Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, the wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. However, there are easy and efficient ways to restore your uPVC patio door’s security.
These quick fixes will ensure your home is secure no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are a great option to bring the outside in and keep the elements out but they can also pose an issue for security when your lock isn’t functioning as it should. Over time, wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris could take their toll on the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little care, you can ensure your Patio door Lock repair door’s locks always work effectively.
It is important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This helps to remove any dirt and coatings that could hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Begin by wiping down the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp, clean cloth. then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry towel to get rid of any moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.
If you have a patio door that uses pin tumbler latch mechanisms You can apply lubrication to the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant is easy to apply and doesn’t break down as time passes. If you’re unable to locate a suitable lubricant, you can try using a pencil with a thick tip. Put the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to ice, snow, and other debris that could cause them to 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 doors by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it and replace it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is nonstick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, operate with 3 to 4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by a key. These doors also require maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be done with the use of a thin oil however, never WD40. This should be done at least once per year.
If the hinges aren’t causing the problem, it could be that the door is not aligned. It could be rubbing or catching against the strike plate’s hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and then use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it sits in. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole, and also prevent it from scratching against the frame.
Take a measurement of the diameter of the cylinder using the help of a piece of book or wood 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 to the end of the of the cylinder.
Verify the width of the lock.
If your patio door latch isn’t able to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, there’s a possibility that it’s out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Examine if the door is properly balanced and whether the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases shifting the strike plate up or down can correct the issue.
The most common issue is when the lock’s strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this situation, you’ll need to enlarge the hole using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to ensure that it connects to the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, it is important to determine what kind of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is round or square. Look at each screw hole on the existing lock, and note their size. This will enable you to locate a replacement lock that is exactly the same width and will fit in the hole that you already have.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you’ll also want to inspect it for any bends or scratches that might require repair. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that’s frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it shows signs of damage.
Once you’ve decided on the kind of lock replacement you need Now it’s time to begin the actual repair. The spindle and handle must be removed from the doorway to the patio. Install the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle and aligning it with the spindle and then securing it with the two bolts or screws that secure it. Once the handle’s interior is in, install the handle on the outside and screw it into place as well. Once you have completed these steps, test the handles to ensure that they open and shut easily and that the latch is in contact properly with the strikeplate.
Check the Door’s Strike
The door latch and strike plate are the two components of the lock that work together to ensure the latch secures the door. If these are misaligned and the latch doesn’t latch the door shut correctly. This issue is usually easy to fix.
First, examine the holes in the strike plate’s receiving to ensure that they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate. 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. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten the screws, and then test the door to see if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.
Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they’re essential to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are typically located at the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they serve as the door’s latch. Then, the door latch is placed on the strike plate to create a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not properly installed, it could stop the latch from locking the door securely.
One of the most common reasons for a glass patio door repair door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be verified using the “lipstick” test. Apply some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door, the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, showing exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can alter the strike plate.
sliding patio door repairs patio door locks help keep your home safe from burglars, and if they’re not functioning correctly, you should solve the issue fast. Follow these simple steps to repair patio doors your patio door lock and restore it’s function.