11 Ways To Completely Revamp Your Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that can lead to lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.
patio door repair near me will ensure your home is secure no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are an excellent way to bring the outside in and keep out the elements, they can also be an issue for security when your lock isn't functioning as it should. With time wear and tear cold and hot weather dirt and debris could take their toll on the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little care you can ensure that your patio door's locks always function properly.
In the beginning, it's crucial to clean your patio door's lock and all its moving parts. This will help to remove any coatings or dirt that might be hindering your lock from working correctly. Begin by wiping 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 hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then clean the lock using a dry towel to get rid of any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before you use it.
If you have an exterior door that is fitted with pin tumbler latch mechanisms it is possible to apply lubrication to the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant can be applied with ease and does not dissolve over time. If you are unable to locate an appropriate lubricant you can use a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Place the pencil into the lock, then shake it around to spread the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to keep them free of dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice, snow, and other debris, which could cause them to block or become stuck. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.
Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty, cleaning them, then replacing it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is nonstick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, work using 3-4 or occasionally five-point locking mechanisms, which include the lock cylinder and handle operated by the key. They also require maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be accomplished using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.
If sagging hinges aren't a cause, the door could be misaligned and catching 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 sits in. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole, and prevent it from hitting the frame.
Take a measurement of the width of the cylinder with the help of a piece of wood or a book that fits 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, while the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Verify the width of the lock.
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. Make sure that your door is balanced, 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.
Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this case, enlarge the hole with an hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch to ensure that it doesn't rub against the door jamb frame or catch the frame.
You must identify the kind of mortise lock you are using before you purchase an alternative. This can be done by looking at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is round or square. Then, look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the dimensions of each one. This information will allow you to find an alternative lock that is exactly the same width and will fit into the hole you have already.
You'll need to identify the mortise lock and examine it for any scratches, bends or other damage that needs to be repaired. A damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that's been frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a new secure and safe version in the event you notice any signs of wear or damage.
Once you've inspected the lock and determined which type of replacement you need, it's time to start working on the actual repair. The old handle and spindle must be removed from the patio door. Install 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 after the interior handle. Once you have completed these steps Test the handles to make sure that they open and shut easily and that the latch works correctly 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 that the latch is secure the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latch will cause the latch to not latch the door correctly. This problem is usually very simple to solve.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to make sure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that keep the strike plate in place and allow it to move horizontally, but not removing it from the frame of your door. Then, adjust the strike plate until its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on 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.
Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they're essential to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are typically 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 is inserted into this strike plate and creates the seal. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted or not installed correctly the latch might not properly lock the door.
A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is a common reason for a patio lock to not close or stick. The easiest method to check for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and apply masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave a mark when you shut the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can adjust the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding are not working properly they can help keep your home secure from intruders. It is imperative to resolve this issue as quickly as you can. By following these easy steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and get it back to normal in a matter of minutes.