Beware Of These "Trends" Concerning Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear that could result in lock malfunctions. There are a few easy steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.
Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking, these quick fixes can help you make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are a great option to let the outside in and keep the elements out but they can also pose a security risk if your lock isn't working as it should. Over time wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris could affect the lock on your patio door and make it difficult to open. With a little care you can ensure that the locks on your patio door always work properly.
It's crucial to clean your patio door's lock and all the moving parts. This helps to flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from functioning as it should. Start by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door lock using a damp cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door and frame. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock using dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and let it to dry completely before using it again.
If your patio door uses a pin-tumbler latch, you can apply powdered Graphite on the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply and it won't disintegrate with time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant for your lock, you can use a pencil with more of a thicker tip. Place the pencil in the lock and move it around to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free of dust, dirt and debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to ice, snow, and other debris that can cause them get stuck or to bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.
Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping, cleaning them, then installing it. The same is true for patio door rollers, which can be cleaned and sprayed with non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, operate with 3 to 4 or sometimes, 5 points locking mechanisms. These include the lock cylinder and handle that is operated with a key. secure patio door require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with an oil that is thin, but never WD40. It should be done every year, at a minimum.
If sagging hinges aren't a cause, the door may be misaligned and catching or hitting the strike plate's hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate and employ a sharp tool to increase the size of the mortise. This lets the latch sit perfectly in the hole, and also prevents rubbing or catching on the frame.
Take a measurement of the width of the cylinder with a piece of book or wood 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, while 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 isn't able to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is in balance and whether the hinge screws are tight However, in many cases it is possible to move the strike plate upwards or downwards could fix the problem.
The latch might not work properly in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this case you'll have to increase the hole using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it connects to the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame jamb.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, you should first identify the type of mortise lock you currently 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 the size. This will enable you to locate a replacement lock that is exactly the same size and will fit 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 damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that's not used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a new secure and safe version when you spot any indications of wear or damage.
After you've examined the lock and decided on the type of replacement you'll need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then install the new one. Start by putting in the interior handle and aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it by using the two screws or bolts that secure it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. Once you've completed these steps, you can test the new handles to make sure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch catches correctly when you strike the plate.
Check the Door's Strike
The door latch and strike plate are two parts of the lock that work to ensure the latch secures the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly and the latch isn't latching the door shut correctly. This is typically easy to solve.
First, check the strike plate's holes for receiving to ensure that they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate. This will allow it to move vertically but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten all screws, and test whether the door closes smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However, they are essential to secure and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located at the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they serve as the support for the latch. Then, the door latch is placed on the strike plate to create the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not properly installed, it could stop the latch from locking the door securely.
The most common reason for an outdoor door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. The most effective way to test for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, then attach masking tape over it. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, showing you exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can easily alter the strike plate.
Locks for sliding patio doors help protect your home from intruders, and if they're not functioning correctly, you should solve the issue fast. Follow these steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its functionality.