call for free estimates from local pros now: