How To Explain Patio Door Lock Repair To Your Grandparents
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that could cause locks that fail. There are fortunately, a number of easy and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.
It's about realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks these simple fixes will 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, they can also be an issue for security when your lock isn't functioning as it should. As time passes, wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can take their toll on your patio door's lock and make it difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little maintenance you can ensure that the locks on your patio door always perform effectively.
It's essential to clean the lock of your patio door and all the moving parts. This helps to flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that may be preventing the lock from functioning in the way it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts on your patio door lock using an aqueous cloth. Then apply a scouring pad 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 dry completely before applying it to the next time.
If you have a patio door that uses pin tumbler latch mechanisms it is possible to lubricate the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or using a lubricant made of Teflon, like WD-40 Multi-Use. patio doors repair near me Repair My Windows And Doors of lubricant is easy to apply and it won't disintegrate with time. If you're unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, you can use a pencil with larger tip. Put the pencil into the lock and move it around to distribute the graphite.
Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to keep them free of dirt, dust, and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice, and other debris, which can cause them jam or bind. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.
Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing dirty or damaged weather stripping and cleaning them before installing it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is nonstick.
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 handle and lock cylinder controlled by keys. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using a thin oil (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.
If sagging hinges aren't a cause, the door could be misaligned and caught or hitting the strike plate's hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool enlarge its mortise. This allows the latch to sit correctly in the hole and prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame.
Measure the width of the cylinder with an object of book or wood that is able to fit into the space above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, while the inner dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Check the Lock's Width
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and oiling it's possible that it is not aligned with the strike plate. Check if your door is properly balanced and that the hinge screws are tight. In most instances, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could solve the issue.
The latch may not engage properly when the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this case, you'll need to enlarge the hole using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to make sure that it is able to engage the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or catching on the door's frame jamb.
It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you currently have before buying a replacement. You can do this by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is square or round. Take a look at each screw hole on the current lock and note their dimensions. This will help you to locate a replacement lock that is exactly the same size and fits into the hole that you already have.
In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you'll also need to check it for any scratches or bends that might require repair. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that's been frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new, secure version if you find any signs of wear or damage.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement you require, it's now time to begin the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then insert the new one. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into by using two screws or bolts. Once the handle's interior is installed, you can install the handle on the outside and screw it into the position as well. Once you have completed these steps Test the handles to make sure that they open and shut easily and that the latch engages properly with the strikeplate.
Make sure the door's strike is checked
The door latch and strike plate are the two components of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch locks the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly and the latch isn't latching the door shut properly. Fortunately, this issue is usually simple to fix.
First, inspect the holes in the strike plate's receiving to ensure that they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate in position. 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 all screws and test to see whether the door shuts smoothly.
Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, but they're crucial to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are typically placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they support the door's latch. The door latch is able to slide into the strike plate to create an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted or not installed correctly, the latch may not properly lock the door.
A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is a common reason for the patio lock to not close or remain in place. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. 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 adjust the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks are not working properly they could be a problem in keeping your home safe from burglars. You must repair the issue as soon as possible. If you follow these steps, you can fix the lock on your patio door and get it back to normal within a short time.