How to Repair the Broken Spring in an Atrium Door Lock? 

If the spring in an atrium door lock breaks, you’ll need to replace it. You’ll also need to clean and lubricate the other parts of the lock to make sure it works smoothly. 

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Cleaning and lubricating the keyhole

Many locks get sticky over time, so you should use a penetrating lubricant to clean them. You can spray WD-40 into the keyhole, then slide the key in and out to spread the lubricant. Avoid using household oil because it attracts dirt. You can also lubricate the lock with powdered graphite. 

Putting the lock back together

Once you’ve disassembled the lock, lay the pieces on layers of newspaper or paper towels to let any excess lubricant drip off. Next, spray all of the moving parts with a light all-purpose household lubricant or silicone lubricant. Apply enough lubricant to the latchbolt, but not so much that it gums up the lock. Then, reassemble the parts and try locking the door. If the lock doesn’t work smoothly, loosen the latchbolt screws and realign the cylinder and latchbolt. 

Changing the lock body

To change the lock body in an atrium door, remove the latchbolt from its hole in the edge of the door. You’ll need a Phillips screwdriver to remove the connecting screws that hold the lock body to the faceplate of the door. You’ll also need to remove the doorknob from its spindle. 

If you’re replacing the lock body, note the dimensions of your original lock. That will help you order the correct replacement. In particular, you’ll need to measure the backset and through-bolt centers and the location of the cylinder and spindle. You may also want to measure the lock body’s screw centers, which fasten the body to the door’s edge. 

Buying a new lock

If your existing lock is too expensive to repair, you can buy a replacement from an online or local hardware store. These typically cost less than $50 and are available in a variety of finishes and styles. You’ll also need to take into account the cylinder style and whether your existing lock has a round or profile cylinder. 

You should find a lock with a profile cylinder, because it’s easier to disassemble. In addition, you’ll have less trouble finding the right parts to install a new lock. 

Fixing the broken spring in an atrium door lock

If the deadlocking lever has a broken spring, the bolt doesn’t travel through it fully when you open or close the door. If you can’t lubricate the deadlocking lever, you might be able to fix it by heating and bending the spring. You should let the spring cool to a safe temperature before you attempt the task, though. 

To test the lock for a stuck or jammed lock, try opening and closing it repeatedly. If you can’t, your lock is probably stuck and you should contact the manufacturer for a replacement. 

You should also check to see if your old lock has a stuck bolt. If it does, you should be able to remove it with a screw extractor. You might also have to squirt some lubricant into the keyhole before you can extract it.