10 Quick Tips About Patio Door Lock Repair
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 ensure the security of your uPVC door.
Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking these simple fixes will increase the security of your home.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are fantastic for bringing the outdoors inside and keeping out the elements. However sliding patio door repair can pose risky for security when the lock isn't functioning correctly. Over time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris can take their toll on the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little attention, you can make sure that your lock for your patio door is always working properly.
It's essential to clean your patio door's lock and all of its moving parts. This will help to remove any coatings or dirt that may be preventing your lock from working effectively. Start by wiping the moving parts of your patio door lock with a damp cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the frame and door. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock using dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness and let it to air dry before making use of it again.
If you have an outdoor door that has a pin tumbler latch mechanism, you can lubricate the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or by using an lubricant based on Teflon such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is easy to apply, and doesn't break down with time. If you're unable find the right lubricant to use with your lock, you can use a pencil with larger tip. Place patio door repairs near me in the lock and jiggle it around a bit to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice, and other debris that can cause them block or become stuck. 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 any damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it and replace it. The same can be done for patio door rollers, which can be wiped down and sprayed with non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, operate using 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by the key. patio doors repairs near me require maintenance, oiling of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done every year.
If sagging hinges don't cause the problem it could be because the door isn't aligned. It could be rubbing or catching against 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 properly into the hole, and prevent it from scratching against the frame.
Take a measurement of the length of the cylinder using the help of a piece of wood or a book that can be inserted into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, and the inner dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Verify the lock's width
If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is in a balanced position, and if the hinge screws are in good condition. In most cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will fix the problem.
Most of the time, the issue occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this situation you'll need to expand the opening using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to ensure that it contacts the strike plate without rubbing against or catching on the door's frame jamb.
Before buying a replacement lock, first determine what kind of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and determining if it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the size of each one. This will help you to find the replacement lock that has exactly the same width and fits into the hole you have already.
You'll need to locate the mortise lock, and then examine it for scratches, bends, or other damage that need to be repaired. 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 brand new secure and safe version in the event you notice any signs of wear or damage.
Once you've identified the type of lock replacement that you require Now it's time to start the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from your patio door, and then insert 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 have completed these steps Test the handles to ensure that they open and shut easily and that the latch works properly with the strikeplate.
Check the door's Strike
The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work to ensure the latch secures the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latch will result in the latch not being able to latch the door properly. Fortunately, this issue is usually simple to fix.
First, check the strike plate's receiving holes to make sure 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 detaching it from the door frame. 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 then tighten all screws, and check whether the door shuts smoothly.
Door strike plates can be difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they're essential to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are usually located at the top and bottom of the door jamb where they serve as the door's latch. Then, the door latch slides into the strike plate, creating the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not properly installed, it could stop the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is one common cause for a patio lock to not close or stay. The easiest way to check for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, then apply masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave a mark when you shut the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks are not working properly, they can keep your home secure from intruders. It is imperative to repair the issue as soon as you can. By following these simple steps, you can fix the lock on your patio door and regain its functionality within a short time.