How To Explain Patio Door Lock Repair To Your Grandparents
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that can lead to lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several simple and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These simple 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 a great option to let in the outside and keep the elements out, they can also be a security risk if your lock isn't working as it should. With time wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can affect your patio door's lock and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little attention you can ensure that your lock for your patio door is always working in a proper manner.
It's important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could be preventing the lock from working in the way it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door lock with a damp cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or a rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the door and frame. Then wipe the lock with a dry cloth to get rid of any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.
If your patio door has pin-tumbler locks, you can apply powdered Graphite on the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied quickly and does not dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant to use with your lock, use a pencil with larger tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, and shake it to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dust, dirt and debris. They are particularly 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.
Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty and cleaning them before replacing it. The same applies to patio door rollers which can be cleaned and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, work with 3-4 or occasionally 5-point locking mechanisms that include the lock cylinder and handle operated by a key. They require maintenance and oiling of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done once per year.
If sagging hinges aren't the reason, the door could be skewed and catch or hitting the strike plate hole 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 properly into the hole and stop it from rubbing against the frame.
Measure the width of the cylinder with an object of book or wood that can be inserted into the gap 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 to the end cylinder.
Verify 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 not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is balanced, and if the hinge screws are tight. In a lot of instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the problem.
Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this instance you'll need to expand the opening using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to ensure that it is able to engage the strike plate without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb.
It is important to identify the type of mortise lock that you have before purchasing the replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and noting 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 find an alternative lock that is exactly the same size and will fit in the hole you have already.
You'll need to locate the mortise lock and examine it for bends, scratches or other damage that requires to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more likely to 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 damage or wear.
Once you've checked the lock and determined which type of replacement you need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from your patio door, and then put in the new one. Begin by installing the handle inside and aligning it with the spindle and then securing it by using the two screws or bolts which hold it. Once the handle in the interior is installed, put in the exterior handle and screw it in place as well. After you've completed the steps then you can test the new handles to ensure that they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch locks correctly when you strike the plate.
Check the Strike of the Door.
The strike plate and door latch are two pieces that work together to secure the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly and the latch doesn't latch the door shut correctly. patio door repairs near me Repair My Windows And Doors is typically easy to solve.
First, inspect the strike plate's holes for receiving to ensure that they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate. This allows it to move vertically, but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten the screws and then test the door to determine whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.
Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, however they're crucial to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are typically located on the top and bottom of the door jamb which is where they are used to support the door's latch. Then, the door latch slides into the strike plate, creating a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not properly installed, it could hinder the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is a common reason for a 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. Then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave a mark when you close the door. This will show you exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding are not working properly they could be a problem in keeping your home secure from intruders. It is imperative to repair the issue as soon as possible. Follow these steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its function.