Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that can lead to locks that fail. There are a few simple steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.

If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking, these quick fixes can make your home more secure.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are fantastic for letting the outdoors inside and keeping out the elements. However, they can be an issue for security in the event that the lock isn't working correctly. Over time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather, dirt, and debris can cause your aluminium patio door repairs door lock to become difficult to operate. With some minor maintenance you can ensure that your patio doors repairs near me door's locks will always function properly.

It is important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help to remove any coatings or dirt that may be preventing the lock from working properly. Start by wiping down the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp cloth, then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access parts of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then, wipe the entire lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and let it to air dry prior to making use of it again.

If you have an outdoor door that has a pin tumbler latch mechanism You can apply lubrication to the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or applying a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply and doesn't break down as time passes. If you're unable find the right lubricant for your lock, apply a pencil that has a thicker tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite.

Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust, and debris. These tracks are especially vulnerable how to repair patio Door lock snow and ice which can cause them be stuck or jammed which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

You can clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio door repair near me patio doors by removing weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it, and then replace it. The same can be done for patio door rollers, which can be cleaned and sprayed with non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, operate by using 3 to 4 or sometimes, 5 points locking mechanisms. These include the lock cylinder and handle that is operated with the key. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done every year.

If the hinges aren't causing the issue it could be because the door is not aligned. It may be rubbing against or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. Remove the strike plate and employ a sharp tool to increase the size of its mortise. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole, and stop it from scratching against the frame.

Take a measurement of the diameter of the cylinder using a piece of wood or a book that is able to fit into the space above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, while the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.

Check the Lock's Width

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is in balance and whether the hinge screws are tight however, in many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards could fix the problem.

Most of the time, the issue occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this instance, you'll need to enlarge the opening using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.

You must identify the kind of mortise lock you currently are using before you purchase the replacement. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and determining if it is round or square. Then, look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each one. This will enable you to find the replacement lock that has the exact same width and will fit into the hole that you already have.

You'll need to locate the mortise lock and examine it for bends, scratches or other damage that need to be fixed. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that's been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if you notice signs of damage.

Once you've checked the lock and decided on the kind of replacement you require now is the time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle from the patio door, and then install the new one. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it into place using the two bolts or screws. Once the interior handle is installed, put in the handle that is outside and screw it in place, too. After you've completed these steps, you can test the new handles to ensure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch locks properly with the strike plate.

Make sure you check the Strike of the door.

The strike plate and door latch are two pieces that work together in order to secure the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches will cause the latch to not latch the door in a proper manner. This problem is usually very simple to repair.

Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate in position. This allows it to move vertically but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten the screws and then test the door to determine if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However, they are essential to secure and unlock your door. These metal plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb where they serve as the door's latch. Then, the door latch slides into the strike plate to form a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it can stop the latch from locking the door securely.

A misalignment between the strike plate and latch is the most common reason for the patio lock not to close or stick. The easiest way to check for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt, and then apply masking tape over it. When you close the door, the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape that will show you exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can easily alter the strike plate.

The sliding patio door locks protect your home from intruders, and if they're not working properly, you need to solve the issue fast. Follow these simple steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's function.