Can Patio Door Lock Repair Always Rule The World?
Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear which can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.
These quick fixes can make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are an excellent way to let in the outside and keep out the elements but they can also pose a security risk when your lock isn't functioning as it should. With time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris can affect the lock on your patio door and make it difficult to open. With a little care you can ensure that your patio door's lock is always working properly.
It is important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help remove any dirt or coatings that may be preventing your lock from working properly. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth, then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then wipe the lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.
If you have an exterior door that is fitted with a pin tumbler latch mechanism You can lubricate the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or applying an lubricant based on Teflon like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant is easy to apply, and it won't disintegrate over time. If you're unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, make use of a pencil with a thicker tip. Place the pencil in the lock and move it around a bit to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice and snow which can cause them to be stuck or jammed, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.
Clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, and then replace it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with a nonstick lubricant.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, work using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the handle and lock cylinder operated by the key. They require maintenance and the lubrication of moving parts. This can be accomplished with the use of a thin oil however, never WD40. This should be done every year, at a minimum.
If sagging hinges don't cause the problem it could be because the door is misaligned. It may be rubbing or catching the strike plate's opening in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise that it rests in. This allows the latch to fit properly in the hole, and also prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame.
Measure the length of the cylinder using a piece of wood or a book that is able to fit into the space above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw until the end cylinder.
Check the lock's length
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after oiling and cleaning it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Check if your door is balanced, and that the hinge screws are secure. In most cases, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could solve the issue.
Most of the time, the issue occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this situation, you'll need to enlarge the hole using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame jamb.
You should identify the type mortise lock you currently have before buying a replacement. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and noting whether it is round or square. Examine each screw hole on the current lock and note their dimensions. This information will aid you in finding a replacement that is of the same size and is a perfect fit for the hole you have already.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you'll also want to inspect it for any bends or scratches that might require repair. A damaged or bent latch is more prone to break than one that's not utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a brand new, secure version if you find any signs of wear or damage.
Once you've inspected the lock and identified which kind of replacement you require, it's time to start working on the actual repair. The old spindle and handle must be removed from the doorway to the patio. Introduce the new handle. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it into position using two bolts or screws. Once the handle's interior is installed, put in the exterior handle and screw it in the position as well. After you've completed the steps, you can test the new handles to make sure they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch is catching correctly with the strike plate.
Check the Strike of the Door.
The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch locks the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly, the latch won't latch the door shut correctly. This issue is usually simple to solve.
First, check the holes in the strike plate's receiving to ensure that they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that secure the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically but not detaching it from the door frame. Then, you can adjust the strike plate to ensure that its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate is adjusted then tighten all screws, and check whether the door shuts smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are vital to secure and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located at the top and bottom jambs of the door, which are where they help support the latch. The door latch is able to slide into the strike plate, creating the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed the latch might not be able to lock the door properly.
A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is the most common reason for the patio lock to not close or stick. The easiest way to check for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, and then put masking tape on it. When you close the door, the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, showing you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can easily adjust the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding aren't working correctly, they can keep your home safe from burglars. You must fix this problem as soon as possible. Follow these steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.