How To Explain Patio Door Lock Repair To A Five-Year-Old
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that can cause lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of simple and efficient ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These easy fixes will make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are a great option to let in the outside and keep the elements out but they can also pose a security risk in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. Over time wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can take their toll on the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little maintenance you can ensure that your patio door's locks will always work correctly.
It is essential to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help remove any dirt and coatings that could hinder the lock from functioning in the way it should. Start by wiping all the moving parts on your patio door lock with a damp cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or a rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door and frame. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock with dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry prior to making use of it again.
If you have an outdoor door that has pin tumbler latch mechanisms, you can apply lubrication to the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using a lubricant made of Teflon, such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply, and it doesn't dissolve with time. If you're not able to find an appropriate lubricant, you could try using a pencil with an extremely thick tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around a bit to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice and other debris, which could cause them to block or become stuck. This could make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.
Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing dirty or damaged weather stripping, cleaning them, then replacing it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is nonstick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, are operated by using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 points locking mechanisms. These include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated by the key. These doors require maintenance, lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with the use of a thin oil, but never WD40. This should be done at least once per year.
If hinges that are sagging don't cause the issue, it could be that the door isn't aligned. It may be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's opening in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise that it rests in. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole, and prevent it from hitting the frame.
While the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using the help of a book or piece wood that will fit in the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Check the lock's length
If your patio door latch is hard to turn even after cleaning and oiling it could be because it's not aligned with the strike plate. Examine if the door is in balance and if the hinge screws are tight, but in many cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can correct the issue.
The latch may not engage properly in the event that the strike of the lock is too small. In this case you'll need to expand the opening using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.
You should identify the type mortise lock you have before buying a replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is square or round. Examine each screw hole in the existing lock and note the size. This information will allow you to find an alternative lock that is exactly the same size and fits into your existing hole.
You'll need to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for any scratches, bends, or other damage that requires to be repaired. A damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that's been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a new secure and safe version if you find any signs of wear or damage.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement that you require, it's now time to start the actual repair. The old handle and spindle should be removed from the patio door. Introduce the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle and aligning it with the spindle, and then fixing it with the two screws or bolts which hold it. Once the handle's interior is installed, put in the handle that is outside and screw it in place, too. After you've completed these steps, test the handles to make sure they can be shut and open easily and that the latch engages properly with the strikeplate.
Make sure the door's strike is checked
The strike plate and the door latch are two pieces which work together to lock the door. If they are not aligned properly and the latch doesn't latch the door properly. Fortunately, this issue is usually easy to correct.
Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to make sure 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 frame of your door. Adjust upvc patio door repairs near me RepairMyWindowsAndDoors to align its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten the screws and test the door to see if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.
Door strike plates can be difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they're essential for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are located between the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch is placed on the strike plate to form 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.
One of the most common reasons for an outdoor door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment of the latch and the strike plate. The most effective way to test for this is with the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, then attach masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave a mark when you close the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to alter the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding are not working properly they could be a problem in keeping your home safe from burglars. It is imperative to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. If you follow these steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and get it back to normal in no time.