20 Questions You Must Always Have To Ask About Patio Door Lock Repair Before Purchasing It
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear which can lead to lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure the security of your uPVC door.
It's about realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking These simple fixes can make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are ideal for bringing the outdoors in and keeping the elements out. However, they can be risky for security when the lock isn't functioning properly. Over time wear and tear hot and cold weather dirt and debris could affect the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little effort, you can make sure that your patio door's lock always works properly.
To begin with, it's crucial to clean the lock on your patio door and all its moving parts. This helps to flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Start by wiping all the moving parts on your patio door lock using a wet cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the frame and door. Then, wipe the entire lock using dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness, and allow it to air dry before making use of it again.
If you have an outdoor door that has pin tumbler latch mechanisms it is possible to grease the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or applying an lubricant based on Teflon such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply and it doesn't dissolve as time passes. If you're unable to find a suitable lubricant You might use a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Place the pencil into the lock, then shake it to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to ice, snow, and other debris that could cause them to 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 dirty or damaged weather stripping and then cleaning it, before reinstalling it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is nonstick.
Lubricate patio door repairs moving parts
uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, operate with 3 to 4 or sometimes, 5 points locking mechanisms. They include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated by the key. These doors require maintenance, oiling of the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil but not WD40. It should be done every year, at a minimum.
If sagging hinges aren't a reason, the door could be misaligned and catching or hitting 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 permit the latch to fit into the hole, and prevent it from rubbing against the frame.
Measure the length of the cylinder using an object 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, while the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Check the lock's width
If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and oiling it's possible that it is not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are tight However, in many cases shifting the strike plate up or down can correct the issue.
The latch might not work properly in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this situation, you'll need to enlarge the hole with the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to ensure that it is able to engage the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame jamb.
Before purchasing a new lock, it is important to identify the type of mortise lock you have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate of the lock and determining if it is round or square. Then, look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the dimensions of each one. This information will aid you in finding an alternative that is of the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole that you already have.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you should also examine it for any scratches or bends that might require repair. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it shows evidence of damage.
After you've examined the lock and determined which kind of replacement you require then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. The old handle and spindle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Insert the new handle. Start by putting in the handle in the interior by aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it with the two screws or bolts which hold it. Once the interior handle is installed, you can install the handle on the outside and screw it into place, too. After you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to ensure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch is catching properly with the strike plate.
Check the Door's Strike
The strike plate and the door latch are two pieces that work together to lock the door. If they are not aligned properly and the latch isn't latching the door shut correctly. Fortunately, the issue is usually simple to fix.
Check the receiving holes of the strike plate 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 and allow it to move horizontally, but not removing it from the door frame. Then, adjust the strike plate until its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten the screws and then test the door to see if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are crucial to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are typically placed on 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 a seal. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted or not installed correctly the latch might not be able to lock the door properly.
A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is one common cause for a patio lock to not close or remain in place. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave an impression when you close the door. This will show you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
Locks for sliding patio doors help protect your home from burglars. If they're not functioning correctly, you must solve the issue fast. Follow these simple steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its functionality.