How The 10 Worst Patio Door Lock Repair Errors Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, the wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. However, there are simple and effective methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.
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
While patio doors are an excellent way to bring the outside in and keep the elements out, they can also be an issue for security when your lock isn't functioning as it should. With time wear and tear, hot and cold weather, dirt and debris can affect the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little effort, you can make sure that the lock on your patio door is always working properly.
It's crucial to clean the lock on your patio door and all its moving parts. This will help to remove any dirt or coatings that might be hindering your lock from functioning correctly. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door lock using an aqueous cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or a rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the door frame and frame. Then wipe the lock with a dry towel to get rid of any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before using it.
If you have an outdoor door that has pin tumbler latch mechanisms You can lubricate the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or using a lubricant made of Teflon, such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply and doesn't break down over time. If you're unable find the correct lubricant for your lock, you can apply a pencil that has a more of a thicker tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around a bit to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dirt, dust and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to ice, snow, and other debris, which can cause them jam or bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.
Clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, then replace it. The same applies for patio door rollers, which can be cleaned and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, operate using 3-4 or occasionally five-point locking mechanisms, which include the handle and lock cylinder controlled by keys. They require maintenance and oiling of the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil but not WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once per year.
If hinges that are sagging aren't the cause, the door may be skewed and catch or hitting the strike plate hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise that it rests in. This lets the latch sit perfectly in the hole and prevents scratching or catching on the frame.
Find 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 cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw until the end cylinder.
Check the width of the lock.
If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Examine if the door is balanced and if the hinge screws are secure However, in many cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can correct the issue.
The latch may not be able to engage properly if the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this instance, you can widen the hole with the hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch so that it doesn't rub against the jamb frame of the door or fall on it.
You should identify the type mortise lock that you are using before you purchase an alternative. This can be done by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is round or square. Examine each screw hole on the current lock, and note their size. This will enable you to locate the replacement lock that has the exact same width and will fit in the hole that you already have.
You'll need to locate the mortise lock and examine it for any scratches, bends, or other damage that needs to be repaired. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that's not frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new secure and safe version in the event you notice any signs of damage or wear.
After you've examined the lock and identified which type of replacement you need, it's time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then install the new one. Start by putting in the handle in the interior and aligning it with the spindle, and then fixing it with the two bolts or screws that hold it. Once the handle's interior is installed, put in the exterior handle and screw it in place, too. After you've completed these steps Test the handles to make sure that they open and shut easily and that the latch engages correctly with the strikeplate.
Check the door's Strike
The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch locks the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latch will result in the latch not being able to latch the door in a proper manner. This is typically easy to repair.
Examine patio door repair that receive the strike plate to make sure they are clear of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in place. This allows it to move vertically, but not separate it from the frame. 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 test the door to determine whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.
Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they are essential to lock and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located between the top and bottom jambs of the door where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate to create an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed, the latch may not lock the door properly.
One of the most common reasons for the patio door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment of the latch and the strike plate. The easiest method to check for this is with the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, then attach masking tape over it. When you close the door, the lipstick will leave marks on the tape that will show you exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can easily adjust the strike plate.
The sliding patio door locks keep your home safe from burglars, and if they're not functioning properly, you need to fix the problem quickly. Follow these easy steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's function.