A Proficient Rant About Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio door wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.
Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism, these quick fixes can increase the security of your home.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are a great option to let the outside in and keep out the elements however, they can also pose an issue for security when your lock isn't functioning 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 attention you can ensure that your patio door's lock always works correctly.
It is important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help get rid of any coatings or dirt that could be preventing your lock from working effectively. Start by wiping the moving parts on the lock for your patio door with a wet cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door and frame. Then wipe the lock with a dry towel to get rid of any moisture. Let it air dry before you use it.
If your patio door uses pin-tumbler latches, you can apply powdered graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi Use Product. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply and it won't disintegrate with time. If you are unable to find an appropriate lubricant, you could try using a pencil with a thick tip. Put Repair My Windows And Doors in the lock, then shake it to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks can be especially susceptible to snow and ice which could cause them to jam or bind which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
Clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty. Clean it, then replace it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed with a nonstick lubricant.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, operate using 3 to 4, or sometimes, 5 point locking mechanisms. They include the lock cylinder and handle that is operated by a key. They also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done once per year.
If hinges that are sagging don't cause the issue it could be because the door is not aligned. It could be rubbing against or catching the strike plate's opening 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 allow the latch to fit into the hole, and stop it from scratching 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 center of the cylinder, and the inner dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Check the width of the lock.
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after cleaning and oiling it's possible that it is not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is in balance and whether the hinge screws are tight, but in many cases shifting the strike plate up or down can correct the issue.
The latch may not be able to engage properly in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this instance, you'll need to enlarge the hole using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to make sure that it is able to engage the strike plate without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame jamb.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, you should first determine what kind of mortise lock you have. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and observing whether it is square or round. Examine each screw hole in the existing lock and note their dimensions. This will help you find an alternative that is the same width and is a perfect fit for the hole that you already have.
You'll want to identify the mortise lock, and then examine it for any scratches, bends, or other damage that need to be repaired. 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 determined the type of lock replacement you require, it's now time to start the actual repair. Remove the 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 by using two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. Once you have completed these steps check the handles to ensure that they are able to open and close 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 components of the lock that work together to ensure the latch secures the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches can result in the latch not being able to latch the door properly. This issue is usually simple to solve.
First, inspect the holes in the strike plate's receiving 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 separating it from the door frame. Then, adjust the strike plate so that its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten the screws and then test the door to see whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.
Door strike plates can be difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are situated at the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch slides into this strike plate and creates an airtight seal. If the strike plate has been damaged, rusted, or is not installed correctly the latch may not be able to lock the door properly.
A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for the patio lock not to close or stay. The most effective way to test for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt and apply masking tape over it. When you close the door, the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, showing you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can easily adjust the strike plate.
Locks for sliding patio doors help protect your home from burglars. If they're not working correctly, you must solve the issue fast. By following these easy steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and restore its functionality within a short time.