It's The Ugly The Truth About Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear which can cause locks that fail. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.
It's about realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking, these quick fixes can increase the security of your home.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are an excellent way to bring the outside in and keep out the elements but they can also pose security risks in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. With time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt, and other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little attention, you can make sure that the lock on your patio door always functions properly.
It's crucial to clean the lock of your patio door and all its moving parts. This helps remove any dirt and coatings that could hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Begin by wiping the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp, clean cloth. then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then, wipe the entire lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness, and allow it to dry completely before using it again.
If you have an outdoor door that has pin tumbler latch mechanisms, you can grease the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or using a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply and it won't disintegrate with time. If you are unable to find a suitable lubricant You might use a pencil with a thick tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to keep them free of dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice, and other particles, which can cause them get stuck or to bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.
Clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it and replace it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is non-stick.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, operate using 3-4 or occasionally 5-point locking mechanisms that include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by the key. These doors require maintenance, oiling of the moving parts. This can be accomplished 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 against or catching the strike plate's opening in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it rests in. This allows the latch to sit properly in the hole and avoids scratching or catching on the frame.
When the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using a book or piece of wood that will fit in the adjustment screw gap above 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 cylinder.
Verify the width of the lock.
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is balanced, and if the hinge screws are tight. In most cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue.
The latch may not engage properly if the strike of the lock is too small. In this case, enlarge the hole with an hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch to ensure that it does not rub against the jamb frame of the door or get caught the frame.
You should identify the type mortise lock you are using before you purchase an alternative. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining if it is round or square. Look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note their dimensions. This will enable you to locate an alternative lock that is the exact same width and will fit into your existing hole.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you should also examine it for any scratches or bends that might require repair. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it shows signs of damage.
Once you've inspected the lock and determined which kind of replacement you require now is the time to start working on the actual repair. patio door handle and spindle must be removed from the patio door. Introduce the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into place using the two bolts or screws. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. Once you've completed these steps you can test the new handles to make sure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch locks correctly when you strike the plate.
Make sure you check the Strike of the door.
The strike plate and the door latch are two parts which work together to lock the door. If they are not aligned properly, the latch won't latch the door shut properly. This issue is usually simple to fix.
Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in position. This allows it to move horizontally, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then, adjust the strike plate so that its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten all screws, and test whether the door shuts smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are vital to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are typically located at the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch is inserted into the strike plate, and it creates an airtight seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not installed correctly the latch might not be able to lock the door properly.
A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for the patio lock not to close or stay. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave a mark when you shut the door. This will show you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to alter the strike plate.
The sliding patio door locks keep your home safe from intruders, and if they're not working properly, you need to repair the issue quickly. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to fix your patio door's lock and restore its functionality in a matter of minutes.