Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several simple and efficient ways to restore your uPVC patio Door lock repair door's security.

These quick fixes will make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are fantastic to let the outdoors inside and keeping the elements out. However they can pose a security threat in the event that the lock isn't working properly. Over time, wear, tear, cold and hot weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with a little maintenance you can make sure that your patio door's locks always function correctly.

It is important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help remove any dirt or coatings that might be hindering your lock from working effectively. Start by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door lock with a damp cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or a rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the frame and door. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry towel to get rid of any moisture. Let it air dry before using it.

If your repairing patio doors door has pin-tumbler locks, you can lubricate it by applying powdered graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply, and doesn't break down with time. If you are unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, you can make use of a pencil with a thicker tip. Put the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around a bit to spread the graphite.

The tracks for sliding patio door lock repair patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dust, dirt, and debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to snow, ice, and other debris that can cause them jam or bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.

Clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio door repairs near me patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty. Clean it, and then replace it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is non-stick.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, operate with 3 to 4 or sometimes, 5 points locking mechanisms. This includes the lock cylinder and handle which is operated by the key. These doors also need maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done once per year.

If the hinges aren't causing the issue, it could be that the door is not aligned. It may be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's hole in the frame. Take off the strike plate and employ a sharp tool to expand its mortise. This allows the latch to fit properly in the hole, and also prevents scratching or catching on the frame.

Take a measurement of the diameter of the cylinder using the help of a piece of wood or a book that fits into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.

Verify the width of the lock.

If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after oiling and cleaning, it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Check to see if the door is balanced and whether the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the issue.

The latch may not be able to engage properly if the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this instance you'll need to expand the hole using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to ensure that it connects to the strike plate without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame jamb.

Before you purchase a replacement lock, first determine the mortise type of lock you have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is round or square. Take a look at each screw hole in the existing lock, and note their size. This information will allow you to find an alternative lock that is exactly the same width and will fit into your existing hole.

You'll need to identify the mortise lock and examine it for any scratches, bends or other damage that needs to be repaired. A damaged or bent latch is more prone to break than one that hasn't been frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new one that is secure if you find any signs of wear or damage.

After you've determined the type of lock replacement you need, it's now time to begin the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle from your patio door, and then install the new one. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in place using the two bolts or screws. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. Once you've completed these steps you can test the new handles to ensure they open and close easily and that the latch locks properly with the strike plate.

Check the door's Strike

The door latch and strike plate are the two components of the lock that work to ensure that the latch is secure the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches can cause the latch to not latch the door properly. This is typically easy to repair.

First, inspect the strike plate's receiving holes to ensure they are clear of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that hold the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically but not removing it from the frame of your door. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten all screws and test whether the door shuts smoothly.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However, they are essential to secure and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated on the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch is inserted into this strike plate and creates a seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it may prevent the latch from locking the door securely.

A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is a common reason for a patio lock to not close or remain in place. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door, the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, showing exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can easily alter the strike plate.

If your sliding patio door repairs patio door locks are not working properly they can help keep your home secure from intruders. It is imperative to repair the issue as soon as you can. Follow these simple steps to repair your patio door repair door lock and restore it's function.