11 Methods To Totally Defeat Your Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that could lead to lock malfunctions. There are a few easy steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.
If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking These simple fixes can help you make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are a great way to let the outside in and keep out the elements, they can also be security risks in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. With time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt, and other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little maintenance you can make sure that the locks on your patio door always work properly.
It is essential to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help to remove any grime or coatings that might be hindering your lock from functioning effectively. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door's lock using a damp cloth. then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are coated with dirt. Then clean the lock using a dry towel to get rid of any moisture. Let it air dry before using it.
If your patio door is equipped with pin-tumbler locks, you can apply powdered Graphite on the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. patio door repairs near me Repair My Windows And Doors of lubricant is easy to apply, and it won't disintegrate over time. If you're unable to find the right lubricant for your lock, you can use a pencil with thicker tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, then shake it to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dirt, dust and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow and ice which can cause them become stuck or slack, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.
Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing dirty or damaged weather stripping and cleaning them before installing it. The same is true for patio door rollers, which can be cleaned and sprayed with non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, work by using 3-4 or occasionally five-point locking mechanisms, which include the handle and lock cylinder controlled by the key. They require maintenance and oiling of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with an oil that is thin however, never WD40. This should be done every year, at a minimum.
If sagging hinges aren't a cause, the door may be skewed and catch or striking the strike plate hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it rests in. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole, and prevent it from hitting the frame.
Take a measurement of the length of the cylinder using the help of a piece of wood or a book 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 middle of the cylinder, and the inner dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Check the lock's length
If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after cleaning and oiling it could be because it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Examine if the door is balanced and if the hinge screws are secure however, in many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the issue.
The latch may not engage properly in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this situation, you need to widen the opening using an hammer and chisel. Then test the latch so that it does not rub against the door jamb frame or catch on it.
Before buying a replacement lock, first determine the mortise type of lock you have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining if it is round or square. Examine each screw hole on the existing lock, and note their size. This will help you to locate the replacement lock that has exactly the same width and fits into your existing hole.
In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you'll also need to check it for any nicks or bends that may require repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it shows indications of damage.
Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement you require Now it's time to start the actual repair. The old spindle and handle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Introduce the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into place using the two screws or bolts. Once the handle in the interior is installed, put in the exterior handle and screw it into place, too. After you've completed these steps Test the handles to make sure they can be shut and open easily and that the latch works properly with the strikeplate.
Make sure the door's strike is checked
The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work to ensure the latch secures the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latch will result in the latch not being able to latch the door correctly. Fortunately, this issue is usually easy to correct.
Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to ensure they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate. This allows it to move vertically, but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten the screws, and then test the door to determine whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.
Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, however they're crucial for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates 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 form a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not properly installed, it could prevent the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment between 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 with the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, then attach masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave the mark when you close the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can alter the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks aren't functioning properly they can help keep your home safe from burglars. You need to fix this problem as soon as possible. Follow these easy steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.