Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that can cause 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 that locks these simple fixes will increase the security of your home.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are great for bringing the outdoors inside and keeping the elements out. However they could pose a security threat if the lock doesn't work correctly. Over time, wear, tear, cold and hot weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little attention, you can make sure that the lock on your patio door is always working properly.
It is essential to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps to flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could hinder the lock from functioning in the way it should. Start by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door's lock using a damp cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access areas of the door and frame that are coated with dirt. Then, wipe the entire lock with dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness, and allow it to air dry before using it again.
If you have an outdoor door that has a pin tumbler latch mechanism, you can grease the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or applying a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply and it doesn't dissolve as time passes. If you're unable find the correct lubricant for your lock, you can make use of a pencil with a larger tip. Insert 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 dirt, dust and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow and ice which can cause them to become stuck or slack which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing dirty or damaged weather stripping and then cleaning it, before replacing it. The same applies for patio door rollers, 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, similar to sliding patio doors, work by using 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the lock cylinder and handle operated by keys. These doors also need maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be accomplished with a thin oil but not WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once a year.
If hinges that are sagging don't cause the issue, it could be that the door is not aligned. It may be rubbing against or catching the strike plate's hole in the frame. patio door repairs near me is to take off the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise that it rests in. This allows the latch to fit perfectly in the hole and avoids getting caught or rubbing against the frame.
When the cylinder is out of the way and out of the way, measure its width using a book or piece of wood that fits into the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the of the cylinder.
Check the lock's length
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Make sure that your door is balanced, and that the hinge screws are in good condition. In a lot of cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue.
The latch may not engage properly in the event that the strike of the lock is too small. In this situation, you need to widen the opening using an hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch to ensure it doesn't rub against the jamb frame of the door or get caught on it.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, it is important to determine the mortise type of lock you have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining whether it is round or square. Examine each screw hole in the existing lock and note their dimensions. This will help you find an alternative lock that is the same width and is a perfect fit for the hole that you already have.
In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you'll also need to check it for any scratches or bends that might require repair. A damaged or bent latch is more prone to break than one that's not frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a new secure and safe version if you find any signs of damage or wear.
Once you've checked the lock and decided on the type of replacement you'll need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. The old spindle and handle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Install the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in by using two bolts or screws. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to ensure that they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch catches correctly with the strike plate.
Check the Strike of the Door.
The door latch and strike plate are the two components of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch locks the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly, the latch won't latch the door shut correctly. Fortunately, the issue is usually easy to correct.
First, inspect the holes in the strike plate's receiving to make sure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate in place. This allows it to move vertically, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten the screws, and then test the door to see whether it locks smoothly after 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 plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they support the door's latch. The door latch is placed on the strike plate to form a seal when closed. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted or not properly installed, the latch may not properly lock the door.
One of the most common reasons for a patio 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 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 high or low it is possible to alter the strike plate.
Sliding patio door locks help keep your home safe from intruders, and if they're not working properly, you need to repair the issue quickly. Follow these simple steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's function.