Asked on Sep 13, 2015
Sliding glass door lock
by Sherrie S
+7
Today I had a very hard time opening this lock. When I push the button in the middle of the lock I can see it lock and unlock but it is not easy. How can this be repaired?
7 answers
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Sherrie, have you tried WD 40 yet?
![Z]()
Z
on Sep 13, 2015
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Speaking as a locksmith, I'd say it needs lubrication. WD40 or Q20 or similar, spray it into the mechanism or even remove the lock to clean it.
![Dieter Aab]()
Dieter Aab
on Sep 13, 2015
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Nope although I love that product for many things @Z A friend of mine said he would bring me a dryer version of WD40. I'll let you know what that dry version is and if it works.
![Sherrie Slaboda]()
Sherrie Slaboda
on Sep 13, 2015
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Thank you @Z and @Dieter Aab. I got out my beautiful WD40 and put it into the top and bottom and guess what - I guess you know it worked beautifully. I really appreciate the help I receive. How could I not trust the experience (for this issue) to a Locksmith and a lady that recommended WD40.
![Sherrie Slaboda]()
Sherrie Slaboda
on Sep 13, 2015
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@Z probably but for tonight WD40 worked and I can lock the door and know I can open it tomorrow.
![Sherrie Slaboda]()
Sherrie Slaboda
on Sep 13, 2015
- See 1 previous
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Dry lube that is referred to above is probably a silicone spray. Available at most hardware stores under various brands. Before dry lube was available... folks wanting to lubricate a lock... such as a keyway, with fine moving parts, sometimes used oil or even something even lighter like WD40. Problem with those as hinted at above... is that dust and dirt sticks in the wet oil and over time can become gummy and ruin the lock further. The locksmiths etc used to recommend graphite dust as it could be puffed into a lock and made things slippery without attracting dust. Now, silicone lubes are available, and are often called dry lube. They go on wet but dry quickly leaving a slippery film on things that doesn't collect dust. It also tends to last better outdoors or wet environments so we use it a lot in the marine world. In a pinch sure use WD40 but if you have the option and are doing it repeatedly... get some dry silicone spray lube.
![Bruce]()
Bruce
on Oct 21, 2015
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@Bruce thank you for the post. I don't know what happened but it was sudden. The WD40 worked perfectly but in the future I would look for the dry version. I'm just glad I had something on hand to solve the problem.
![Sherrie Slaboda]()
Sherrie Slaboda
on Oct 21, 2015
Z
on Sep 13, 2015
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