Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. However, there are simple and effective methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.

These simple fixes can make your home safer, whether you realign the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are fantastic to let the outdoors in while keeping out the elements. However, they can be risky for security in the event that the lock isn't working properly. Over time, wear, tear, cold and hot weather dirt, and other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little care you can ensure that your lock for your patio door is always working correctly.

In the beginning, it's essential to clean the lock of your patio doors repairs near me door and all its moving parts. This will help flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Begin by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door's lock using a damp cloth. then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access areas of the door and frame that are coated with dirt. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock using dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness and allow it to dry completely before applying it to the next time.

If you have a patio door that uses a pin tumbler latch mechanism it is possible to lubricate the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or applying a lubricant made of Teflon, such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied with ease and will not disintegrate over time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant for your lock, make use of a pencil with a thicker tip. Place the pencil into the lock, then shake it around to distribute the graphite.

Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to keep them free of dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice, and other debris that can cause them get stuck or to bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.

sliding patio door repair patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty and then cleaning it, before reinstalling it. The same is true to 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, which are similar to sliding patio doors, operate by using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the handle and lock cylinder controlled by keys. These doors also need maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be accomplished with an oil that is thin, but never WD40. It should be done at least once per year.

If hinges that are sagging aren't the cause, the door could be misaligned and catching or rubbing against the strike plate hole within the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate, tilt and slide patio door repairs near me then use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it rests in. This allows the latch to sit correctly in the hole, and also prevents scratching or catching on the frame.

While the cylinder is out of the way and out of the way, measure its width using the help of a book or piece wood that fits into the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.

Check the lock's length

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and oiling it's possible that it's not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is properly balanced and whether the hinge screws are secure however, in many instances it is possible to move the strike plate up or down could fix the problem.

The latch might not work properly when the strike of the lock is too small. In this instance you'll need to expand the hole with a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to ensure that it contacts the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or landing on the frame of the door jamb.

You should identify the type mortise lock you have before purchasing an alternative. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and observing whether it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the size of each. This will enable you to locate the replacement lock that has exactly the same size and will fit into the hole you have already.

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

After you've determined the type of lock replacement you require It's time to start the actual repair patio door lock. Take the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then insert the new one. Start by putting in the interior handle and aligning it with the spindle and then securing it in place with the two screws or bolts that secure it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. Once you have completed these steps, test the handles to make sure that they are able to open and close easily and that the latch engages correctly with the strikeplate.

Check the Door's Strike

The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work to ensure that the latch locks the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches can cause the latch to not latch the door correctly. This problem is usually very simple to solve.

Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to ensure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that hold the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically but not removing it from the door frame. Then, adjust the strike plate so that its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted tighten all screws and test to see whether the door closes smoothly.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However, they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are situated on the top and bottom jambs of the door which are where they help support the latch. The door latch is inserted into this strike plate and creates a seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not properly installed, it could stop the latch from locking the door securely.

A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is one common cause for a patio lock to not close or stick. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave the mark when you close the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can adjust the strike plate.

If your sliding patio door locks aren't working correctly they can help keep your home safe from burglars. It is imperative to fix this problem as soon as you can. Follow these simple steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's function.