Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear which can result in lock malfunctions. There are a few easy steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.
If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks These simple fixes can increase the security of your home.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are a great option to let in the outside and keep the elements out, they can also be a security risk if your lock isn't working as it should. Over time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little effort you can ensure that your lock for your patio door is always working properly.
It is essential to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help get rid of any coatings or dirt that could be preventing your lock from working correctly. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp, clean cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access areas of the door and frame that are covered in dirt. Then wipe the lock with a dry towel to get rid of any moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.
If your patio door uses a pin-tumbler latch, you can apply powdered graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon oil like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied with ease and does not dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, use a pencil with thicker tip. Put the pencil into the lock and move it around to spread the graphite.
Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice, and other particles, which can cause them jam or bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.
The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping, cleaning them, then reinstalling it. The same can be done for patio door rollers, which can be wiped down and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, operate using 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by keys. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using a thin oil (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.
If hinges that are sagging don't cause the issue it could be because the door is not aligned. It could be rubbing against or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise it rests in. This allows the latch to sit properly in the hole, and also prevents rubbing or catching on the frame.
Once the cylinder is cleared of the way, measure its width with the help of a book or piece wood that will fit in the gap of adjustment screw above 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 until the end cylinder.
Check the Lock's Width
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 in balance and if the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases shifting the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the issue.
The latch may not be able to engage properly when the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this case, enlarge the opening using the hammer and chisel. Then test the latch so that it doesn't touch the jamb frame of the door or get caught the frame.
It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you currently have before buying an alternative. This can be done by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is square or round. Examine each screw hole on the current lock and note their dimensions. This information will assist you in finding an alternative lock that is the same size and is a perfect fit for your existing hole.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you should also examine it for any scratches or bends that might require repair. A bent or damaged latch is more prone to break than one that's been frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a new one that is secure if you find any signs of damage or wear.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement you require Now it's time to start the actual repair. The old handle and spindle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Introduce the new handle. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it into by using two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. Once you have completed these steps check the handles to ensure that they can be shut and open easily and that the latch engages correctly with the strikeplate.
Check the Door's Strike
The strike plate and door latch are two pieces that work together to secure the door. If they are not aligned properly and the latch doesn't latch the door shut properly. Fortunately, this issue is usually simple to fix.
First, check 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 secure the strike plate in place, allowing it to move horizontally, 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. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten the screws and test the door to determine if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However, they are essential to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are usually located at the top and bottom of the door jamb which is where they are used to support the door's latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate, and it creates a seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it can hinder the latch from locking the door securely.
The most common reason for an outdoor door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. The easiest method to check for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt and apply masking tape over it. When you close the door, the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, indicating you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can alter the strike plate.
If patio door lock repairs near me 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 easy steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's function.