Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio door wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several simple and efficient ways to restore your uPVC patio door’s security.
These simple fixes will ensure your home is secure no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
patio door repair company near me doors are fantastic for bringing the outdoors inside and keeping out the elements. However they can pose a security threat if the lock doesn’t work properly. Over time, wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris could cause damage to the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little effort you can ensure that your lock for your patio door always functions correctly.
It is essential to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This helps remove any dirt and coatings that may be preventing the lock from working as it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth, then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access areas of the door or frame that are ingrained with dirt. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock with dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness, and allow it to air dry prior to applying it to the next time.
If you have an outdoor door that has pin tumbler latch mechanisms it is possible to grease the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using a Teflon-based lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied quickly and doesn’t dissolve over time. If you are unable to locate the right lubricant for your needs you can use a pencil with an extremely thick tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and move it around a bit to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow and ice, which could cause them to become stuck or slack which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping and then cleaning it, before reinstalling it. The same can be done for rollers on patio doors, which can be wiped down and sprayed with non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors repair patio doors, work by using 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the handle and lock cylinder operated by a key. These doors also need maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.
If the hinges aren’t causing the problem it could be because the door is not aligned. It could be rubbing or catching the strike plate’s hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate, and then use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise that it rests in. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole and stop it from rubbing against the frame.
Take a measurement of the width of the cylinder with the help of a piece of book or wood patio door repair 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 center of the cylinder. the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Check the lock’s width
If your patio door latch is hard to turn, even after oiling and cleaning it’s possible that it’s not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is in balance and whether the hinge screws are tight However, in many cases shifting the strike plate up or down could fix the problem.
Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the lock’s strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this case you’ll have to increase the hole using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to make sure that it is able to engage the strike plate 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 have. You can do this by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the size of each one. This will help you find an alternative that is the same size and fits perfectly into your existing hole.
You’ll need to identify the mortise lock, and then examine it for any scratches, bends or other damage that need to be fixed. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that’s not frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new, secure version when you spot any indications of wear or damage.
After you’ve determined the type of lock replacement that you require It’s time to begin the actual repair. The old handle and spindle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Insert the new handle. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in position using two bolts or screws. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you’ve completed these steps, you can test the new handles to make sure they can be opened tilt and slide patio door repairs closed easily and that the latch is catching correctly with the strike plate.
Make sure you check the Strike of the door.
The strike plate and the door latch are two pieces which work together to secure the door. If these parts aren’t aligned correctly, the latch won’t latch the door shut properly. This problem is usually very easy to repair.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are clear 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. 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 the screws, and test the door to determine whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.
Door strike plates can be difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. The plates made of metal are located on the top and bottom jambs of the door where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate to create an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed the latch might not be able to lock the door properly.
One of the most common reasons for an outdoor door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment of the latch and the strike plate. This can be checked with the “lipstick” test. Apply a little lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, indicating exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can easily adjust the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks aren’t working correctly, they can keep your home safe from burglars. You need to fix this problem as soon as possible. By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and get it back to normal in no time.