How To Explain Patio Door Lock Repair To A Five-Year-Old
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. There are a few easy steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.
These quick fixes can make your home safer, whether you realign the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are a great way to let the outside in and keep out the elements, they can also be security risks in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. Over time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris could cause damage to your patio door's lock and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little effort you can ensure that your lock for your patio door always functions correctly.
It's essential to clean the lock of your patio door and all its moving parts. This will help remove any grime or coatings that may be preventing the lock from working correctly. Start by wiping the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the frame and door. Then clean the lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before you use it.
If your patio door has pin-tumbler locks, you can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite on the key. You can also apply a Teflon oil like 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 locate a suitable lubricant, you can try using a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Put the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dust, dirt and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice and other debris, which can cause them get stuck or to bind. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.
You can clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, then replace it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with a nonstick lubricant.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, operate using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by the key. These doors require maintenance, oiling of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with a thin oil but not WD40. It should be done every year, at a minimum.
If sagging hinges don't cause the issue, it could be that the door is not aligned. It may be rubbing or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it rests in. This lets the latch sit properly in the hole and avoids getting caught or rubbing against the frame.
Measure the length of the cylinder using a piece 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 middle of the cylinder. the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Check the lock's width
If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Examine if the door is balanced and whether the hinge screws are tight, but in many cases it is possible to move the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the issue.
The most common issue is when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this instance, you can widen the opening using the hammer and chisel. Then test the latch so that it does not rub against the jamb frame of the door or fall the frame.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, first determine what kind of mortise lock you currently have. You can do this by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining if it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the dimensions of each. This information will assist you in finding a replacement that is of the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole you have already.
You'll want to identify the mortise lock and examine it for any scratches, bends or other damage that need to be repaired. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if you notice signs of damage.
Once you've identified the type of lock replacement you require It's time to start the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle from the patio door, and then install the new one. Start by putting in the interior handle by aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it in place with the two bolts or screws that hold it. Once the handle's interior is installed, you can install the handle that is outside and screw it in the position as well. After you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to ensure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch locks correctly with the strike plate.
Check the Door's Strike
The strike plate and door latch are two parts that work together to secure the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latch will cause the latch to not latch the door properly. Fortunately, this problem is usually simple to fix.
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 screws that secure the strike plate in place, allowing it to move horizontally, 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 upvc patio door repairs has been adjusted, tighten all screws and test whether the door closes smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However, they are essential to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated between the top and bottom jambs of the door where they serve as the support for the latch. Then, the door latch is able to slide into the strike plate to form the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted or not installed correctly the latch might not properly lock the door.
A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is a common reason for the patio lock to not close or remain in place. The easiest method to check for this is with the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt and apply masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave the mark when you close the door. This will show you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to alter the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding are not working properly they can help keep your home safe from burglars. It is imperative to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. Follow these steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its function.